SOUTH AUSTRALIA
South Australian Community Achievement Awards
2022 South Australian Community Achievement Award Winners
Office for Ageing Well Tackling Ageism Award
• Australian Refugee Association (ARA) delivers the Zimala Project to tackle ageism by bringing together and empowering older men in refugee and migrant communities. The Project connects people with organisations such as health information lines and government services. It also provides opportunities to explore new hobbies and connect through social games. There have been 15 excursions or group activities with 100 people attending so far.
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Jones Harley Toole Community Road Safety Award
• Encounter Youth is a not-for-profit charity. They implement the Encounter Youth Hindley Street Program, a program that utilises evidence-based, situational and social crime prevention theories to increase and promote safety. Trained Encounter Youth volunteers patrol Hindley Street every Saturday night between 11pm to 5am. Volunteers provide responsible supervision on a peer level and report to SA police in moments of need or vulnerability.
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Ricoh Australia Customer Service Award
• Communication eXtra is a specialised support coordination business for deaf and hard of hearing people. They offer a free advocacy service for the deaf and hard of hearing community to get advice when applying for NDIS. They have a weekly drop-in service, where they discuss how the scheme will benefit the new applicants long-term. They have serviced over 195 families in Australia since 2020.
Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation Innovation in Mental Health, Social and Emotional Wellbeing Award
• SA Lived Experience Leadership & Advocacy Network (LELAN) has strongly advocated bringing Alternatives to Suicide (Alt2Su) systematically to South Australia after hearing from people with lived experiences of the need for peer-led, community-based support options for suicide distress and crisis. The first Alt2Su groups in SA commenced in September 2022. Individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts/feelings could have somewhere to go other than their GP, therapist or the emergency department.
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Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Rural Community Health and Wellbeing Award
• Mid Murray Suicide Prevention Network (MMSPN) was established in the mid-2010s following the death by suicide of four men in two years in the Sedan/Cambrai area. Some MMSPN members have completed training courses to assist residents and visitors, such as SafeTalk, Mental Health First Aid, and Youth Mental Health First Aid. In 2022, they collaborated with Country Arts SA in the screening of a mental health-related movie.
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Awards Australia Small Business Award
• Ryde Clothing was started by Nathan Woodrow at the age of 16. Ryde recognises that brand is about community. Ryde now helps other business people and community leaders realise their capacity by sharing their learnings from the Ryde journey. Over the last year, it has diversified to a more sustainable business mode, developing the Ryde Design, Ryde Consulting and Ryde Summer Sessions.
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Community Centres SA The Loneliness Cure Award
• D’Faces Of Youth Arts Inc welcomes young people to build their confidence and social connections through art. This year they’ve opened Good Nights, a safe space for young adults and teenagers to go on Saturday nights. Each week they’re invited to try a different creative challenge, and cook and eat together.
Woolworths Sports in the Community Award
• Hub Gymnastics Club was established in 1985 by a group of volunteers to run a recreation gymnastics program. The Club has since embarked on delivering new programs for the community, allowing families access to professionally run classes with highly skilled coaches. They also offer school holiday gymnastics, after-school, and in-lesson gymnastics programs. Hub Gymnastics has around 750 members, with about 350 children on waitlist.
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Australian Dental Foundation Community Welfare Innovation Award
• Kaleb Wilden introduced the NeuroTherapy Rehabilitation Program to service residents in the Adelaide Hills region living with acquired brain injury. The Program is goal-based and tailored to the individual’s physical disabilities associated with their acquired brain injury. Kaleb also produces educational videos that are readily available and free to access. He has serviced over 1,900 patients since launching the Program in January 2022
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Carers SA Carer Achievement Award
• Jan Wallent has cared for her husband, David, since he returned in 1967 from the Vietnam War. David has PTSD and has had other chronic diseases, needing full-time care. Jan was a Board Director for Carers SA. She also co-founded Partners of Veterans SA in 2003. She became a carer at the age of 6, when a relative living with them became unwell.
Awards Australia Volunteer Award
• Christopher Wright is a 72-year-old volunteer. He spent 6 months cooking for 130 Volunteers during the Kangaroo Island bush fires. Christopher also cooks for the needy, including a homelessness Fundraiser for 220, and runs cooking classes for widowers and careers. A foundation member of Victor Harbor Men's Shed, Christopher helps others achieve more.
2021 South Australian Community Achievement Award Winners
Office for Ageing Well Tackling Ageism Award
Unyime Jasper of Woodville empowers older patients on the orthopaedic ward of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital to be active during hospitalisation by educating them on the detrimental effects of inactivity. He assists them to overcome barriers to be active, helping them set daily activity goals and providing real-time feedback using an ActiGraph watch. He shares his research findings to educate clinicians on subtle ageist perceptions and practices.
Jones Harley Toole Community Road Safety Award
Road Trauma Support Team SA of Prospect is a not-for-profit organisation offering free counselling and support for anyone affected by road trauma, including first responders and witnesses. They participate in community education events such as RAA Street Smart and have commenced a program to educate truck drivers about the effects of road trauma and how to manage grief. RTST also offers free accommodation for victims of road trauma.
Ricoh Australia Customer Service Award
Out & About Clothing of Keith creates an exclusive range of women’s rugby/polo tops in a range of colours. They have a shop within the township where customers can shop and view their workroom. Out & About Clothing aims to provide women of all shapes and sizes the opportunity to dress well. They keep records of previously ordered rugby tops to make the buying experience easy.
Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation Innovation in Mental Health, Social and Emotional Wellbeing Award
Growing with Gratitude of Hyde Park (GWG) is a mental wellbeing / positive education program that aims to teach people to be great citizens, have adaptable thinking skills, build and protect people’s mental wellbeing, and overcome challenges and adversity. In the GWG Schools Program, they provide presentations, workshops, in-class sessions and a fully resourced online program, while in their GWG Sports, they work with junior sports clubs.
Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Rural Community Health and Wellbeing Award
Yorke Peninsula Community Care and Transport of Minlaton (CC&T) is a not-for-profit organisation that provides transport to the wider Yorke Peninsula for social, business and medical reasons, creating peace of mind for local residents and their families. Being located in a transport disadvantaged area with no public transport, CC&T’s service negates the need to relocate by enabling volunteers to drive their own or a client’s car to their appointments.
Minister for Innovation and Skills Small Business Award
Australian Native Food Co. of Adelaide is a family-owned business that creates opportunities to experience the unique and memorable aromas and flavours of Australian native ingredients whilst supporting communities, local farmers and youth. Managing Director and founder Rebecca Paris was introduced to green ants and created a ‘Green Ant Marmalade’, now a signature product. Now with over 30 different products, they have expanded to online distribution in 2021.
Community Centres SA The Loneliness Cure Award
UnitingSA Taperoo Community Centre introduced an innovative literacy skill development program in response to the impact of the Covid pandemic. Several of the participants experience learning challenges, mental health issues, and other significant health issues and come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Poetry was used as a simple way of expression and storytelling. The program resulted in increasing the participants’ literacy, performance skills, friendships and community connection.
Woolworths Sports in the Community Award
Fitzroy Community Club of Welland is committed to inclusivity in sports. They have a Fitzroy Women’s Football Club, which has already produced a handful of AFLW draftees. In 2020, they added two netball teams. They have a cricket program and introduced junior cricket in 2020. They also added a C-Grade men’s football team in 2021 to provide more social opportunities for older footballers and locals.
Australian Dental Foundation Community Welfare Innovation Award
With Love Formalwear of Salisbury (WLFW) was formed in 2019 with the aim of providing formalwear and accessories to young people living in out-of-home care or alternative care, young people with disabilities, or individuals living in disadvantaged circumstances. The formalwear and accessories are donated by generous community members. Since February 2020, WLFW has supported 244 young people to choose their dream outfit for their school graduation.
Carers SA Carer Achievement Award
Ian Ward of Parafield Gardens has been a carer for the last 15 years to his three adult children aged 21, 18 and 18 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), requiring varying intensity of care. He also cared for his late father, who suffered from dementia. Ian was a founding member of Asperlutely Autsome, a support and social group for those with ASD and their carers.
