Romilly Madew named Pittwater Citizen of the Year

25 Jan 2016

25 JAN 2016

A passionate advocate for sustainability, Romilly Madew has been named Pittwater Citizen of the Year ahead of Australia Day celebrations tomorrow.

The award, presented by Pittwater Council Mayor Jacqueline Townsend, acknowledges Ms Madew’s contribution to the local community.

The long-serving Chief Executive Officer of the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), Ms Madew is the first Independent Chair of the Currawong State Park Advisory Board and is also President of Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club.

Ms Madew has a global reputation as an influential advocate and change agent for sustainability in the built environment. Under her leadership, the GBCA has transformed Australia’s commercial building landscape, and a quarter of the nation’s office space is now certified under the Green Star sustainability rating system for buildings and communities.

Ms Madew was surprised but honoured to receive the award from Pittwater Council.

“The Pittwater community is one in which people care – about where they live, about their community, about the environment and about each other,” Ms Madew says.

“Our pristine beaches, beautiful parks, natural bushland, surf and sporting clubs make Pittwater an enviable place to live.

“I feel privileged to be part of this community, and to have the opportunity to make a contribution. Receiving this award is an unexpected but delightful acknowledgement.

“I am extremely proud of the work being undertaken by the Currawong State Park Advisory Board – work that will ensure the park maintains its priceless heritage, natural and recreational assets for generations to come. It’s a great honour to play a role in looking after these assets.”

As an active volunteer life saver, Ms Madew is a Patrol Captain, and is joined on patrol by her husband David, who is an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) driver, as well as by son David Junior and daughter Arielle. She is the Nipper Age Manager for the Under 12 Nipper Boys, of which her son Nathanial is a member. She is also a keen surf boat competitor and ocean swimmer.

“My work with the Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club is very rewarding, and I get much more back than I give,” Ms Madew says.

“The voluntary contributions being made by so many in our community is inspiring. Our community is much richer for this community spirit, and I applaud everyone who is out there ‘doing their bit’ for all of us,” Ms Madew concludes.

The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) was established in 2002 to develop a sustainable property industry in Australia and drive the adoption of green building practices through market-based solutions.

Media contact

Karen Jamal
Green Building Council of Australia
Phone: 0412 179 135
Email: karen.jamal@gbca.org.au