2023 Community ANZAC Award – Simon Manning

Simon Manning received the 2023 Community ANZAC Award for his ongoing service to the Phillip Island community, including his work with the Phillip Island Football Netball Club (PIFNC).

In 2014, he was awarded life membership of PIFNC for his outstanding contribution, with over 40 years of dedicated service to the club.

A founding member of You Are My Sunshine (YAMS) charity, Simon helped raise funds for research into children’s neuroblastoma raising nearly $1 million from 2012 to 2016.

He was an inaugural member of the Phillip Island Aquatic Centre from 2000 until 2010.

From 2009 – 2019 he dedicated his summer weekends working at Age Manager at the Woolamai Surf Life Saving Club’s Nippers program.

A member of the Cowes Classic committee for over 30 years, Simon is also a current member of the Bass Coast Events committee.

He has recently announced his retirement from the board of Newhaven College, where he has served since 2009.

In bestowing the award, the RSL described Simon as “a magnificent, dedicated volunteer, auditor, fundraiser giving freely of his time and expertise to help others”.

As Simon was unable to attend the ANZAC Day event, his award will be presented at a dinner at the Phillip Island RSL later in the year.