Prime Super Employer Excellence in Aged Care Award
RSL Care SA of Myrtle Bank is a not-for-profit care provider, providing aged care services, integrated retirement living and accommodation and support options to the veteran, ex-service and broader community of South Australia. They have two aged care facilities, affordable housing sites and an emergency transit accommodation. Their 240 staff enjoy 24/7 access to their Employee Assistance Program, flexible working conditions and culturally and linguistically diverse staff.
2020 Winners
Office for Ageing Well Tackling Ageism Award
Kerry Jones of Adelaide has led the strategic portfolio of The Australian Centre for Social Innovation to transform Australia’s experience of ageing, working with a dedicated team and a rich tapestry of people across Australia. She led the demonstration and spread of ‘Weavers’, a model of personalised and flexible one to one peer support for carers of older people. Kerry designed and led ‘The Innovation Age’/Future of Home, a multi-year systematic initiative focused on the future of ageing and the actions to create that future. Kerry has also worked in partnership with SA’s Office for Ageing Well on SA’s Plan for Ageing Well 2020-2025.
Prime Super Agricultural Innovation Award
Ben Morton of Beulah Park is passionate about solving industry problems and is the Chief Technology Officer and an Executive Director at Bygen, an environmental deep tech start-up. They have developed a world-first, low-cost technology that uses agricultural waste to make activated charcoal, a high value material that cleans up the environment. This allows farmers to gain value from their waste, minimise bushfire risk by reducing in-field waste and help clean up the environment and reduce human greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural industry. Ben developed the activation technology during his PhD. He also mentors young start-up companies within ThincLab at the University of Adelaide.
Community Centres SA The Loneliness Cure Award
City of Marion South American Community – Neighbourhood Centres welcomed 50 new South Americans who were settling in their council area. To start, they held a community and action focused “Welcome Afternoon Tea”, where they prepared food and music and Spanish translators. The new settlers were asked “what’s important to you and your family in the next six to twelve months?”, opening conversations. The initiative was simple but unique as it consulted with new arrivals and connected upfront. ESL classes are held weekly, along with a community barbecue where the South Americans shared tables with local people and practised their English skills. In February 2020, they ran an inaugural Carnavale Event.
Prime Super Employer Excellence in Aged Care Award
Tanunda Lutheran Home Inc of Tanunda is a not-for-profit 120-bed aged care facility with 96 independent living units, operating under a person-centred and neighbourhood model of care. Owned by the Lutheran Church of South Australia, TLH has 200 staff, 102 of whom are full-time employees and 90 per cent are female. All staff have access to thirty online training courses and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Program. There are active Work Health and Safety processes to reduce serious work incidents. Employees may be appointed as Values Champions and each month a Staff Member of the Month is recognised. A chaplain staff is available for a higher level of support.
Woolworths Sports in the Community Award
Greenacres Tennis Club of Northfield is promoting an inclusive environment. After almost being closed down in 2016 due to dipping numbers, GTC was rejuvenated and re-built. From two double’s teams in 2016, they now have 120 members comprising of seven senior and five junior teams, with multiple premierships. Never afraid to try something new, they continue to promote “book a court”, committing to run open court sessions, increasing community access and participation. One time they welcomed a homeless individual to play and invited him to join the club for winter. GTC received the Tennis SA’s 2020 City/Hills Club of the Year and Torrens Award for excellence.
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Australian Dental Foundation Community Welfare Innovation Award
Autism SA of Netley developed the Autism Friendly Charter (AFC) in partnership with the autistic community. The AFC is a framework designed to support mainstream organisations, community groups and businesses to become more accessible by developing awareness and confidence in applying inclusive practices. Almost 1,000 employees and employers have completed the AFC online training and 83 businesses have pledged to support the AFC movement. As a result, autistic individuals and their families can identify more organisations, business, community groups and events that are autism-aware and would apply inclusive practices. They also provide a free, extensive and easy to use App to connect with businesses directly.
Carers SA Carer Achievement Award
Rhonda Samuel of Gumeracha has cared for her sons since 1993, together with husband Barry. Their youngest son Scott suffers from Schizoaffective Disorder whilst their oldest son Mark suffers from Bi-Polar 2. Rhonda and Barry have supported the boys to access public housing to live as independently as possible. Rhonda cares by calling, visiting, checking, prompting and assisting with medications and assists in managing her sons’ finances. Rhonda is herself suffering from ill health but her determination to support her sons remains strong. Rhonda is an active member of the community and many committees including the Lived Experience Australia’s State Advisory Forum since 2015.
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Ricoh Australia Customer Service Award
Caroline Lowe of Port Lincoln is a Media Sales Executive with Radio Stations Magic 899 and 5CC broadcasting across the Eyre Peninsula. Caroline prides herself on her customers service, always striving to achieve the best results for her client’s through their radio marketing campaigns. During the Covid-19 crisis she worked hard to restructure her struggling clients’ marketing campaigns amid the situation with their best interests in mind. Caroline was a finalist in the Australia Commercial Radio Awards for best Sales performance in 2018, and received a commendation in 2016 and 2017 at the Port Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards – Customer Service.
Jones Harley Toole Community Road Safety Award
Women in Trucking Australia of Semaphore was established by female heavy vehicle drivers for female heavy vehicle drivers. WiTa has a dual focus of providing a platform where women can come together to tackle the challenges female truckies face in the industry and addressing the enormous gap that exists in small vehicle driver education when it comes to road sharing. They successfully received Commonwealth Government grant to produce a heavy vehicle road safety Ad campaign which continues to run throughout 2020, increasing road user awareness of the dire consequence of risky on-road decision making around heavy vehicles. They also received additional funding to create a second campaign.
Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation Innovation in Mental Health, Social and Emotional Wellbeing Award
Goodwood Saints Football Club Inc of Millswood is an inclusive and socially responsible community football club with a membership of more than 2,000 people. They introduced the “Saints Healthy Minds”, a comprehensive initiative that targets coaches and managers to assist them in identifying those with mental health issues, with a long-term goal of helping players to build their mental strength, empower them to speak out and understand mental health issues and suicidal tendencies. In support of the initiative, they hold activities such as Growing with Gratitude Sports program, Sport and Life Training Mental Health Presentation, U18 Girls Team Mental Resilience Training and Headspace U16 Coaching, among others.
Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Rural Community Health and Wellbeing Award
Herd of Hope of Tanunda is raising awareness for mental health and support services to transplant recipients and organ donor families in rural areas. Herd of Hope believes that organ and tissue transplant is part of an ongoing treatment plan and for the best outcomes, rural patients need support in both clinical and mental health capacity. While away from home, Herd of Hope assists with recipients and carers accommodation costs, hospital parking costs and travel expenses. Once home, they assist with expenses and services such as peer support services and referrals to mental health services. In 2019, they assisted over 200 rural families nationally with financial assistance.
Minister for Innovation and Skills Small Business Award
Animate Your Science of Adelaide is empowering scientists and the research community. Founded by Tullio Rossi, Animate Your Science (AYS) produces video animations and graphics that make research stand out and obtain visibility. The innovative tools enable researchers to reach audiences outside of their specific field and on a global scale, creating life-changing impact and visibility, a healthy dose of fun and understandable science. AYS tripled their sales in their third year and hired two full-time employees and a team of over 20 contractors. They have attracted $50,000 in angel investment and $23,000 in awards. AYS holds workshops on how researchers can improve their communication skills.
The 2019 Winners were announced at a Gala Dinner Presentation on Friday 1st November at the Hilton Adelaide!
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The winners were...
TAFE SA Community Education Award
Mentally Fit EP (WCYCS) of Port Lincoln commits to developing a mentally fit community. Based in Eyre Peninsula, Mentally Fit EP began in 2014 with a small group with a collective vision to flip mental illness on its head, to stop talking about the negative and to upskill people to be “mentally fit.” The committee relies on fundraising and donations, and with help from West Coast Youth and Community Support, provides positive promotional, early intervention and educational programs. They have so far, conducted over 150 events. They offer free clinical counselling and courses including “Take Charge of Your Life” and the school-based “Mentally Fit ME” program.
