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 8 am. 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 is thrilled to announce this year’s recipients in the following categories:
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 Excavations 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
“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,” said Mayor Noll. “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.”
In attendance at the Millicent event this year will be Australia Day Ambassador, Wayne Anthoney OAM. 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.
For further information on this release please contact:
Ben Gower, Chief Executive Officer
Email: council@wattlerange.sa.gov.au
Telephone: (08) 8733 0900