Sydney Airport Champions Community Spirit at 2025 Cook Awards

The 2025 Cook Awards, held at Cronulla RSL Club, celebrated the exceptional volunteer service of 31 residents, with Sydney Airport supporting this significant community event.

As a proud sponsor, Sydney Airport helped shine a spotlight on the selfless contributions of local volunteers. Cook MP Simon Kennedy, who presented the awards, emphasised the importance of community support in recognising these unsung heroes.

Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Joe Glendenning for his outstanding environmental work. Joe, who co-founded the Surfrider Foundation in 2016, has led impactful initiatives such as stormwater drain labelling, reusable bag campaigns, and education programs.

"The Cook electorate is a wonderful place because so many residents care deeply about the community and volunteer their time to make it a better place," Joe said, while also acknowledging the support of volunteers, local businesses, and government bodies.

Young Volunteer of the Year went to Darby Maguire, a trainee teacher from Jannali. Darby ran 900 kilometres from Coolangatta to Cronulla, raising over $40,000 for Find Ya Feet, an organisation supporting men's mental health. "Find Ya Feet is a cause very close to my heart, and the shire's support means the world to me," Darby expressed.

Mr Kennedy praised both recipients, highlighting Joe's dedication to marine environment preservation and Darby's inspirational efforts in raising mental health awareness.

"Joe's dedication to preserving our local marine environment and inspiring community involvement in that endeavour has made a profound impact throughout the shire," he said. He also said that Darby is possibly the most inspirational 21-year-old he has ever encountered.

"He has raised the profile of an incredibly important issue and reduced the stigma around mental health at the same time," Mr Kennedy said.

Sydney Airport General Manager of Corporate Affairs, Josh Clements, said the airport is delighted to support the 2025 Cook Awards and celebrate the incredible volunteers who give so much to our community.

"People like Joe Glendenning and Darby Maguire remind us of the power of generosity, dedication, and looking out for one another. Community spirit is at the heart of what makes this region so special, and we’re committed to supporting local initiatives—including through our education initiatives like local school tours, and environmental projects like bush regeneration and tree planting. It’s inspiring to see the impact these volunteers have, and we appreciate the opportunity to help recognise their efforts.”

The event, also sponsored by Tradies and ANSTO, featured the Cook Raffle, which raised nearly $65,000 for local causes, with St Vincent de Paul raising the largest amount by a single organisation.

2025 Cook Award Recipients

• Lifetime Commitment Award: Alison Todd, Michael Links, Malcolm Armstrong, Paul Smith
• Church Volunteer Award: Linda Deguara, Diane McInerney, Lance Whittaker, Helda Attia
• Mental Health Award: Dom Ruello, Jason Dorahy
• Community Service Award: Alicia Dematteis, Rita Barbagallo, Anna Hutchinson, Maricar Palmer, John Boes
• Environmentalist Award: Sarah-Jo Lobwein
• Young Environmentalist Award: Jensen Wade
• Soccer Volunteer Award: Daniel Rindfleish
• Rugby Union Volunteer Award: Ben Haime
• Rugby League Volunteer Award: Chris Allen
• Sports Mentor Award: Adam Hummerston
• Surf Life Saving Award: Larry Leabeater
• Mums Bubs Volunteer Award: Janette Dart
• Strengthening Families Award: Gabrielle Humphreys
• Fundraising Award: Jono Mosley
• Innovator of the Year Award: Alan Ritchie
• Female Sports Advocate Award: Lyn Aktin
• Animal Volunteer Award: Sue Mortensen
• Social Justice Award: Frank O'Driscoll

Sydney Airport is honoured to support the Cook Awards, celebrating the dedication and hard work of volunteers who make the Cook electorate a better place. Their commitment to community service embodies the spirit of giving that Sydney Airport proudly champions.