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Margie Fixter, Executive Director, Quality, Teaching and Learning, TAFE SA presented Mentally Fit EP (WCYCS) as the winner of the TAFE SA Community Education Award
Carers SA Carer Achievement Award
Anne Bawden of Mount Gambier champions the rights and contributions of carers and has been a regional carer for 30 years. Anne is involved with South East Carers, Parent Advocacy, Siblings Australia and Families4Families. She was invited to the board of Inclusive Directions, South Country Regional Advisory Committee for Children Services and State Advisory Committee to the Education Minister. She helped establish Special Olympics Limestone Coast and the Gears to Drive Program. She presents carer situations to local, state and federal members for discussion. Anne cares for an adult son with multiple disabilities and other children with disabling conditions. She also supports an intellectually disabled niece.
David Militz, Chief Executive Officer, Carers SA presented Anne Bawden as the winner of the Carers SA Carer Achievement Award
Prime Super Agricultural Innovation Award
Dr Sam Rudd of Mawson Lakes seeks to achieve greater productivity in agriculture. Sam co-invented the world’s first passive real-time, in-ground soil fertiliser sensor for precision agriculture and controlling the application of fertilisers. During his PhD research, he found that a new class of conducting polymers known as PEDOT were quite sensitive and selective to nitrate, making it ideal in fertiliser sensing. Despite little attention from the scientific community, the discovery led to UniSA and Sentek Pty. Ltd. collaborating for a joint patent to develop the next generation of agricultural sensors. Sam received the Norton Jackson Material Science and Engineering Medal.
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Chris Pole, Regional Manager – South Australia, Prime Super presented Dr Sam Rudd as the winner of the Prime Super Agricultural Innovation Award
Ricoh Australia Customer Service Award
Australian Medical Placements of Royston Park has cemented customer service in its core values. Founded in 2003, AMP is one of Australia’s only medical recruitment, training and education providers. AMP provides personalised service and endeavours to train its staff to have conversations with candidates rather than simple interactions. A Quality Management Systems certified agency, they have high-level policies that dictate their candidate interactions. AMP offers training, education and meeting hubs to enhance candidates’ lifestyle such as stress, mental health, cooking and relaxation classes. A 24-hour on-call service and medical-based counsellor is available to all candidates with dedicated on-call consultants providing access to doctors from the AMP database.
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Jonathan Hines, Regional W/sale Mgr – South, Ricoh Australia presented Australian Medical Placements as the winner of the Ricoh Australia Customer Service Award
Flinders University Rural and Remote Health Regional Achievement Award
Tullawon Health Service Inc. of Yalata ensures quality healthcare access in a culturally safe and holistic manner. THS has been providing high quality primary healthcare, chronic disease management, acute and emergency response care to the Yalata Community since 1982. It is a not-for-profit Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation focusing on providing holistic healthcare. Tullawon Health Service is one of three communities that established the Kakarrara-Willurrara Health Alliance, which delivers health specialists and GPs to the remote Aboriginal communities of Yalata, Oak Valley and Tjuntjuntjara. THS lobbied with the Australian Army and Queen’s Jubilee Trust to have an Amenities Building and Public Laundry built. It currently has over 700 clients.
Professor Jonathan Craig, Vice President and Executive Dean, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University presented Tullawon Health Service Inc. as the winner of the Flinders University Rural and Remote Health Regional Achievement Award
Jones Harley Toole Community Road Safety Award
Orroroo & District Road Safety Committee of Orroroo is helping ensure safety roads in small ways. The Committee is a small group of four community members who enjoy making the roads a safer place on which to travel. They provide a Driver Reviver site over Easter and the October long weekends, helping drivers get a rest break and supplying free drinks and biscuits. The Committee has helped address road safety issues through their letters and contacts with council and road transport. They also provide seminars and information for those with gophers and help conduct training to Year 11 students at Orroroo Area School.
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Brenton James, Managing Principal, Jones Harley Toole presented Tullawon Health Service Inc. presented Orroroo & District Road Safety Committee as the winner of the Jones Harley Toole Community Road Safety Award
Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Rural Community Health and Wellbeing Award
Elizabeth Barrow of Mount Barker has a passion for helping cancer patients. Bette is a palliative care volunteer with the community health program at Mount Barker Memorial Hospital. For 15 years, she has been running “Pamper Day” twice yearly for cancer patients who are part of the hospital’s Community Health Program. She coordinates with The Hills Cancer Support Group to provide an opportunity for cancer patients to enjoy a day of pampering and information sharing. Bette engages local service providers to donate their time and services for free. She creates, knits and puts together craft items and sells them to raise funds for equipment for the chemo unit.
Gretchen Scinta, Director, PHC Workforce, Rural Doctors Workforce Agency presented Elizabeth Barrow as the winner of the Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Rural Community Health and Wellbeing Award
Prime Super Employer Excellence in Aged Care Award
St Basil's Homes (SA)of St Peters believes in the “Living Well” principle. Incorporated in 1984, St Basil’s is a not-for-profit provider of residential aged care and day respite services under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. They employ over 300 Registered and Enrolled Nurses, carers, corporate service and maintenance staff in the South Australian facilities. Employees enjoy flexible rosters, birthday leave and seven of their 10 annual sick leave days don’t require medical certificates. Regular training for topics of interest are facilitated and staff can anonymously report their wellbeing in the workplace. Staff also have access to a free and confidential counselling service.
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Chris Pole, Regional Manager – South Australia, Prime Super presented St Basil's Homes (SA) as the winner of the Prime Super Employer Excellence in Aged Care Award
Minister for Innovation and Skills Small Business Award
Meeting Place MV of McLaren Vale has built a place for connection and community. Meeting Place MV is a café co-working and community hub that is now home to 28 businesses and community groups, all sharing resources and is used by over 100 businesses for meetings. At night, the site becomes a community hub, donated to a large number of community groups like McLaren Vale Rotary, Awesome Foundation and McLaren Vale Business Association. It is home to a series of youth education initiatives and holds over 60 events, many of them charity based. Meeting Place MV has received awards including the 2019 McLaren Vale Best New Business.
The Hon David Pisoni MP, Minister for Industry and Skills presented Meeting Place MV as the winner of the Minister for Innovation and Skills Small Business Award
Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation Innovation in Mental Health, Social and Emotional Wellbeing Award
Kimba Mental Health and Wellbeing Group of Kimba is strengthening the mental health and wellbeing of the Kimba District. Formed in 2013, they are a group of proactive volunteer community members whose aim is to help the local community with mental health issues. Noticing the lack of medical support and limited visiting specialists for mental health, the Group offers workshops and major events to bring services and experts to the community. Their event “Breaking Through The Barriers: Women’s Health Night” was attended by 150 women. The three-day Health and Wellness Weekend had 300 attendees. The Group has received two Community Australia Day Awards for event of the year.
John Mannion, Executive Director, Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation presented Kimba Mental Health and Wellbeing Group as the winner of the Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation Innovation in Mental Health, Social and Emotional Wellbeing Award
Woolworths Sports in the Community Award
Aboriginal Athletics Squad, Port Adelaide Athletics Club of Port Adelaide is encouraging inclusion in sports. With ongoing support from the Port Adelaide Athletics Club, the AAS program supports young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, creating a more inclusive environment for indigenous teenagers. Sixty four athletes participated in the 2018-2019 program, with four competing in the 2019 State Championship. Participants also learn new skills, giving them purpose and confidence and strengthening their sense of community. AAS allows athletes to participate in sport they haven’t tried before, due to financial and socioeconomic issues. Athletics SA was a finalist in the 2019 Inclusive & Diversity in Sport Awards for the AAS program.
Chad Hamnett, Group Manager SA Woolworths Food Group presented Aboriginal Athletics Squad, Port Adelaide Athletics Club as the winner of the Woolworths Sports in the Community Award
Community Centres SA The Loneliness Cure Award
Marion Mugs (MarionLIFE Community Services Inc.) of Mitchell Park provides a welcoming venue for people experiencing extreme social isolation. The Marion Mugs group gathers every Monday to drink coffee or tea, share snacks and chat. Some come to chat, some just to listen with all provided a good place to share stresses and anxieties. Some sit and knit while others work on puzzles and share clippings from newspaper. An average of 18 people from the community who are in their 40’s through to their 80’s attend each week. At Christmas time, participants gather together to celebrate over lunch hosted by Marionlife. They occasionally go on fieldtrips for new experiences.
