Long-time Mt Warrigal residents Greg and Sue Walsh have been honoured for more than four decades of neighbourly behaviour.

The Walshes were announced as the winners of 2024's Shellharbour Council Good Neighbour Awards at a celebration at the Shellharbour Civic Centre on Friday, April 5. The couple were surprised and delighted to win. 

“It’s just part of our nature” Greg says, “if we see someone struggling, we just lend them a hand.”

Greg and Sue have lived in their Mt Warrigal home for more than 46 years and chose to renovate over time rather than leave their idyllic neighbourhood.

“We are the longest-standing neighbours here. We are known as the mum and dad of the street,” Greg says.

The neighbours had the opportunity to write a few words to say why they were nominating the Walsh couple. Sue was in tears when she read the kind words their neighbours had submitted.

“You just do things for people, without thinking about it,” she says.

Nominations were received from seven of their neighbours: Melissa Ritchie, Neil and Mary Bernard, Tom and Kira Faint, Kurt Heller, Beth and Adrian Herbert, Nathan East, Phuong Meester.

One neighbour said, “They are the most loving, caring, thoughtful neighbours.” Another nominated them because of “The Walsh’s friendly attitude & willingness to always provide a helping hand, advice or simply friendly conversation to others. They embody the spirit of kindness that makes our street so great to reside in.”

It was the small gestures that Greg and Sue offer so naturally that resonated with another neighbour: “offering limes from their tree… giving us history lessons about our region… helping carry heavy items in or out of our house…”

“It’s not an uncommon sight to see Greg approach a neighbour while they are working away on a hobby, chore or maintenance to offer assistance or to commend their efforts.”

Greg says they were humbled to win.

“A lot of people give their time to charitable causes. It’s nice to think that our neighbours think so highly of us.”

The pair received a certificate of recognition from Shellharbour City Council as well as certificates showing the nominating neighbours’ kind words. They also received a $500 voucher, a gift basket and a plant.

The Good Neighbour Awards included a children’s colouring-in competition – scroll through the gallery above to enjoy the three winning entries by Lily (1st), Kyliah (2nd) and Willow (3rd).

Other award recipients included:

• Runner-up: Linda Bardak (Tullimbar);
• Highly commended: Ash and Sam Gil (Albion Park); Merilyn and Tony Muscat (Albion Park); Elaine Brown (Oak Flats); James O’Connell (Shell Cove)
• Children’s Choice: Rosie DiFazio (Albion Park)
• Street of the Year: McGregor Avenue, Barrack Heights.