Port Augusta residents came out to enjoy the 2021 Australia Day breakfast celebrations in Gladstone Square for the 39th annual morning ceremony, which was organised by the Lions Club and sponsored by Port Augusta City Council.

Australia Day Ambassador Mrs Vicky Welgraven an Advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing, was part of the 2021 ceremony, along with Member for Stuart Dan van Holst Pellekaan MP.

Mr Kevin Whenan was announced in the 'Australia Day Honours' by the Governor-General as the recipient of the Australian Corrections Medal.

Chris Nayda received the top honour – Australia Day Citizen of the Year.

Chris is an avid supporter and life member of the Friends of the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden. At the garden Chris modifies and adapts tours and has been a tour guide for the past 24 years. She is also involved in other activities and groups within Port Augusta such as the Quilters Club. Chris enjoys her volunteering work in a quiet unassuming way and to a very high standard.

Mayor Brett Benbow stated “Chris Nayda is a very deserving recipient as Port Augusta Citizen of the Year. Chris has Port Augusta at heart, promotes her town and facilities and donates endless hours of her time supporting the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden.”

Perri Harvey and Mia Smith were named dual recipients of the Young Citizen of the Year for Port Augusta.

Perri volunteered for an incredibly challenging deployment as part of the Commonwealth Government Covid-19 Victorian Aged Care Response. Perri and her team provided compassionate care and treatment in aged care facilities. The team was commended for their work and implemented new infection control processes.

Mia is commended for her leadership and responsibilities within both the Port Augusta Scout Group, World Scout Jamboree and Australian Jamboree. She is also been credited for her volunteer work for Clean Up Australia Day, McHappy Day, rubbish clean up at the Races and helping the Salvation Army, Lions Club and Headspace. Mia is also a great ambassador through her travel and is involved in many sports.

Mayor Brett Benbow stated “It is wonderful to see young people making a difference and contributing to Port Augusta and wider communities. Congratulations are extended to both Perri and Mia.”

The Western Districts FC (Kangaroo Island) Bushfire Recovery event was awarded the Community Event of the Year.

South Augusta Football Club are commended for leading the way as a community minded club, supporting many causes and fundraisers. The Club is credited for their Bushfire Recovery fundraiser which raised significant funds to support the KI Western Districts Football Club which had extensive damage to their football/netball/cricket facilities.

Mayor Brett Benbow stated “I appreciate and congratulate South Augusta Football Club for raising money for another regional football club and offering them fundraising dollars towards their bushfire recovery. This act and gesture shows immense compassion and support.”

Council would like to acknowledge the following nominees of the Port Augusta Australia Day awards, who will receive formal notification and also thanking them for their contribution to the community:

• Nancy Palmer, Kate Fitzgerald and Cherrie Glasson for Citizen of the Year
• Grace Spencer for Young Citizen of the Year
• Anderson Dancers 2020 Pantomime ‘Santa’s Toyland’ for Community Event of the Year.

The Australia Day ceremony also included annual traditions, such as the raising of the Australian flag by the local Army Cadet Unit, the cutting of Australia Day Birthday cake and an Australian Citizenship Ceremony welcoming eight new citizens. This year also saw the inaugural thong tossing competition.

For further information please contact Council’s Media and Communications Officer on (08) 86419100

BRETT BENBOW
MAYOR PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL
26/01/2021