The District Council of Grant is pleased to announce this year\u2019s Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award recipients.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.\u201d Mayor Boston said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Official proceedings from the event will be livestreamed via the District Council of Grant Facebook page with closed captions.<\/p>\n
AWARD WINNERS:<\/strong><\/p>\n Citizen of the Year – Liza Kirby<\/em><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n With more than 10 years\u2019 experience assisting the local event, Liza has played a key role in growing the Show to become a focal point within the community.<\/p>\n Liza has been described as having \u2018positive engagement with local community members\u2019 and being \u2018a great listener and communicator within the district\u2019.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Young Citizen of the Year – Angus Millard<\/em><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Angus\u2019 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.<\/p>\n Community Event of the Year – Generations in Jazz<\/em><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The event\u2019s return saw international jazz\/fusion sensations Dirty Loops attend for their only Australian performance along with approximately 4500 students from across Australia.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n