The husband and wife team was one of five nominees for this year’s award, which was themed ‘Be Inspired’. They were recognised for their contribution to the shire, covering many areas of expertise and interest.

John’s prodigious history includes councillor with the Bega Valley Shire Council, chair of the Eden Foundation and the Eden Region Adjustment Package Advisory Committee, and deputy chair of the Far South Coast Catchment Management Committee. He was also a member of the Eden Port Advisory Committee, the Eden Chamber of Commerce, and a director of the Mumbulla Foundation. He is a past president of the Eden Rotary Club, and was secretary treasurer of the Friends of the Davidson Whaling Station. Incredibly, he has also found time to pursue his hobby of creating model ships, which have been displayed during various festivals.

Jan is best known for her devotion to health issues and administration having served on regional advisory committees and the local hospital lobby group. Around Eden she’s widely known as the go-to person for many a good cause, whether it’s knitting square to make blankets for the homeless, delivering Meals on Wheels, or volunteering at the Eden Tourist Information Centre. She has been a Patron for Relay for Life and an Ambassador of the Whale Festival.

The other nominees for the Senior Citizen of the Year were Eileen Cameron of Eden, Val Little of Tathra, Judi Hearn of Bermagui and Brian Richards of Bega.