Media Release - Coorong 2025 Citizen of the Year Awards
The Coorong district’s standout citizens and community groups will be celebrated at the Citizen of the Year Award ceremonies being held on the 2025 Australia Day long weekend.
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 2025 Australia Day Award recipients for their dedication to their communities,” Mayor Simmons says.
Louise Sanders, Stephen Starling, Jeffrey Wright and Raelene Varga have been recognised as Citizens of the Year in Narrung, Meningie, and Tailem Bend – these worthy recipients will be congratulated and celebrated for their outstanding efforts and making a positive difference in their communities in January 2025.
In the Community Project of the Year category, the Tailem Bend Community Centre’s Enchanted Encounter was recognised as a deserving winner. The project demonstrated initiative to accessibly spread festive cheer, connect communities and create lasting memories.
In the Community Event of the Year category, the Coorong Health Service Health Advisory Council’s Meningie and District's Memorial Hospital 55th Anniversary was recognised as a deserving winner. The event demonstrated a commitment to increasing social connections and celebrating the continued commitment to improved health and wellbeing in the district.
The Citizen of the Year awards are proudly presented by the Australia Day Council of South Australia in partnership with Coorong District Council.
In 2025, two Coorong celebratory events will be held:
- Saturday, 25 January 2025 – Meningie’s Australia Day Morning Tea Celebration at the Meningie Lions Jubilee Park, 9:30am
(celebrating Louise Sanders, Stephen Starling, Jeffrey Wright and the Meningie & District’s Memorial Hospital 55th Anniversary) - Sunday, 26 January 2025 – Tailem Bend’s Australia Day Celebration & Brunch at the Tailem Bend Town Hall (start time TBA)
(celebrating Raelene Varga and the Tailem Bend Community Centre’s Enchanted Encounter)
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.
- ENDS -
Contact:
Bridget Mather
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | COORONG DISTRICT COUNCIL
Phone: 1300 785 277 | E: bmather@coorong.sa.gov.au
A bit about the winners …
Dual Citizen of the Year - Meningie: Stephen Starling & Jeffrey Wright
Stephen and Jeffrey are recognised by their community for their valuable contributions with the Meningie Sailing Club, Meningie RSL and Meningie Uniting Church. Both gentlemen are heavily involved in their community and can always be found at a community event assisting with microphones and speakers. For over 35 years Stephen and Jeffrey have volunteered at the Meningie Sailing Club, long after their own children had progressed through the club. For many decades students at the Meningie Area School have benefited greatly from their joint efforts of generosity, skills and time for sailing activities both during and after school.
Citizen of the Year - Narrung: Louise Sanders
Louise has dedicated many years to the communities of Meningie, Narrung and surrounds for over 40 years. Lousie has been an active contributor to community organisations that include her local Country Fire Service, a variety of local sporting clubs, the Narrung Hall and Progress Association and even the local thrift store, Second Time Round, raising funds for the local hospital. Louise was a member of the implementation committee for the Coorong Cats when the Meningie Football Club and Border Downs Tintinara Football Club merged in 2023 where it was crucial to instil a healthy and positive culture within the club. Lousie is recognised as a person who has a kind and bubbly personality, and who can be relied upon to get the job done for her community.
Citizen of the Year - Tailem Bend: Raelene Varga
Tailem Bend’s community have recognised Raelene for being the kind of person who does something because she wants to, not because she has been asked. Raelene has participated in many organisations and positions in the Tailem Bend community, including the much-loved Tailem Bend Music Hall since as early as 1998 until its final event in 2023, providing entertainment for generations where she had risen through the ranks to the role of assistant director. The Tailem Bend RSL’s bar and facilities are kept well stocked and clean, events and activities well planned, and guests are always made to feel welcome thanks to Raelene’s commitment to the organisation. She also assists with the delivery of Tailem Topics, the Tailem Bend Football Club, the Friends of the Tailem Bend Hospital, and is often spotted picking up rubbish while on her morning walk. Raelene is one of those people who knows everyone, and everyone knows Raelene – but most people only see a tiny part of the things she does for the town she is very proud of.
Community Project of the Year: Enchanted Encounter by the Tailem Bend Community Centre
The Enchanted Encounter was designed to bring joy, connection, and festive cheer to the entire community in the lead up to Christmas in 2023. Using low or no-cost resources, the Communities for Children team created a magical and memorable experience for individuals of all ages, including children, families, and the elderly, with a focus on making the season special for disadvantaged children and their families. The Enchanted Experience was attended by over 600 members of the community who were able to experience a free event that prioritised experiences and lasting memories over material gifts while bringing people together during the holiday season to create lasting, joyful memories.
Community Event of the Year: Meningie and District's Memorial Hospital 55th Anniversary
Opened in 1969, the Meningie and District's Memorial Hospital has been caring for the community of Meningie and surrounding area for 55 years. In 2024 the Coorong Health Service Health Advisory Council planned an event to celebrate 55 years of health service provided to the community and to thank the Meningie Hospital Auxiliary who have worked tirelessly to raise much needed funds for the hospital. The celebration attracted locals, past and current residents and staff of the Meningie area to celebrate while also sharing the history and development of the hospital over its 55 years.