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Kylie Fergusen, CEO, Community Centres SA presented Marion Mugs (MarionLIFE Community Services Inc.) as the winner of the Community Centres SA The Loneliness Cure Award
The 2018 Winners were announced at a Gala Dinner Presentation on Friday 2nd November at the Hilton Adelaide!
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The winners were...
Carers SA Carer Achievement Award
Katherine Height of Mount Gambier is carer to her 8 year old daughter Ella who lives with a rare genetic condition resulting in Epilepsy. In 2014 Katherine launched Ella's Purple Promise to raise money, educate and advocate for Epilepsy awareness. She has raised $10,000 for The Epilepsy Centre and aims to raise funds to bring professionals to Mount Gambier to provide training to educators. Katherine has received local and national recognition for her dedication to Epilepsy awareness.
David Militz, Chief Executive Officer of Carers SA presented Katherine Height as winner of the Carers SA Carer Achievement Award
Flinders Foundation Leadership and Innovation in Health Award
The Coorong Healthy Highways Program was established by Coorong District Council, the only one of its kind in Australia. Together with their Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle team they created CHH to provide better food choices for travelers along the Coorong. Each CHH outlet serves nourishing meals, offers healthy drink options and where possible, cooks with local fresh produce. Existing business can request to become a CHH outlet, by providing a selection of healthy food choices.
Members of the Coorong Healthy Highways team were presented with the Flinders Foundation Leadership and Innovation in Health Award by Ross Verschoor, Executive Director, Flinders Foundation
Flinders University Rural Health SA Regional Achievement Award
Whyalla Ripples Support Group provides support and education for parents and families dealing with a loved one’s ICE addiction. Whyalla Ripples has presented five community forums to over 1,000 attendees. The forums include speakers who are parents, recovering addicts and mental health workers. The not for profit Support Group openly discuss with family and friends, addiction and ways to support those going through ICE related issues. Ripples also expanded into Port Augusta in 2016.
Professor Jennene Greenhill, Director of Flinders University Rural Health SA presented the Whyalla Ripples Support Group with the Flinders University Rural Health SA Regional Achievement Award
Jones Harley Toole Community Road Safety Award
City of West Torrens Road Safety Group's primary objective is to promote and raise awareness of road safety, in particular for vulnerable road users and Learners. Road safety initiatives included rubbish bin stickers with speed limit reminders and a primary school calendar artwork competition centred on a road safety theme. They also organised a Mock Crash presentation event for high school students to raise awareness of driving under the influence and use of phones while driving.
Brenton James, Managing Principal at Jones Harley Toole presented members of the City of West Torrens Road Safety Group with the Jones Harley Toole Community Road Safety Award
Minister for Industry and Skills Small Business Award
Chooks Little Winery Tours of Willunga began in 2010 by Terry (Chook) McCoy and wife Kerry, offering specialised winery tours and local transport services. Chook’s provides a chance for guests to experience the heart and soul of McLaren Vale and view the “other side of the tasting table”. Their fleet has grown to five vehicles, including accessibility for guests with special needs or wheelchairs. Chook's donate to many local charities and have won several awards.
Hon David Pisoni MP, Minister for Industry and Skills presented Terry "Chook" McCoy and Kerry Mortimer of Chooks Little Winery Tours, with the Minister for Industry and Skills Small Business Award
Prime Super Agricultural Innovation Award
Leighton Wilksch of Paskeville created the Fire Danger Alerting System. He negotiated the collaboration of FDI, Fire Danger Index data from private and public weather stations, collated the Data then communicated through text messages to farmers. This has enabled better understanding of fire risk during the harvest period so informed decisions could be made during high-risk days. In the past 3 years, the Fire Danger alerting system has increased with now over 700 users.
Chris Pole, Regional Manager – South Australia at Prime Super presented Leighton Wilksch with the Prime Super Agricultural Innovation Award.
Prime Super Employer Excellence in Aged Care Award
Pennwood Village of Pennington is a culturally specific aged care approved provider, delivering services to 95 CALD aged people from more than 14 nationalities. With 74 staff, a “person centred care” approach is undertaken and training is provided in the Household Care Sunflower model, as well as Dementia Care and Cultural Leadership. Staff have flexible hours as well as free meals, massages and many other support services. In 2018 Pennwood Village celebrates their 25th anniversary.
Chris Pole, Regional Manager – South Australia at Prime Super presented members of Pennwood Village with the Prime Super Employer Excellence in Aged Care Award.
Ricoh Australia Customer Service Award
Rachel Lawrie of Adelaide is Director and Principal of Ray White North Adelaide. Her core values are to provide the community with a genuine, honest service with morals, ethics and professionalism. During her five years in real estate, Rachel sponsors sporting clubs and charities, and to date has put $300,000 of her earnings back into the community. Rachel’s business growth is a result of good service provision and repeat clients and referrals.
Jonathan Hines, Regional Wholesale Manager South at Ricoh Australia presented Rachel Lawrie with the Ricoh Australia Customer Service Award
Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Rural Community Health and Wellbeing Award
Streaky Bay & District Medical Clinic Inc. Board is a not for profit entity who were formed at the direction of the community to operate the Streaky Bay Medical Practice. To maintain an accredited professional Medical Practice, the Board has employed a Practice Manager, a Practice Nurse and reception staff along with Locum GP’s. The Board have embraced their role and are committed to providing an operational Medical Practice to service the needs of the community.
Lyn Poole, CEO of Rural Doctors Workforce Agency presented members of the Streaky Bay & District Medical Clinic Inc. Board with the Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Rural Community Health and Wellbeing Award
TAFE SA Connecting Communities Award
Tatiara Work Centre Inc. of Bordertown was established in 1968 to promote the use of homegrown produce and homemade products. They provide a welcoming community hub environment which is run solely by members and volunteers. Membership is open to all, young and old. The long-term goal for the Tatiara Work Centre is to evolve with the changing dynamics and demographic makeup. They are looking to the increasing migrant population to embrace diversity and inclusion.
Members of the Tatiara Work Centre Inc were presented with the TAFE SA Connecting Communities Award by Brian Rungie, Executive Director, Education at TAFE SA
Community Choice Award
As voted by the community on Facebook, Peter Tayolor was selected as the Community Choice Award winner for 2018!
Anthony Wight, Content Partnership Manager at the Seven Network presented Peter Taylor with the Community Choice Award (also pictured is Federica of Tanya Powell Models, who volunteered as Stage Assistant for the Gala Dinner event)
2017 Winners of the South Australian Community Achievement Awards
TV ad featuring all the winners, as seen on Channel 7.
2017 Winners with MC of the Gala Dinner event Jessica Adamson, Presenter of 7 News (Weekends) along with Margherita McAuliffe, Sales Executive, Seven Network
Caravan & Camping Industries Association of SA Tourism Award
Blinman Heritage Mine was opened in 2011. It was an initiative of the Blinman Progress Association in a town of only18 permanent residents, to lift the economy of their town and surrounding area. Visitors are transported back to the 1860’s on an hour-long guided underground tour learning about the life of miners and their families. Town members have also been trained to assist with guiding visitors during peak periods.
Michael Griggs, Board Member, Caravan & Camping Industries Association of SA presented Blinman Heritage Mine with the Tourism Award
Carers SA Carer Achievement Award
Christine Flynn of Plympton has cared for two family members disabilities for over 30 years. She served on the Ministerial Advisory Committee for students with disabilities and is the Special Education All Schools Carer Support Group Coordinator. Christine has advocated for cares for many years and lobbied politicians and departmental heads. She was recently appointed to the Disability Justice Plan Advisory Committee for the Attorney Generals Department in South Australia.
David Militz, Chief Executive Officer, Carers SA presented Richard Flynn (representing Christine Flynn) with the Carer Achievement Award
Dementia Australia Dementia Care Excellence Award
Barunga Village of Port Broughton has completed a 12-month pilot to become Australia’s first accredited ‘Butterfly Home’. There is a key belief that ‘feelings matter most’ and the focus is on dementia patient’s emotions and quality of life. The Butterfly model integrates families and removes all institutionalised, task orientated care. People live in houses with others at a similar stage of dementia and staff connect emotionally with each person.
