Coorong Celebrates 2023 Australia Day Winners
Australia Day honours will take place across the Coorong on 26th January 2023 as the district’s standout citizens and community groups are celebrated.
Mayor Paul Simmons said this year’s awards recognise the district’s own heroes who have their communities’ best interests at heart.
“It is an honour and a pleasure to celebrate and say ‘thank you’ to the 2023 Australia Day Award recipients for their dedication to their communities,” Mayor Simmons says.
Roger Poole, Lisa Fatchen, Rob Lawson and Brian Lloyd have been recognised as Citizens of the Year in Sherlock, Tintinara, Meningie and Tailem Bend - congratulations to these worthy recipients for their outstanding efforts and making a positive difference in their communities!
The Meningie, Border Downs Tintinara, and Peake & District Football and Netball Clubs have been awarded the Mayor’s Commendation, recognising the contributions these clubs have made to the community and acknowledging the efforts required for the clubs to undertake recent mergers. The award also recognises the clubs’ efforts and contributions to building long term sustainability and resilience amongst our sporting clubs.
The Australia Day Awards are proudly presented by the Australia Day Council of South Australia in partnership with the Coorong District Council.
In 2023, three Australia Day events will be held on 26th January 2023 honouring the 2023 Citizens of the Year at Tailem Bend, Tintinara and Sherlock. Meningie’s Australia Day celebrations will be held on Saturday, 28th January 2023.
The community are encouraged to join in the festivities and celebrate their own outstanding citizens. Event details will be finalised over the coming weeks and promoted across the district.
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Contact:
Bridget Mather
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | COORONG DISTRICT COUNCIL
Phone: 1300 785 277 | E: bmather@coorong.sa.gov.au
A bit about the winners …
Citizen of the Year – Meningie: Rob Lawson
A resident of Meningie and long-time supporter of many Meningie community groups and clubs, Rob has been recognised for selflessly volunteering his time to the Meningie Football Club and Meningie CFS. Rob’s commitment has seen him recognised and receiving a Merit Award by the SANFL in 2022 for his long and valuable service to Australian Football.
Citizen of the Year – Tailem Bend: Brian Lloyd
Brian’s voluntary commitment to Tailem Bend and its various clubs has been recognised by his community as an extraordinary achievement. Brian has contributed hundreds of hours to the Tailem Bend Football Club, Auto Club, Cricket Club, Community Centre and much more. Brian’s award recognises him for his continuous contributions to the community.
Citizen of the Year – Tintinara: Lisa Fatchen
A resident of Tintinara, Lisa has been recognised for her tireless contribution to the community and the various clubs she is involved in. A passionate local, Lis has strong aspirations to see the district become a great place to live, work and play. A mother to four children as well as a foster parent, Lisa is a leader and strives for change. She is recognised for putting her heart and soul into everything she approaches, with the Tintinara Community Garden being the latest project to be driven by Lisa.
Citizen of the Year – Sherlock: Roger Poole
Roger’s lifelong dedication to Sherlock and its surrounding communities has seen many years of involvement by Roger with the Sherlock Community Centre, Peake Football Club and Peake Baptist Church. Through his volunteering, Roger has demonstrated genuine leadership and provided inspiration for future generations. Roger is recognised by his community as an unsung hero, and never one to seek accolades.
Mayor’s Commendation:
This year the Mayor has recognised three of the district’s Sporting Clubs for their ongoing commitment to long term sustainability and resilience in a time when communities and volunteers are declining. Peake & District, Meningie, and the Border Downs Tintinara Football and Netball Clubs have endured recent challenges around ongoing sustainability.
The 2023 Mayor’s Commendation recognises and acknowledges the efforts and undertakings required to ensure long term sustainability of sporting clubs across the district. Planning and execution of recent mergers were undertaken with much emotion, and yet in true country fashion our communities have pulled though to ensure that our sporting communities remain strong, and our youth are provided the opportunities to continue to play in their local league.