When Barrack Heights resident David “Scooter Dave” Williamson collected bottles and cans from his motorised scooter, he was helping fund community organisations across the Illawarra. His efforts also earned him a place in NSW Parliament’s official record.
Shellharbour MP Anna Watson recognised Williamson for raising more than $60,000 over six years, including a $5,000 donation to Marine Rescue Shellharbour, while managing his own health challenges.
His story is one of a searchable list compiled by The Pulse Illawarra, which brings together more than 1,100 community recognition entries from the region’s five NSW MPs.
Covering 2023 to October 7, 2026, the list includes contributions by Watson, Heathcote MP Maryanne Stuart, Minister for Health and Keira MP Ryan Park, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Wollongong MP Paul Scully and Kiama MP Katelin McInerney.
Readers can search for people, organisations and topics, and follow links to the original parliamentary transcripts.
Together, the entries offer a portrait of the region through the people its representatives choose to acknowledge: school leaders, emergency volunteers, sporting champions, business owners, artists and neighbours who step forward when help is needed.
Some names will be familiar. Scully recognised Wollongong’s Emma McKeon following an Olympic career that delivered 14 medals, including six golds.
Watson celebrated Shellharbour sisters Jynaya and Indiana Dos Santos after Sydney FC’s 2023 A-League Women championship victory, when Indiana became the youngest player to appear in the competition’s grand final.
Others were acknowledged for practical acts of community support.
Park thanked Woonona Kebab House’s Ali Karabacak for providing free food to flood-affected residents and people helping with the clean-up. Watson acknowledged Shellharbour City Football Club volunteers who completed first aid, CPR and defibrillator training.
McInerney recognised Jamberoo Rural Fire Service captain Hannah McInerney (no relation), the Illawarra’s first female brigade captain, whose service extended to preschool fire safety programs, severe-weather recovery and surf lifesaving.
Business milestones feature too. Scully marked Tonitto Cakes’ 50th anniversary in Port Kembla, recalling a celebration attended by generations of the founding family and the bride who ordered its first wedding cake.
He also recognised iAccelerate director Dr Tamantha Stutchbury’s work supporting women in STEM and entrepreneurship and gave tribute to retiring Greenacres chief executive Chris Christodoulou.
Scully said he considered parliamentary recognition an honour he reserved for “events, activities and organisations” he had a direct connection with, or that are “significant to Wollongong”.
“I place considerable significance of recognising individuals and organisations in Hansard, and this means that a smaller number of individuals or organisations are recognised, which reflects the significance of their contribution or the milestone that they have achieved,” he said.
“As recognition in the Parliament is treated with considerable esteem by so many who have been recognised, I don’t think that it is something that should be provided lightly.”
“For me, the recognition is about the dedication of the individual or the years of support that a local organisation has provided.
“Overall, I consider it a pretty big deal to be recognised in parliament and treat community recognition statements accordingly.”
Park, who recognised Orlane Mortimer and Wollongong Crane Trucks after their double success at the 2026 Illawarra Women in Business Awards, said placing local stories on Parliament’s permanent record was a privilege.
“They tell a story of a community built on connection and generosity,” Park said.
“So many of our recognitions go to local volunteers and sporting heroes, reflecting a clear local need for selfless individuals and strong support for grassroots sports clubs.
“While these statements celebrate our greatest strengths, addressing specific policy needs is handled through direct advocacy and representation, keeping community recognition statements focused strictly on celebration.”
Stuart’s acknowledgements included Bulli filmmaker and Screen Illawarra chair Nick Bolton, Circular Plastics Illawarra and renewable-energy community group Hi Neighbour.
She said she actively sought people and organisations making a positive contribution.
“I want people to feel seen, appreciated and special, because they deserve it. Recognition lets the wider community know what has been achieved and it can inspire others to contribute and feel proud of the place they call home.”
Watson made 585 community recognition statements during the period covered by the list. She said regular contact with schools, clubs, charities and community organisations brought achievements to her attention.
“Many people across our electorate do extraordinary work, often quietly and without seeking recognition,” she said.
“Acknowledging them in Parliament is an opportunity to express our community’s appreciation and ensure their efforts become part of the parliamentary record.”
Watson made 585 community recognition statements during the period covered by the list. She said regular contact with schools, clubs, charities and community organisations brought achievements to her attention.
“Many people across our electorate do extraordinary work, often quietly and without seeking recognition,” she said.
“Acknowledging them in Parliament is an opportunity to express our community’s appreciation and ensure their efforts become part of the parliamentary record.”
Some names appear repeatedly as MPs mark different achievements or milestones. Surf Life Saving Illawarra received acknowledgements from Stuart, Park and Scully, while rugby league administrator Bob Millward’s six decades of service drew tributes from both Scully and Park.
Search the table above to see who received a mention, and read their story in the parliamentary record.