Local teacher and dedicated Rotarian Trevor Lynch named Maitland’s 2025 Citizen of the Year

Long-time educator and Rotary leader, Trevor Lynch has been named Maitland’s 2025 Citizen of the Year for decades of tireless service and support to his community.  

Five community members and a local community group were honoured during Maitland’s annual Australia Day ceremony at Maitland Town Hall earlier today, from sport and performing arts to community service. 

Twenty-five-year-old athlete and mentor Meg Jackson was named Young Citizen of the Year for her contributions to all-abilities sport, and Carol Coffey received the City of Maitland Service Award for her dedicated volunteer work throughout the community.  

Other honourees include Arwen Kavanagh, who was named Sportsperson of the Year for her achievements in softball, and Alcyon Manen who was announced Creative Arts Person of the Year for her service to Maitland’s community theatre scene.  

Maitland Patchwork Quilters was awarded the City of Maitland Medal for its heartfelt support of people in need throughout Maitland’s community and beyond.  

Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold says each recipient “is truly deserving of this recognition for their selfless dedication and passionate support of the people of Maitland.” 

“We’re proud to have received so many worthy nominees for this year’s Annual Awards and it’s a joy to celebrate the winners for their outstanding achievements.” 

The ceremony also saw 25 new citizens from 14 countries officially welcomed to the Maitland community.

Citizen of the Year – Trevor Lynch 
Trevor Lynch has provided decades of service to the Maitland community as a long-time maths teacher, committed Rotarian, leader, mentor and Chair of the Maitland HealthStays project. He has driven this project from its inception and worked tirelessly to mobilise rotary clubs, secure funds and advocate for much-needed accommodation for families of patients at the new Maitland Hospital. 

He also champions various Rotary initiatives, fostering support for young students, those experiencing homelessness and other community groups. His leadership and dedication have earned him numerous awards including multiple Paul Harris Fellow recognitions, the Neville Arthur Award for Club Service and East Maitland’s 2025 Rotarian of the Year. 

Nominator, Suzanne Morgan said Trevor “embodies the spirit of community service, living by the Rotary motto ‘Service Above Self’. His quiet, unwavering commitment to service has positively impacted countless lives, and his humility in the face of such dedication is truly inspiring.” 

“His contributions will have a lasting impact on Maitland’s future, and it’s fitting to honour his many years of quiet service.” 

Young Citizen of the Year – Meg Jackson 
Twenty-five-year-old Meg Jackson has a driving passion for all-abilities sport and has made significant contributions to local clubs in both netball and touch football. As an assistant coach for all-abilities teams, Meg advocates for inclusivity and positive experiences for young players. Meg’s passion also extends beyond the field. As a research assistant with a First Class Honours in Psychology, Meg has dedicated countless hours to researching the impact of child sports anxiety with the hopes of contributing to future policy and making a difference in the lives of others. She also volunteers her time with community organisation, Pay It Forward, preparing home-cooked meals for people in need. 

Leanne Jackson who nominated Meg, says “she has a strong commitment to ensuring equitable access to sport for those living with a disability and extends this to her research, promoting safe access to sporting communities for children.” 

City of Maitland Service Award – Carol Coffey 
Carol Coffey has been awarded the City of Maitland Service Award for her dedicated volunteer work throughout the community. She has been an active member of the Rotary Club of East Maitland for five years and in that time, she has made significant contributions through event organisation including Rotary’s Weekly Walking Group, school BBQs and graffiti removal efforts. A true community champion, Carol has supported nearly every Rotary activity since her membership began, she mentors new members and inspires others to get involved. Her selfless commitment to the community has also earned her the Paul Harris Fellow Award, Australia Rotary Health Award and the Neville Arthur Service Award. 

City of Maitland Medal – Maitland Patchwork Quilters 
Maitland Patchwork Quilters was awarded the City of Maitland Medal in recognition of its support for those experiencing homeless. This dedicated group of volunteers donate their time and finances to make and distribute warm quilts for disadvantaged people, bringing them comfort, hope and joy. Their efforts make a considerable difference in the lives of people throughout Maitland and beyond, with the group donating over 300 quilts and 200 dignity bags to those in need.  

Sportsperson of the Year – Arwen Kavanagh  
Star softball player, Arwen Kavanagh has been named Sportsperson of the Year. Arwen’s exceptional talent has seen her play softball at a club, state, national and international level including representing Australia’s under-18 women’s team at the World Cup qualifiers in Dallas, Texas last year. Her dedication to training and positive attitude both on and off the diamond have earned her multiple accolades including Junior Female Player of the Year three years running, Player of the Match in the Australian U18 Girls Nationals in 2025 and Top Pitcher at the NSW U18 Girls State Championships 2025. Arwen is a positive mentor and leader in the softball community, volunteering her time to coach multiple teams and younger players to foster their love of the sport. 

Creative Arts Person of the Year – Alcyon Manen 
Alcyon Manen has been named Creative Arts Person of the Year for her outstanding contribution to Maitland’s musical theatre scene, primarily through her work with Maitland Musical Society (MMS). Alcyon wears many hats including performer, set designer, choreographer and director and she dedicates her time to elevating the visibility of community theatre in Maitland. She recently directed and choreographed Freaky Friday: A New Musical performed by MMS at Maitland Town Hall. Alcyon also works tirelessly as a mentor and leader, supporting emerging artists through her various roles on management committees, front-of-house involvement and unwavering dedication to the arts.