Four quiet achievers from a broad cross section of the Port's working community were recognised in Raymond Terrace Rotary's 2019 Price of Workmanship Awards this month.
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Port Stephens-Hunter Police District Sergeant Joe Krzanic, Damien Wilson from Woolworths MarketPlace, Medowie Macadamias manager Hannah Rodway and TLC Early Learning Centre's Jane Withers were recognised with awards in Raymond Terrace on Monday, April 8.
"The awards acknowledge the people in the community who excel in their chosen profession," Raymond Terrace Rotary president Steve Merritt said. "We recognise and thank the recipients for their work in the community."
The four awardees, their employers who nominated them for the awards, friends and family joined Rotarians at Raymond Terrace Bowling Club for the annual Pride of Workmanship dinner.
Hunter White Ribbon chairman Jon Chin was the guest speaker on the night. Mr Chin, who has been involved with White Ribbon for 12 years, spoke about domestic violence and the community's role in helping to stop its spread.
"Domestic violence should not be taboo, it should be out in the open," he said. "It's a community issue, it's a scourge. The more people who talk about it, the more we can do to stop its spread."
Mr Chin then helped to present the Pride of Workmanship Awards.
Mr Wilson, who has worked at Woolworths for 17 years, was recognised by his employer for his "outstanding" customer service, "great personality" and "positive outlook".
"You have consistently shown yourself to be a loyal and hardworking employee and an integral part of the team," Woolworths' leadership team wrote in Mr Wilson's nomination.
Scott and Stacy Leech, owners of Medowie Macadamias, nominated their cafe manager, Ms Rodway, for an award. Ms Rodway has worked at the cafe for the past five years, working her way up from barista to manager.
"Hannah goes above and beyond her managerial duties of just running the cafe. She has become like part of our family," the Leech's said. "When we asked some customers to share their thoughts about Hannah, only praises were sung. We heard words like 'happy disposition', 'confident young lady', 'genuine smile' 'has pride in her work', and yes, she makes a fantastic coffee."
Kate Stone, director of TLC, nominated Ms Withers, an early childhood teacher that works in the centre's preschool room, based on her passion and commitment to her job.
"Jane always ensures the children within the service feel safe and secure, and is always putting their needs first above all others," Ms Stone said. "Her commitment to our service and the early childhood industry is inspiring."
Sgt Krzanic has been a NSW Police officer for 30 years. He transferred to the Maitland police station in 2005 and is currently a supervisor within the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District.
Sgt Krzanic's many awards were cited in his nomination, along with his personal qualities.
"Joe is a very humble, unassuming and dedicated officer who goes about his duties without fuss. He is highly respected by his commanders, fellow supervisors and most importantly the officers he leads. He will always go the extra yard and is the embodiment of a person who consistently takes pride in the work they do."