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.<\/p>\n
Tatiara District Council Mayor Liz Goossens said the day would begin with the traditional Australia Day breakfast at 8am and music by Amy Verco.<\/p>\n
\u201cOfficial proceedings will commence at 9.15am and feature an address by Tatiara\u2019s Australia Day Ambassador, Consulting Victimologist and SA Nominee Australian of the Year 2020 Michael O\u2019Connell AM APM,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFestivities will also include a flag-raising ceremony and the presentation of our 2024 Tatiara Australia Day Awards.\u201d<\/p>\n
Geoffrey Williams has been awarded the Citizen of the Year honour with the Keith Diesel & Dirt Derby \u2013 The Last Rev taking out the Community Event of the Year.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d Mayor Goossens said.<\/p>\n
\u201cCongratulations 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would like to invite all residents to celebrate our Australia Day Award winners with us.\u201d<\/p>\n
2024 AWARD WINNERS:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Tatiara Citizen of the Year \u2212 Geoffrey Williams<\/em><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n He is a strong advocate for the community, while remaining balanced and respectful to all involved. He remains focused and committed to the team\u2019s agenda despite often having to negotiate frustrating circumstances and timelines.<\/p>\n His communication skills are authentic, simple, and direct and demonstrated not only in meeting procedures but at many community events and functions.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Geoff\u2019s volunteer work has supported the delivery of crucial services and has contributed to the wellbeing of individuals and our community.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Geoff\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n