Celebrations to rev up

Tatiara District Council will honour its leading citizen and event of 2023 at an Australia Day ceremony at the Wolseley Oval, Wolseley, on January 26.

Tatiara District Council Mayor Liz Goossens said the day would begin with the traditional Australia Day breakfast at 8am and music by Amy Verco.

“Official proceedings will commence at 9.15am and feature an address by Tatiara’s Australia Day Ambassador, Consulting Victimologist and SA Nominee Australian of the Year 2020 Michael O’Connell AM APM,” she said.

“Festivities will also include a flag-raising ceremony and the presentation of our 2024 Tatiara Australia Day Awards.”

Geoffrey Williams has been awarded the Citizen of the Year honour with the Keith Diesel & Dirt Derby – The Last Rev taking out the Community Event of the Year.

Mayor Goossens said the 2024 Tatiara Australia Day Award recipients deserved recognition for their outstanding achievements, with their impact felt throughout the district and beyond.

“The dedication of our award recipients and the contribution they make through the time they so generously give, the opportunities they create for our communities and the funds they raise, are an inspiration to us all and are rightly recognised through these awards,” Mayor Goossens said.

“Congratulations to our award winners for 2024 and thank you for your significant work. I know you will continue to inspire those around you in any community endeavour you take on into the future.

“I would like to invite all residents to celebrate our Australia Day Award winners with us.”

2024 AWARD WINNERS:

Tatiara Citizen of the Year − Geoffrey Williams

Geoff has contributed to the community on many levels but at the centre of this award is his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Bordertown Health Advisory Council (HAC) over the past six years.

Geoff joined the HAC in 2017 as a resident member. In 2021, he stepped into the role of Presiding Member. The Presiding Member is nominated by the HAC and appointed by the Minister. In this voluntary role, Geoff has ensured the HAC adheres to relevant policies, its constitution, terms and conditions and the Health Care Act 2008, and navigated many challenges.

Geoff has spent many hours furthering his understanding and navigating government health systems. He connects well with his team and is never afraid to ask for advice or assistance if required.

He is a strong advocate for the community, while remaining balanced and respectful to all involved. He remains focused and committed to the team’s agenda despite often having to negotiate frustrating circumstances and timelines.

His communication skills are authentic, simple, and direct and demonstrated not only in meeting procedures but at many community events and functions.

Contribution to our community in volunteer roles can at times be judged on the length of service, but such time-tracking only communicates quantity, not impact.

Geoff’s volunteer work has supported the delivery of crucial services and has contributed to the wellbeing of individuals and our community.

In addition to his contribution to Bordertown and the surrounding community through the HAC, Geoff is a valued member of the Mundulla community. He has been a dance teacher and MC for the Mundulla Deb Ball since 2017, a member of the Mundulla Hall Committee and recently instigated the Mundulla Community Markets.

Geoff’s other passion is the Mundulla Football Club, having filled various roles from umpiring, committee member, editor of the club magazine and assisting with the Player Revue.

Tatiara Community Event of the Year − Keith Diesel & Dirt Derby – The Last Rev

The Keith Diesel & Dirt Derby, The Last Rev, drew people from far and wide well beyond Keith, the Tatiara’s and even the State’s borders.

From its beginnings ten years ago to raise funds for the Keith & District Hospital, the Derby grew to host more than 12,000 people in its biggest years, swelling the town to 10 times its size.

Jet boat racing, tractor pulls, header smashes, buggy races and a 50-tonne Centurion tank all played a part in the unique event’s success.

In late 2022, the committee announced that 2023 would be The Last Rev due to a dwindling volunteer base and issues with insurance. Staffed and organised by volunteers and community groups, with profits put back into the community, 19 community groups, more than 320 people worked more than 1450 volunteer hours between them to put on the last Derby.

Approximately 11,300 tickets were sold, 1100 camp sites booked, 17 different events and attractions held throughout the day, three live musical acts performed, and an amazing fireworks display enjoyed by all. It was an incredible send off for an amazing event and credit to the organising committee and all supporting groups and volunteers.