Katoomba RSL Club’s nomination of Ray Wiles has won the Heart of the Community Award at the prestigious 2016 Clubs and Community Awards.
Ray Wiles was nominated by the club for his hands-on approach to giving back to the community over many years.
In its submission, the club said it would be near impossible to find a resident of the Blue Mountains who is unacquainted with Ray.
He has been involved in Clean Up Australia Day for two decades, is co-chairman of the local Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal Committee and was instrumental in launching the popular Leura Harvest Festival.
Mr Wiles’s award was shared with Jhan Leach, nominated by Blacktown Workers Club for her advocacy work at the Blacktown Women’s and Girls’ Health Centre.
In a coup for Katoomba RSL, their club’s CEO Nick Darias also received a highly commended award in the same category for his support of disability inclusion in the workplace.
He was nominated by disability service provider, Nova Employment, for the way in which he has provided meaningful employment opportunities for those living with a disability.
In their submission, Nova said Mr Darias exercises a community-minded leadership style and courage that has helped ensure Katoomba RSL takes a proactive stance when it comes to hiring employees with a disability.
ClubsNSW chief executive Anthony Ball offered his congratulations, saying Mr Wiles, Mr Darias and the club had all made a difference to people’s lives. “Ray’s capacity to keep giving his time and resources, along with his can-do attitude, is an inspiration to the Blue Mountains community and to us all,” he said.
“Providing meaningful employment opportunities for people with a disability is not just something Katoomba RSL Club implements from time to time, it’s a conscious decision and one they are passionate about driving in the community, and Nick has played a big part in raising awareness of disability inclusion.”