Rajiv Chand, Manager Community Services, Dementia Australia – SA Division presented Barunga Village with the Dementia Care Excellence Award
Flinders Foundation Leadership and Innovation in Health Award
WCYCS Partnership with Mentally Fit Eyre Peninsula of Port Lincoln is a group of women who had a collective vision to flip mental illness on its head; to stop talking about the negative, and up skill people that provide support. Their Mentally Fit EP project focusses on developing capacity and belief that a person can make positive choices to influence their mental wellbeing. They also deliver “Take Charge” FREE workshops.
Ross Verschoor, Head of Development, Flinders Foundation presented WCYCS Partnership with Mentally Fit Eyre Peninsula with the Leadership & Innovation in Health Award
Jones Harley Toole Community Road Safety Award
Tailem Bend Football Club has been promoting road safety awareness programs since 2011. Each year, the Leahy/Kneebone Cup is also held to remember two girls from the River Murray Football League who lost their lives in road accidents. In 2015, the Club was involved in a Motor Accident Commission television advertisement. This year the SA Metropolitan Fire Service Road Awareness Program was presented to the players.
Brenton James, Managing Principal, Jones Harley Toole presented Tailem Bend Football Club with the Community Road Safety Award
Prime Super Agricultural Innovation Award
Caitlin Byrt of Westbourne Park has identified genes in wheat that contribute to salinity tolerance, and that breeding them into the wheat will increase grain yield by 25%. Caitlin developed tools that have been distributed to 18 countries, so plant breeders and farmers can improve the salinity tolerance of local wheat varieties. She has published numerous scientific papers, is invited to speak at international conferences, and has won several research awards.
Chris Pole, Regional Manager – South Australia, Prime Super presented Caitlin Byrt with the Agricultural Innovation Award
Prime Super Employer Excellence in Aged Care Award
Helping Hand Aged Care of Tranmere was established in 1953. They have 1,450 staff and 370 volunteers, annually providing services to 4,200 clients. Helping Hand has introduced a staff App, providing access to training, news, updates and the core streams; My actions, My learning and My wellness. The staff undergo customer service training and culturally appropriate training is also provided to their many migrant workers.
Chris Pole, Regional Manager – South Australia, Prime Super presented Helping Hand Aged Care Inc with the Employer Excellence in Aged Care Award
Ricoh Australia Customer Service Award
Instrument Choice of Dry Creek is an online scientific equipment store. All sales consultants have science degrees and practical scientific experience. CEO, Tyson Grubb has set in-house customer service metric benchmarks and brings learning based videos to meetings to inspire and upskill staff. Beginning from his bedroom, Instrument Choice now has a revenue of $3 million, is listed on the BRW Fast 100 and won an Australian Telstra Business Award.
Jonathan Hines, Regional W/sale Mgr – South, Ricoh Australia presented Tyson Grubb with the Customer Service Award
Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Rural Community Health and Wellbeing Award
The Postnatal Project of Port Lincoln is a not for profit initiative aimed at reducing the stigma of postnatal depression, especially for rural women. The website and blog hosts links to support services and information and tips on supporting someone experiencing PND. Founder and creative Director, Zelma Broadfoot uses her personal story to regularly speak at postnatal classes and has been interviewed and featured in numerous publications.
Lesley Johns, Media and Communications, Rural Doctors Workforce Agency presented The Postnatal Project with the Rural Community Health and Wellbeing Award.
TAFE SA Connecting Communities Award
Ruby’s Advisory Group of Adelaide is a volunteer committee, created in 2016, to give youth input to the youth homelessness sector. All members of the Group have previously been engaged with the Ruby’s Reunification Program. There are four Ruby houses that provide emergency accommodation for homeless youth aged 12 to 18. Youth workers counsel the family over a six month program, to develop communication skills, conflict resolution strategies, and mutual understanding.
Robin Murt, Chief Executive, TAFE SA presented Ruby's Advisory Group with the Connecting Communities Award
2016 Winners
Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Rural Community Health and Wellbeing Award
Waikerie Men’s Shed provides a caring and inclusive environment. They offer a wide range of activities and programs to enhance each member’s self-esteem and improve their physical and mental wellbeing. In addition to volunteer initiatives within the community, the Shed runs health promotion sessions on men’s health issues. Qualified Health professionals provide information on diabetes, depression, blood pressure, cholesterol, cancer, arthritis and dementia. There are 70 members who benefit from the Sheds health promotion and activities.
Gretchen Scinta, Director, Workforce, Rural Doctors Workforce Agency presents Waikerie Men's Shed with the Rural Community Health and Wellbeing Award
Alzheimer’s Australia SA Dementia Care Excellence Award
Eldercare embarked on a Dementia Excellence program in 2013 to change culture from task focused to person centred care to improve wellbeing for people living with dementia. Strategies include comprehensive education, focus groups, Dementia Care Mapping, environmental enrichment, maximum engagement and transformation of the dining experience. Using data collected from Dementia Care Mapping, improvements in wellbeing are shown across the organisation. Staff perceptions and resident outcomes were measured and Family Information Evenings held.
Kathryn Quintel, Chief Executive Officer, Alzheimer's Australia SA presents Eldercare with the Dementia Care Excellence Award
Jones Harley Toole Community Road Safety Award
Encounter Youth of Kings Park developed a road safety strategy in 1999 for school leavers. It’s called the “Schoolies Operation” for the “The Schoolies Festival” which runs over three nights and is alcohol and drug free. 650 volunteers assist at the Festival which offers a free bus service. Encounter Youth also provide Party Safe Education for young people about celebrating safely. Since “Schoolies Operation” began there have been no reported road accidents linked to the region’s school leavers.
Brenton James, Managing Principal, Jones Harley Toole presents Encounter Youth with the Community Road Safety Award
Caravan & Camping Industries Association of SA Tourism Award
Kernewek Lowender Copper Coast Cornish Festival was first held in 1973 to celebrate the Copper Coast region’s significant Cornish heritage. The biannual Festival attracts up to 50,000 people. Activities include Cornish pasties and beer, Cornish music, Maypole and Furry Dancing, a Strongman competition and street procession. 300 volunteers work to stage the event. Visitation figures equate to an $8 million direct economic benefit for the local region and a $30 million flow-on benefit for the State.
David Duncan, Chief Executive Officer, Caravan & Camping Industries Association of SA presents Kernewek Lowender Copper Coast Cornish Festival with the Tourism Award
Prime Super Community Group of the Year Award
MATES in Construction SA of Wayville is a no-cost suicide awareness and prevention program for Australian construction workers. MATES in Construction provides education and training programs, case management, referral to community support and a 24/7 helpline. Volunteer support staff have provided 486 workers with a one-hour General Awareness training and strive to change the culture by making it acceptable to seek help. They were also awarded Best Health and Wellbeing Program by Suicide Prevention Australia.
Chris Pole, Regional Manager – South Australia, Prime Super presents MATES in Construction SA with the community Group of the Year Award
Carers SA Carer Achievement Award
Dr Sharon Lawn of Warradale has since 2002, been caring for her husband who has significant mental illness and psychosocial disability. Sharon is a mother and a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Flinders University and has personally dealt with Post Traumatic Stress and a serious tremor. Working with the Private Mental Health Consumer Care Network, the Australian Borderline Personality Disorder Foundation and the Mental Health Coalition of SA, she advocates for people who experience mental illness and their carers.
Rosemary Warmington AM, Chief Executive Officer, Carers SA presents Dr Sharon Lawn with the Carer Achievement Award
Grandeur Press Sports Award
Kurtis Marschall of Happy Valley represents Australia in pole vaulting and cleared a height of 5.70 metres, 15 centimetres higher than his PB, to win the Mannheim Junior Gala in Germany. This qualified him for the 2016 Olympic Games, where he finished 15th in the Men’s Pole Vault. He was also a Silver Medalist at the IAAF World Junior Championships. Kurtis is the current Australian National Pole Vault Men’s Champion and is ranked number one under-20 pole vaulter in the world.
Gibrian Palmer, Managing Director, Grandeur Press presents Kurtis Marschall with the Sports Award
Prime Super Employer Excellence in Aged Care Award
Boandik Lodge of Mount Gambier is a not-for-profit organisation, with two retirement villages, four residential aged care facilities. The Lodge provides a broad range of community services to 520 clients. They offer staff flexible employment options, and encourage further education. Staff have the opportunity to attend 30 training sessions annually, and the facility has implemented a mentoring program for new staff. Other staff programs include fitness challenges, health checks, peer support and counselling.
