Community heroes set to be honoured

The District Council of Grant is pleased to announce this year’s Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award recipients.

Nominations were received from a range of groups and individuals with the award winners comprising a South Australian Rural Youth Ambassador; Mil Lel A&H Show Society life member; non-profit organisation bringing world-class music to the Limestone Coast; and Allendale East Area School students who led a significant fundraising effort.

Mayor Kylie Boston said the Australia Day Citizen of the Year Awards were an exceptional occasion to celebrate the contributions that residents and organisations make to our local community.

“We have many individuals and groups who are committed to making a positive impact in the community so it is important that they are celebrated for their efforts over the past year, and in most cases over many years of service. Our district would not be as strong and vibrant as it is without their efforts.” Mayor Boston said.

All winners will be awarded at an invitation only ceremony on Friday, January 26, along with nominees, who will be presented a certificate. Representatives from various District Council of Grant community groups will also be in attendance to congratulate the winners and nominees.

Official proceedings from the event will be livestreamed via the District Council of Grant Facebook page with closed captions.

AWARD WINNERS:

Citizen of the Year – Liza Kirby

Liza is a life member of the Mil Lel A&H Show Society and a major organiser of the annual Mil Lel Spring Show overseeing many aspects of the event including advertising, volunteer management, entertainment and finance.

With more than 10 years’ experience assisting the local event, Liza has played a key role in growing the Show to become a focal point within the community.

Liza has been described as having ‘positive engagement with local community members’ and being ‘a great listener and communicator within the district’.

Her outstanding contribution to the Mil Lel Spring Show over many years makes her a deserving winner of the 2024 District Council of Grant Citizen of the Year Award.

Young Citizen of the Year – Angus Millard

2023 South Australian Rural Youth Ambassador, Angus Millard, is a committed Allendale East Area School student willing to participant in a range of school events and sets a positive example for his peers.

Angus constantly works in collaboration with others to advocate for better educational support programs and networks as well as mental health support for youth in rural and remote location within South Australia.

Angus’ willingness and enthusiasm to be a proactive member of the local community will be a tremendous asset for him and the district going into the future, and is why Angus is worthy recipient of the 2024 District Council of Grant Young Citizen of the Year Award.

Community Event of the Year – Generations in Jazz

Established in 1987, Generations in Jazz is a unique annual event held within the Limestone Coast showcasing a world-class high-energy jazz music experience, and talented professional and aspiring musicians.

In May last year, Generations in Jazz (pictured below) made its long-awaited return to its regular format prior to the pandemic with the assistance of more than 180 volunteers.

The event’s return saw international jazz/fusion sensations Dirty Loops attend for their only Australian performance along with approximately 4500 students from across Australia.

Generations in Jazz additionally provides opportunity for local community groups to participate and gain financial benefit from the event by housing school groups making Generations in Jazz 2023 a deserving awardee for the 2024 District Council of Grant Community Event of the Year.

Active Citizenship Award – Zack Williams and Mark Smith (‘Bellum to Bay’ event)

Local residents Zack Williams and Mark Smith, were instrumental in organising the 2023 ‘Bellum to Bay’ running event (pictured above), from the Bellum Hotel to Port MacDonnell Golf Club, aimed to raise mental health awareness and funding for mental health organisations.

The pair participated by running in the event and with assistance from other community members, raised a total of $11,853 which was donated between headspace, Standby Support and the Suicide Prevention Network.

Zack and Mark’s determination to unite through hardship after the tragic loss of friends and fellow community members, and demonstration of great leadership skills makes the pair the appropriate winners of the 2023 District Council of Grant Active Citizenship Award.