Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford, and 2025 Gosford Seniors Award Winner, Carmen Wells with celebrators.

4 June 2025

 

CARMEN received a record-breaking number of nominations for her work, with multiple nominators describing her as a beloved and integral part of the community.

 

For the past 5 years, Carmen and her husband Steve have run Finders Keepers 17, a beloved Op Shop in Ettalong Beach. Finders Keepers provides low-cost necessities and everyday items, while also acting as a safe and judgement-free space for all who enter.

 

Nominators have described Carmen’s dedication to all members of the community, especially those experiencing poverty, homelessness, physical and mental health issues, and more.

 

One nominator commented, “Carmen treats all people she comes in contact with courtesy, dignity, and respect. Many leave her shop uplifted and happy that someone cares about them … she is a very special lady.”

 

Ms Tesch recently visited Carmen at Finders Keepers 17 to congratulate her and present her with the 2025 Gosford Seniors Award.

 

“I would like to extend a massive congratulations to Carmen for this well-deserved achievement," Ms Tesch said.

 

“I have heard from so many members of our community about the positive impact that Carmen has had on their lives and the lives of those around them.

 

“Her community-minded spirit, kindness, and generosity is a true symbol of the best of our Coastie community, and her dedication to not only individual community members but also local groups and charities is an inspiration.

 

“I send my most heartfelt thanks, not only to Carmen, but to all of our Coastie seniors and Local Seniors Award runners-up. Our community is incredibly lucky to have such wonderful role models.”

 

The Gosford Local Seniors Award recognises individuals who go above and beyond to make a positive contribution to the Central Coast community through their work, volunteering efforts, involvement in sports or community activities.

 

The Awards seek to highlight the diverse ways seniors support their families, communities and society more broadly across the Central Coast and beyond.

 

Upon receiving her award, Carmen thanked her husband Steven, as well as the community for their role in the success of Finders Keepers 17.

 

“I’d like to say thank you to my husband Steven, for doing absolutely everything. I’d also like to say, our shop has succeeded due to the hard work of our wonderful volunteers," said Carmen.

 

“The shop has grown from a seed to a beanstalk and beyond, only because of the community. The phone never stops ringing in our house, it’s just so busy, and the community is just beyond amazing.

 

“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I’m blessed.”

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