Chris Pole, Regional Manager – South Australia, Prime Super presents Boandik Lodge with the Employer Excellence in Aged Care Award
Junction Australia Connecting Communities Award
Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival commenced in 1991 and has become one of South Australia’s leading regional arts festivals. The Festival promotes Penola’s rich literacy and cultural heritage, the fine wines of the Coonawarra and premium regional produce. It features art events, exhibitions, workshops and competitions. Also on offer are food and wine events, music, dance, drama, comedy and operatic performances and historical tours. Run by volunteers, the Festival is attended by 3,000 people each year.
Graham Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Junction Australia presents Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival with the Connecting Communities Award
2015 Winners
All Winners with Mike Smithson, Channel 7 and Hon Susan Close MP Minister for Education and Child Development
Grandeur Press Sports Award
Jamie McInerney of Mount Gambier has defied the odds, to become an athlete, after sustaining a severe brain injury from a horrific car accident at the age of 5. Her fighting determination saw Jamie learn to walk again, slowly recover her speech and develop a passion for athletics. In 2011 she was selected to represent Australia at the International Paralympic Athletics World Championships and she has been named again in the 2016 Rio Paralympics squad. Jamie recently broke a 20 year old discus Australian Open Record.
Hunt & Hunt Lawyers Community Road Safety Award
Whyalla Road Safety Centre has been delivering high quality road safety programs for 38 years. They offer a unique bike education program for primary school children encouraging them to get outside, have fun, travel safely and gain independence and freedom. After a 90-minute lesson, including age appropriate videos, the children are fitted for bikes and helmets and taught how to use them appropriately. On the track they listen to a talk about rules, lights, crossings and general safety. 9 volunteers run the Centre with 1,966 children completing the program last year.
Carers SA Carer Achievement Award
Barry Samuel of Gumeracha has worked tirelessly for the past 22 years to raise awareness of the needs of mental health Carers. Barry and his wife Rhonda are both mental health Carers for two of their sons, and also support their middle son whose partner recently suicided. Barry is a member of Mental Illness Fellowship SA’s Mood Disorders Carers Support Group. He is also a Carer Mentor at the South East Carers Community Respite and Carer Centre and is the Ambassador for “Blue Voices”. Barry has dedicated himself to making the “Carer’s Voice” heard in the broader community
Junction Australia Connecting Communities Award
Milang and District Community Association is a volunteer organisation with 120 hardworking volunteers who run a number of community entities. The Milang Old School House provides a diverse range of programs including emergency assistance, home and community care, community transport and adult education. The Shoreline Community is a social enterprise providing training opportunities for local people and the Lakes Hub supplies environmental information on the Coorong Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth. The Growing Life Connections program brings together 8 community organisations to provide one on one support to vulnerable community members.
Alzheimers Australia SA Dementia Care Excellence Award
Careship Coorong demonstrates the benefits of care farming for people with dementia, using a working farm as an alternative care model. They promote care farming through presentations and workshops, raising awareness of people living with dementia. Run by volunteers and funded by grants and community funding, the free-range snail farm was the first true care farm. The current 15 participants mostly live alone and are isolated from their community. They now find themselves valuable contributors to the farm and take pride in their cooking and sharing forgotten knowledge.
Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Rural Community Health and Wellbeing Award
Kristina Alexander of Robe is a founding member of the Robe Surf Life Saving Club and continues as a patrolling lifesaver, volunteer and President. Establishing the “Robe Surf Life Saving Committee” last year, Kristina gained a successful grant application from Clubs SA for surf live saving equipment and sought donations of used equipment from other surf lifesaving clubs. She is currently working towards a permanent premises for the Club. On top of this, Kristina looks after her own family, a hairdressing business and is a Councillor with the District of Robe Council.
Prime Super Community Group of the Year Award
Seeds of Affinity - Pathways for Women of Croydon offers support and education to women who have been in prison. The program offers peer teaching, with an emphasis on raising self-esteem, self-worth and confidence. Women learn social interaction, teamwork, cooking, computer skills, gardening and baking. Seeds of Affinity also manufacture their own range of toiletries with profits going back in to the program. Last year, they launched a booklet called Captive Minds – Truth Behind Bars, Realities of Women’s Imprisonment in South Australia, which has sold 700 copies to date.
2014 Winners
2014 Winners with MC Mike Smithson (Channel 7) and the Honourable Zoe Bettison MP, Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion.
ALZHEIMER’S AUSTRALIA SOUTH AUSTRALIA DEMENTIA CARE EXCELLENCE AWARD
BARUNGA VILLAGE of Port Broughton is passionate about supporting people with and affected by dementia, providing care for those in their purpose built dementia care unit as well as clients in their own homes. Their belief that life does not stop when dementia starts, is evident in their education of staff and by providing a lifestyle of choice for clients. In 2011, after 10 years of fundraising, they opened “Gloria’s Coffee Shop” for clients and their families who are unable to go out to the shops. Barunga Village also has their own residential choir made up of residents who are invited to sing at numerous community events.
The Barunga Village team with Kathryn Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer at Alzheimer's Australia South Australia
ANGOVE FAMILY WINEMAKERS SMALL BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
RAINBOW FRESH of Lewiston is a family owned business specialising in growing and producing gourmet lettuces. The Giangregoria family grow and process their products on site and sell to both retail and in bulk. Over the past 12 months they have undertaken numerous new marketing initiatives and have a strong community presence, sponsoring and participating in a number of community events. Rainbow Fresh is known as the market leaders for packaged salads in Independent Supermarkets throughout South Australia.
Alex Wilkinson, Area Manager at Angove Family Winemakers, presenting the Small Business Achievement Award to Joe and Antoinette Giangregorio of Rainbow Fresh.
CARERS SA CARER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
JOY WHITEHORN of Fulham has endured a long journey to become a strong and successful advocate for patients and their carer’s. Joy cared for and supported her husband Basil in their home for 10 years before he was moved to a residential care facility in 2013. Her advocacy efforts include lobbying and challenging politicians, governments, healthcare services and aged care residential facilities. She undertakes guest speaker engagements, established a carer’s support group and is Consumer Advocate Representative for the Older People Clinical Network.
Joy Whitehorn is presented with the Carer Achievement Award by Rosemary Warmington AM, Chief Executive Officer at Carers SA.
GRANDEUR AND KOOKABURRA PRESS SPORTS AWARD
ELIZABETH SOBECKI of Lobethal was diagnosed with MS at the age of 15. However her passion for riding has helped to overcome numerous hardships, and her dedication has led to selection in the Australian Para Equestrian Squad. Ranked number two in Australia with her horse “Harry”, Elizabeth competed at the World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France, helping Australia to qualify for the 2016 Paralympic games. In between a demanding training schedule, she is Ambassador of the MS Society and also volunteers for numerous other charities and community groups.
Gibrian Palmer of Grandeur Press and Kookaburra Press with Elizabeth Sobecki, winner of the Sports Award.
HAIGH’S CHOCOLATES VOLUNTEERING AWARD
EMMA HALE of Plympton Park promotes ‘get involved’ and ‘make a difference’ behaviour in everything she pursues both personally and professionally. She has been committed to volunteer causes for over ten years and has undertaken a number of roles in her local community including graffiti removal, running a Clean Up Australia Day site and organising a Neighbour Day morning. Emma takes great pride and ownership of her local community and her passion inspires others to get involved. Emma also volunteers with the YWCA Adelaide, the SHE Leads program, The Smith Family, Neighbourhood Watch and DonateLife.org.
Fiona Krawczyk, Marketing Manager at Haigh's Chocolates with Volunteering Award winner Emma Hale.
HUNT & HUNT LAWYERS COMMUNITY ROAD SAFETY AWARD
ELI MURN of Park Holme grasps every opportunity to share his story with young people, after suffering a brain injury as a result of losing control of his car in 2004. Eli speaks to thousands of high school students each year through a number of community groups across Adelaide and regional South Australia. He strives to teach young people about the importance of road safety and how one single decision or choice can impact your entire life. Eli is a strong advocate for road safety and volunteers his time with the Brain Injury Network of South Australia.
