Willalooka to host Tatiara celebrations

Australia Day awards announceed ahead of Tatiara District Council January 26 presentation

Tatiara District Council will honour its leading citizens and event of 2022 at an Australia Day ceremony at the Willalooka Oval, Willalooka this Thursday.

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

“Official proceedings will commence at 9.15am and feature an address by Tatiara’s Australia Day Ambassador, Senior Consultant, The Sapling Connection and General Manager, LBI Foundation, John Shepherd AM,” she said.

“Festivities will also include a flag-raising ceremony and the presentation of our 2023 Tatiara Australia Day Awards.”

Mayor Goossens applauded the 2023 Tatiara Australia Day Award recipients for their commitment and contribution to the Tatiara.

“On Australia Day, we recognise and honour those who have gone above and beyond in their service to their community,” Mayor Goossens said.

“The amazing work they all do showcases the richness and diversity of our community that make the Tatiara such a great place to live.

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

2023 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD WINNERS

Tatiara Citizen of the Year Michael Hunt

Many people within the Tatiara refer to Michael (pictured) as a “true local”. He is a local farmer, born locally, educated locally, played his sport locally and is a kind and generous community man.

Michael is very passionate about farming, particularly grain growing. He was one of two South Australian representatives of Grain Growers Australia – National Policy Group and each year organises and conducts the District Wheat Crop Competition.

Michael has had a very distinguished sporting career. Playing for the Mundulla Football Club in more than 520 senior football games, ten A Grade premierships and five B Grade premierships, three times B Grade Best and Fairest winner, and leading goal kicker in 2004 with 83 goals.

He now has extensive involvement in the Limestone Coast Women’s Football League, who he coached to a premiership in their first year. He has also contributed as a committee member and President of the club. He excelled at cricket and was selected in the South Australian Country team of the year on two occasions.

Life membership of the Mundulla Football Club and Mundulla Cricket Club was awarded to Michael in recognition of his tireless service. He was also the recipient of the SANFL SA Community League Merit Award for long and valuable service to football in South Australia.

Michael also devotes his time to being a steward at the annual Mundulla Show and hosts the morning Sporting Grill on 5TCB.

Tatiara Young Citizen of the Year Clare Langley

Clare has been an active member of the Bordertown Netball Club over the past 12 months, serving on the club’s committee, coaching, umpiring and playing. She also took on the roles of Junior Development Co-Ordinator and Grounds Co-Ordinator.

Clare’s other passion is the Dolphins Swimming Club where she volunteers as a coach to the club swimmers and as a committee member.

The Bordertown Show & Spring Festival provided another avenue for Clare to volunteer her time as a Cooking and Jams/Preserves Convenor and modelling in the Fashion Parade.

Clare received the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and as part of the service project worked with the Smith Family in a reading program with young school students.

Tatiara Community Event of the Year:

Bordertown Spring Festival and Show

The Bordertown Spring Festival and Show held its 144th Annual Show on 12 November 2022 at the Bordertown Showgrounds. The theme “Rural Women on the Land” was incorporated into the event with author “Liz Harfull” attending and opening the show.

“George the Farmer” was also a highlight. The “Rural Womens Cake Challenge”, fashion parade, exhibits, BMX, Ute Muster, side show alley, car club exhibits, farmers challenge and speed shear competition provided something for everyone.

The Show Committee spent many days and hours planning for the event, which attracted record numbers from across the Tatiara and beyond. The Committee also restored and prepared the “Sheep Pavilion” for the return of the sheep and wool event.