Coorong Celebrates Australia Day Winners
Australia Day honours will take place across the 2024 Australia Day long weekend with the Coorong district’s standout citizens and community groups being celebrated.
Coorong District Council’s 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 2024 Australia Day Award recipients for their dedication to their communities,” Mayor Simmons says.
Heather Wait, Sandy Przibilla, and Malcolm Day have been recognised as Citizens of the Year in Jabuk, Tailem Bend and Meningie – these worthy recipients will be congratulated and celebrated for their outstanding efforts and making a positive difference in their communities in January 2024.
In the Community Project of the Year category, the district’s Suicide Prevention Network – Coorong Conversations Matter was recognised as a deserving winner. The group’s community-driven Sunflower project has been recognised as Community Project of the Year.
The Tailem Bend Rotary Club - 40 years for Tailem Bend Music Hall has been awarded the Mayor’s Commendation, recognising the impact this long running event has had on many members of the community.
The Australia Day Awards are proudly presented by the Australia Day Council of South Australia in partnership with Coorong District Council.
In 2024, two Coorong Australia Day events will be held on Friday, 26th January honouring the 2024 Citizens of the Year at Tailem Bend and Peake. Meningie’s Australia Day celebrations will be held on Saturday, 27th January 2024.
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 – Jabuk: Heather Wait
A much-admired member of the Jabuk, Peake, Coomandook and surrounding communities, Heather has been actively involved in her community for over 40 years. After moving to the Mallee as a teenager, Heather quickly established herself as a friendly, helpful, enthusiastic, and productive community member. Through her volunteering efforts, Heather has contributed over 20 years of commitment to the Jabuk Community Hall Association Inc. and over 20 years to the Peake and District Netball Club as a role model, coach and mentor to many generations of young women throughout the district. Heather is recognised as a cherished member of her community who continues to advocate for the community’s needs to ensure services and facilities are maintained.
Citizen of the Year – Tailem Bend: Sandy Przibilla
As a previous recipient of the 2011 Citizen of the Year award, Sandy has a long history of volunteer work within the Tailem Bend community and many of the local community and service groups. Sandy’s 2024 Citizen of the Year award recognises her significant contribution to the Tailem Bend RSL for the recently completed mural in the RSL’s Memorial Room. The “room size” and accurate depictions of a warship and submarine were meticulously hand-painted, taking three months to complete. Sandy’s award recognises her significant contribution to this project.
Citizen of the Year – Meningie: Malcolm Day
Malcolm has dedicated many years to his community during his working years in the Coomandook area, and in retirement within the Meningie community. Men’s mental health is important to Malcolm and is demonstrated through his efforts to bring the male members of the town together to take part in the Coorong Mechanical and Restoration Club, Meningie Men’s Club and monthly men’s luncheons. Malcolm also volunteers his time gardening throughout Meningie and can often be spotted tending to the Meningie Lions Jubilee Park’s rose garden, mowing road verges or the grounds of one of the many community and sporting clubs. Malcolm’s award recognises his continuous contributions to the community.
Mayor’s Commendation:
This year the Mayor has recognised the Tailem Bend Rotary Club’s contribution to the community for delivering 40 years of the Tailem Bend Music Hall. Having entertained residents and visitors to Tailem Bend for the past 40 years, Tailem Bend Music Hall has provided an opportunity for many in the community (young and old) to take part in the show, learn about theatre and develop their skills. Following Tailem Bend Music Hall’s final performance being held in August 2023, the Mayor’s Commendation recognises and acknowledges the dedication, planning and efforts required each year by the Tailem Bend Rotary Club volunteers to bring the show to life.