Winner of the Community Road Safety Award Eli Murn with Brenton James, Managing Partner at Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
PRIME SUPER COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR AWARD
BIL/ACE of Keith consists of a group of students who run the Keith Community Cinema. The Boys in Leadership group started 10 years ago in response to concerns that there were few young men in leadership in the Keith Area. BIL/ACE has since expanded to include young women and the Active Community Electives project included all young people in year 10 and above. BIL/ACE supports local young people and helps to develop self-esteem, whilst building skills and creating opportunities for them within the community. The group consists of 20 members who meet regularly during their lunch breaks at Keith Area School to organise the movie screenings. The group coordinates all aspects of these movie events from start to finish, and the movie screenings have become a popular weekend activity for the whole community.
The members of BIL/ACE, presented with the Community Group of the Year Award by Rod Stewart of Prime Super.
RURAL DOCTORS WORKFORCE AGENCY RURAL COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLBEING AWARD
CEDUNA YOUTH HUB aims to improve resilience and create opportunities for young people by encouraging personal growth and a positive community connection. The Youth Hub is the only dedicated youth service in Ceduna. It provides structured programs such as a Drop in Service, Literacy and Numeracy Program, a Complete Personnel and Remote Jobs and Communities Program, a weekly Gym Program and School Holiday Activities. 1,424 participants attended the Hub last financial year with numerous programs for Aboriginal Youth offered.
Peter Jericho of the Ceduna Youth Hub, presented with the Rural Communty Health and Wellbeing Award by Fran Lovell, Director GP Services, Rural Doctors Workforce Agency.
2013 COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS
RURAL DOCTORS WORKFORCE AGENCY RURAL COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLBEING AWARD
JENNIFER FARNDEN of Myponga has been a carer to her husband, Michael, since 2008 after he was critically injured in a head-on motor vehicle accident with a kangaroo. Michael suffered complex injuries including severe traumatic brain injury. Jennifer founded and manages the Families4Families Acquired Brain Injury Network. The Network provides information, support activities, online resources and telephone advice. Jennifer is a key research team member and provides advocacy and support to families across the state.
HAIGH’S CHOCOLATES CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
STEVEN CAMERON of Mile End has made significant contributions to the field of early childhood education. At 28, he was the youngest winner of the Australian Early Childhood Service Director of the Year. This year Steven was awarded the Inspirational Teaching Award for Leadership. Steven started a Facebook based professional network for early childhood teachers and has over 4,200 followers. He recently travelled to England and Scotland to work in the Nature Kindergartens and is making a documentary on the kindergartens.
HUNT & HUNT LAWYERS COMMUNITY ROAD SAFETY
BARUNGA WEST COMMUNITY ROAD SAFETY GROUP formed in 2000. Their diverse group of volunteers range in age from 21 to 70, and contribute many hours improving road safety. Developing promotional and informative activities and programs, the groups’ aims are to promote positive community road safety messages, increase driver awareness and reduce the number of crashes. The group recently secured $2,500 funding to run a driver awareness course for L and P plate drivers.
SA POWER NETWORKS LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION AWARD
MARGARET BUTTON of Minlaton has been a volunteer leader and Secretary of the Minlaton Scout’s Cub Group for 40 years. She was a Volunteer Teachers Aid with special needs students before the position became a part time paid role, which she held for 20 years. Margaret has served 5 terms as President of the Lioness Club and has been on the Progress Association Committee since inception. She is Secretary of the Minlaton Hostel for the Aged and received her 25 year Volunteer Ambulance Officer Service Award this year.
MEDIBANK COMMUNITY HEALTHY PARTICIPATION AWARD
ORROROO COMMUNITY GYM opened in 2007 and is located adjacent to the Town Hall on the main street. The not for profit invaluable community resource is supported by a volunteer committee consisting of members from Orroroo Carrieton District Council, sporting organisations, community members and volunteers. A fully catered modern gym and a range of health and wellbeing and fitness groups with qualified paid and volunteer leaders support community members between 6am and 9pm daily.
CARERS SA CARER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
MARCIA JOHNSON TIMM of Eden Valley cared for her husband Bill who suffered from Bipolar Disorder for 28 years. At times the condition was so severe, Marcia had to call the police for assistance. A few years ago Bill was diagnosed with cancer and passed away in 2011. Marcia became a member of The Mental Illness Fellowship of SA and regularly corresponds with members. She has received numerous awards for her support of other carers including an Australia Day Award for her local work reducing stigma for the mentally ill.
FIVESTAR PRINT ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY AWARD
ECO BUMS THE CLOTH NAPPY LIBRARY of Torrensville brought the very first Cloth Nappy Library to SA in 2011. The library gives families the opportunity to try cloth nappies before they decide if they want to buy them. The Eco Bums Program has seen the rate of disposable nappies in waste bins in the Port Adelaide Enfield region alone drop from 6.3% in 2011, to 5.2% in 2013. Since inception, Eco Bums has partnered with 5 local councils, KESAB and recently with Zero Waste SA to deliver the program state-wide.
PRIME SUPER COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR AWARD
HATS INC (HERITAGE ARTS AND TRADITIONS) of Auburn is about preserving, fostering, promoting and developing the living cultural traditions of our diverse Australian communities. It aims to enhance public awareness of the value of cultural traditions. HATS established and operates The Courthouse Cultural Centre, transforming a heritage listed building into a thriving centre for arts performance and activity, the first in the Clare Valley. HATS was established in 2011 and has delivered over 80 events and attracted 7,000 people.
2012
BAULDERSTONE COMMUNITY SERVICE AND VOLUNTEERING AWARD
NOUHA JABER of Adelaide has been a member of the South Australian Lebanese Women’s Association for 25 years, currently as Chairperson. She works tirelessly for the Arabic speaking people, finding them work and organising regular social gatherings. She holds English classes and arranges home maintenance and food for the elderly. Nouha helped organise the “Health in a Multicultural Salad Bowl” program, bringing between 30 and 60 people from different communities together for one day each month.
*L-R Nouha Jaber presented by Melanie Rowe, Baulderstone
HUNT & HUNT LAWYERS COMMUNITY ROAD SAFETY AWARD
SERGEANT ROB HARDING of Amata was the first Sergeant in charge of the Police Station which opened in January 2010. He was greatly concerned about the number of road crashes. He set about helping local indigenous people to improve driving experience and road safety and to obtain drivers licenses. Rob initiated strategies to work with the community and the school by conducting driver education programs, and obtained a “computer driving simulator”. As a direct result, 25 students and 10 adults have obtained their learners permit.
*L-R Sergeant Rob Harding presented by Brenton James, Hunt and Hunt Lawyers
HAIGH’S CHOCOLATES CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
DR STEVE BROWN of Brompton is a world recognised leader in the academic field of event management. In 1999 Steve was responsible for creating the undergraduate and postgraduate festival and event design and management programs. He is currently Head of Tourism at Flinders University and is a Founding Director of the International Event Studies Academy. Steve has either helped establish, or has worked on many long standing events such as the Adelaide Festival, Barossa Under the Stars and WOMADelaide.
*L-R Alister Haigh, Haigh’s Chocolates presents Dr Steve Brown
RURAL DOCTORS WORKFORCE AGENCY RURAL COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLBEING AWARD
DR JAMES MUECKE of Norwood is an eye surgeon with a special interest in blindness prevention and ophthalmic research and education. James has worked in many third world countries and is Founder of Sight For All. He commits over 20 voluntary hours each week to the organisation which is committed to fighting avoidable blindness in the developing world and particularly in Aboriginal communities. James works closely with the Aboriginal Health Council of SA and a number of personalities on initiatives to highlight eye disease.
*L-R Dr James Muecke presented by Lyn Poole, Rural Doctors Workforce Agency
SA POWER NETWORKS LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION AWARD
KEYVAN ABAK of Glengowrie came to Australia as a 14 year old refugee. He now has a Bachelor of Social Work and Masters in Mediation and Conflict Management. Keyvan worked with Families SA mentoring newly arrived young refugees. He moved to Marion Youth Centre with the Department of Health, working with Refugees, Indigenous and other young people. Here he developed a program called the African and Middle Eastern Young Peoples Program. Keyvan is a PhD Candidate at Flinders Uni.
