Celebrating the titans of Tatiara

TATIARA District Council celebrated its leading citizen, active citizenship and event of 2025 at an Australia Day ceremony at Don Moseley Park, Keith on January 26.

Tatiara District Council Mayor Liz Goossens said the day began with the traditional Australia Day breakfast at 8am and music by Megan Lush.

“Official proceedings commenced at 9.15am and feature an address by Tatiara’s Australia Day Ambassador, Wayne Anthoney OAM – actor, theatre director and teacher” she said.

“Festivities also included a flag raising ceremony and the presentation of our 2026 Tatiara Australia Day Awards.”

This year’s Australia Day Award winners are:

Tatiara Citizen of the Year: Sarah Secker

Tatiara Community Event of the Year: Keith War Memorial Community Centre 80th Birthday Celebrations & Opening of Don Moseley Playground Upgrade

Tatiara Active Citizenship Award: Bordertown Rotary Club – Dog Park & Patient Transfer Facility

Highly Commended Mayor Award: Jeff Wiese

Mayor Goossens said the 2026 Tatiara Australia Day Award recipients were worthy of recognition for their dedication to serving the community and for generously volunteering their time and skills to help make the district an even better place to live.

“Our community is shaped by what each of us chooses to contribute,” Mayor Goossens said. “The way we give our time, take action and invest in one another defines the place we call home. This is especially evident in the outstanding contributions of our award recipients, whose efforts have helped create valuable facilities and opportunities for the community,” Mayor Goossens said.

Tatiara Citizen of the Year: Sarah Secker

Sarah embodies the saying ‘if you want something done, ask a busy person’.

Sarah’s drive and determination have made a lasting mark on her community.

Beyond this Sarah’s commitment runs deep. She plays an active role on the Tatiara District Council Economic Development Committee, serves as Treasurer of the local preschool and childcare centre – where she is passionately shaping the future of early learning – and was recently appointed to the Regional Development Limestone Coast Leadership Steering Committee.

Sarah is generous with her times, skills and wisdom.

She brings people together, bridges the gap between regional communities and urban decision makers and communicates with clarity and conviction.

Through her leadership and advocacy, Sarah continues to build the profile of her community and create lasting opportunities for its long term economic and social success.

Sarah’s most notable contribution is leading a $1.1 million Playground Redevelopment at Don Moseley Park, Keith.

Over four years, she co-ordinated a volunteer team to deliver a community project commercial in nature, her leadership attracted 100 per cent funding, with 71 per cent coming from outside the region, plus more than $220,000 of in-kind support.

The project that transformed a simple idea into a vibrant, inclusive space for families, children and visitors to enjoy for generations to come.

The playground now serves as a landmark of community achievement, inspiring regional development nationwide.

Tatiara Community Event of the Year: Keith War Memorial Community Centre 80th Birthday Celebrations & Opening of Don Moseley Playground Upgrade

The Keith War Memorial Community Centre is a committee of 16, all individuals that keep the committee linked to community and business in Keith.

The Committee is a great supporter of the youth including scholarships and grants to high achieving sports people, school scholarships, supporting Duke of Edinburgh participation and Driver Ed Training.

The 80th birthday celebration and opening of the upgrade playground event, comprised of a community BBQ and was put on where nearly 300 people from across the Limestone Coast, past and present committee and government were present.

It is a true testament to the Keith War Memorial Community Centre.

Tatiara Active Citizenship Award: Bordertown Rotary Club – Dog Park & Patient Transfer Facility

The Bordertown Rotary Club has made an exceptional contribution to the Tatiara District with the completion of two major projects in 2025, the patient transfer facility at the Bordertown Aerodrome and the dog park on North Terrace in Bordertown.

Both facilities will add to the safety, comfort and amenity of locals and travellers alike.

Major fundraising efforts and volunteers hours uncounted have been a feature of both projects.

Contributions from local businesses have demonstrated the high level of community support.

By taking a leading role in both the conception and implementation of these projects, the members of the Bordertown Rotary Club have demonstrated a high level of active citizenship.

Both projects enhance the community lived experience by increasing safety and comfort to those facing serious medical challenges or those seeking enjoyment of pets whilst travelling.

Highly Commended Mayoral Award: Jeff Wiese

During his tenure as President of the Bordertown Rotary Club, Jeff initiated the development of a dog park in Bordertown. He did months of research on its site, size and location after visiting a lot of similar ventures around SA and Victoria.

He sourced the materials and did most of the building himself with the assistance of locals and fellow Rotarians.

He was successful in procuring grants and helping the Club with staging fundraising events.

Another project Jeff was involved in the development of, was the Patient Transfer Facility at the Bordertown Aerodrome. He assisted with the procurement of grants and funding.

He was the person who put the finishing touches on the facility, including installing indoor blinds and soap dispensers.

His variety of skills and his attention to detail was impressive on the project.

Both projects are the result of the dedication and perseverance of Jeff and the Bordertown Rotary Club, whose commitment has been instrumental in bringing them to fruition.