Recognition for heritage advocate who helped save historic Minto church

Minto resident Laurie Porter was instrumental in the campaign to save historic St James Anglican Church in Kent Street, Minto.

Working alongside Joan Cootes, another local heritage advocate, Ms Porter’s passion and commitment to historic buildings helped to save the church from demolition earlier this year.

Ms Porter also assisted in preparing a leaflet called Historic Minto – Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of Dr William Redfern’s Land Grant in Minto, to further highlight the area’s unique heritage.

Now Macquarie Fields MP Anoulack Chanthivong has presented a NSW Government community service award to Ms Porter for tirelessly and passionately working to preserve our local heritage.

It was one of two such awards presented by the local MP.

The second went to Keith Kent, who has been actively involved in the Ingleburn community for more than 50 years and has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to service to others, particularly through the Lions Club of Ingleburn.

Mr Chanthivong said Ms Porter has never given up fighting for her causes.

“Through Laurie’s efforts, community awareness and interest in heritage issues has grown,’’ the MP said.

“Laurie has always demonstrated a passion and quiet determination to preserve Minto’s heritage against the rising tide of development.

“I applaud Laurie for her unwavering commitment and tenacity to protecting our local area’s heritage and acknowledge Laurie’s years of service to our local community,” Mr Chanthivong said.

Keith Kent joined the Lions Club of Liverpool in 1962 and the Lions Club of Ingleburn in 1976.

In 2008, he was awarded the Ambassador of Goodwill for service to Lions. Only 40 of these awards are given in the world each year.

On the 50th anniversary of Lions, Mr Kent was given the Freedom of City Key.

He also received a community service award from Campbelltown City Council in 2008 in recognition of his long standing community involvement.

At the age of 89, Mr Kent continues to take a keen interest in Ingleburn and the local community.

“Keith’s unremitting drive and passion for helping others is to be commended,” Mr Chanthivong said.

“Keith’s contributions to our community are many, and have been inspired by the Lions motto We Serve.

“An honorable man, Keith once said there can be no better thing than a person giving their talent, time and energy for the community and I would have to agree,” Mr Chanthivong said.