Local heroes to be honoured

Wattle Range Council is excited to honour the ‘Local Legends’ in our community this Australia Day with a series of special celebrations across the region.

Complimentary Australia Day breakfasts will be held in each council ward on Sunday, January 26, starting at 8am. The local Lions Clubs will provide catering at Beachport’s Centennial Park, the Kalangadoo Institute Hall, Jubilee Park in Millicent, and Penola’s War Memorial Park.

The awards ceremony will commence at 9 am, and Wattle Range Council Mayor Des Noll was thrilled to announce this year’s recipients in the raft of categories.

“These awards are a wonderful opportunity to express our gratitude for the volunteers who dedicate their time and effort across a wide range of activities,” Mayor Noll Ssaid. “We invite everyone to come along, bring a picnic rug or chair, and join us in celebrating the achievements of these extraordinary individuals on our national day.”

Australia Day Ambassador Wayne Anthoney OAM will be a guest at the Millicent event this year.

Wayne is an actor, theatre director and teacher, who has also spent time working for Nyangatjatjara Aboriginal Corporation near Ayers Rock. He will be invited to make an address during the official proceedings.

Mayor Noll will attend the breakfast in Beachport and officiate a citizenship ceremony at which three new Aussies will be welcomed.

Awards in Millicent, Kalangadoo and Penola will be presented by elected members of each individual area.

Later that day, further festivities will be hosted by the communities of Tantanoola and Southend, at events featuring fun and games for the entire family.

Australia Day is an occasion to come together to celebrate our diversity, respect what makes us unique and reflect on the Australia we aspire to be.

AWARD RECIPIENTS:

Kintore Ward (Beachport)

Citizen of the Year – Roger Smith

Active Citizen of the Year – Diane Roach

Young Citizen of the Year – Sienna Sutherland

Community Event of the Year – Snakes and Envenomation Community Session (Beachport Community First Responder Team)

Sorby Adams Ward (Kalangadoo)

Citizen of the Year – Necia Matthews

Active Citizen of the Year – Ian Matthews

Young Citizen of the Year – Yasmin Sedman

Community Event of the Year – Kalangadoo Hotel Show & Shine

Corcoran Ward (Millicent)

Citizen of the Year – Wendy Thomson

Young Citizen of the Year – James D’Onghia

Community Event of the Year – Teagle Earthmovers Culberra Lake Rock on the Rails (5THEFM Community Radio)

Riddoch Ward (Penola)

Citizen of the Year – Anne-Marie Williams

Young Citizen of the Year – William Goodes

Community Event of the Year – Agricultural Town of the Year Showcase (Penola Community)

Wattle Range Council Youth Recognition Awards

Contribution to Community – Chad Cockrum

Learning Success – Sienna Sutherland

Learning Success – Yasmin Sedman

Achievement through the Arts – James D’Onghia

Inspiration by Innovation – Mary-Rose Vander Heul