*L-R Kylie Kerrigan, SA Power Networks presents Keyvan Abak
NOVA SYSTEMS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AWARD
PROF TANYA MONRO of Urrbrae is an ARC Federation Fellow and Director of the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing at Adelaide Uni. She is also a Fellow of Australian Academy of Science, and Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and a member of the Premier’s Science and Industry Council. She is one of Australia’s leading physicists and has published 440 papers and raised over $72million for research. Her research focuses on creating disruptive photonic sensing technologies.
*L-R Dr Edward Johnstone presents Prof Tanya Monro
FIVESTAR PRINT ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY AWARD
GOOLWA TO WELLINGTON LOCAL ACTION PLANNING ASSOCIATION is a community organisation, incorporated in 1998. It employs 10 staff and covers 265,000 hectares. 12 schools and numerous groups have been involved in ground works projects, field trips and classroom training this year. 416km of fencing has been erected around remnant vegetation, 3,632 hectares have been re-vegetated and the threat of weeds and rabbits reduced on 3,000 hectares of land.
*L-R Tony Randall representative from Goolwa to Wellington Local Action Planning Association is presented by Trevor Bailey, Fivestar Print
MEDIBANK COMMUNITY HEALTHY PARTICIPATION AWARD
MID MURRAY COUNCIL has implemented a wide range of healthy living programs and strategies. The council sourced over $1.7million in funding to address childhood and adult obesity. The “Healthy Murraylands” and “OPAL” health and well being programs have been integrated with other Council initiatives. The strategies have also been introduced for Council staff. Numerous community based physical activities have been introduced including a 5km fun run which attracted 200 participants.
*L-R Cr Dave Burgess, Mayor, Mid Murray Council is presented by Chris Jones, Medibank
T&R PASTORAL PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND AGRICULTURE AWARD
FLEURIEU MILK COMPANY of Myponga was established in 2003, when three dairy farming families joined together in an effort to survive the low farmgate market price for milk. After much research, planning and compliance they set up their own pasteurisation and bottling facility. The company sells milk, cream and yoghurt and employ local staff. A joint venture with Monjava Coffee has created the perfect Iced Coffee and Chocolate Milk. They also support the “Little Heroes Foundation” from sales of their products.
*L-R Geoff Hutchinson, Fleurieu Milk Company is presented by Elena Fulga, T & R Pastoral
PRIME SUPER COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR AWARD
ELIZABETH RIDERS COMMITTEE started in 2008 and consists of 20 volunteers aged between 12 and 25. They undertake leadership, events management and advocacy training. With the support of the City of Playford and Anglicare, they have organised skate competitions for over 2,000 young people, and run the biggest skate competition in SA. The committee run BMX, scooter and skateboard workshops including maintenance skills for young people across the State. They advocate healthy eating and rider safety.
*L-R Stephen Pratt, Prime Super presents representatives from Elizabeth Riders Committee
2011
2011 Community Achievement Awards Winners
with Mike Smithson, Channel 7
BlueScope Leadership and Innovation Award
JILL CHAPMAN of Kilkenny lost her son to suicide ten years ago. She now devotes her time to providing support for other people who have lost a loved one through suicide and for those who are at risk. Jill's most recent initiative is the Minimisation of Suicide Harm or "MOSH" House in Thebarton. It is a not-for-profit, self-funded, volunteer-run organisation that provides a safe and supportive environment. Jill has run many suicide programs over the years and played a pivotal role in planning two National Suicide Post-vention conferences. She is currently studying counselling at a post graduate level.
*L-R Chris Hargreaves from BlueScope presents Jill Chapman
Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Rural Community Health and Wellbeing Award
DR. JOHN ASHFIELD PhD of Clare is a rural community health educator, psychotherapist and men's health expert. John was Principal Mental Health Consultant for Country Health SA for a period from 2006 designing and managing programs to promote and improve rural mental health literacy and services. He is author of 6 highly acclaimed mental health books. More than one million copies of his invaluable resource book "Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family" have been distributed Australia-wide by Beyondblue free of charge. John is currently involved with the Mid North Division of Rural Medicine focused on suicide prevention.
*Rick Brandon from Rural Doctors Workforce Agency presents Dr. John Ashfield's representative
Fivestar Print Environment and Sustainability Award
ROGER AND RAELENE SCHMITKE of Waikerie have spent many years volunteering. They are members of the Riverland West Local Action Planning Association. Roger was elected Chairman last year. They are actively involved with the Hart Lagoon Wetland Group, Regent Parrot Recovery Team, Calperum Station and local schools, particularly the Waikerie Primary School Youth Environment Team. They have completed 4kms of bollarding to protect floodplain from vehicle access, planted thousands of trees, undertaken mapping and removed countless weeds.
*Arthur Manser, Rotary International presents Roger and Raelene Schmitke
2010
2010 Community Achievement Awards Winners
with Graeme Gilbertson, General Manager, Channel 9
BlueScope Distribution Leadership and Innovation Award
AARON MACHADO of Port Adelaide is founder of the Australian Marine Research and Rescue Organisation. He set up an all-hours emergency service in 2003 at his facility on Torrens Island. A phone call will ensure prompt rescue of distressed or injured marine wildlife that are rehabilitated at the facility. Aaron has mortgaged his house to fund the organisation. He is sponsored by AGL and is heavily reliant upon his 500 volunteers for fundraising and help to run the rescue facility.
*L-R Andrew Mills, BlueScope Distribution presents Aaron Machado
Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Rural Community Health and Wellbeing Award
BARBARA KELLER of Tintinara has passionately dedicated herself as a Volunteer Ambulance Officer for 27 years. She has completed many emergency care certificates to ensure her competence and has held numerous positions within St John Ambulance and SA Ambulance Service, including Volunteer Team Leader for the Tintinara Team. Barb dedicates 100 hours each week to the SA Ambulance Service providing 24/7 emergency medical care.
*L-R Barbara Keller being presented by Lyn Poole, Rural Doctors Workforce Agency
Fivestar Print Environment and Sustainability Award
ARNO BAY ESTUARY GROUP was formed in 1996. Members have donated 9,000 voluntary hours to build an extensive boardwalk, walkways and jetties covering 1.4kms, to maintain and protect the unique pristine coastal and estuarine areas. Arno Bay has a population of 250 active and environmentally aware residents. The Estuary Group have provided access to and encourage visitors to come and learn about its value and importance.
*Arno Bay Estuary Group presented by Chloe Ford (far right)
Fasta Pasta Career Achievement Award
SUE AND SEAN DELANEY of Norton Summit established Sinclair's Gully 13 years ago when they purchased a 26 acre property. Sinclair's Gully, is a family run wine and ecotourism business, offering guests a number of sustainable wine and nature based experiences including guided spring wildflower walks and summer twilight tastings. They have won numerous Landcare and Tourism Awards for their business and conservation practices.
*L-R Sue and Sean Delaney presented by Jessica Whitaker, Fasta Pasta
Angove Family Winemakers Primary Industries and Agricultural Award
MAYURA STATION of Mount Gambier imported its first live full-blood Wagyu cattle from Japan in 1998. The vision was to produce and market highly consistent, premium quality Wagyu beef. The product is a conception to consumption exercise. Mayura Station breeds the offspring used in its beef production program. They raise the cattle on the 6,000 acre property, grow grain and fodder, control the packaging program and market their quality produce across Australia and to other parts of the world.
*Mayura Station representatives are presented by Ron Howard, Angove Family Winemakers (second from right)
Kleenheat Gas Volunteering Award
LYNN SCHMAAL of Loxton has actively participated on more than 24 committees. She takes on roles such as coach, umpire, kitchen hand, committee member, coordinator, convenor, founding member, publicity officer, treasurer and secretary. Her enthusiasm, support and dedication is evident in her willingness to lend a hand and help out anyone in need. Lynn has committed countless hours to the organisations and events she is involved in and is a driving force in the community.
*L-R Lynn Schmall being presented by Martin Caldwell, Kleenheat Gas
Take Care Community of the Year Award
RAJAH STREET RESERVE PROJECT of Oaklands Park is a City of Marion Community Capacity building initiative that involves a Resident Advisory Group, government and NGO service providers. Since 2006 they have been developing programs that build social capital, increase community resilience and develop leadership within the community. Improved health, wellbeing, safety, sense of place and identity, cultural awareness and ownership are successful outcomes.
*Rajah Street Reserve Project being presented by Samer Haifawi, Parmalat