Celebrating Australia Day 2020
Smiling locals came out to enjoy the 2020 Australia Day breakfast celebrations in Port Augusta’s Gladstone Square for the 38th annual morning ceremony.
Glenise Coulthard was announced in the 'Australia Day Honours' by the Governor-General a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to Aboriginal health in South Australia, and to emergency response organisations.
Brian Reichelt received the top honour – Australia Day Citizen of the Year.
Brian joined the former Port Augusta Jaycees in 1970, and he was involved in the running of Christmas Pageants for several years. He was also involved in establishing the former Homestead Park Pioneer Museum, and was a volunteer caterer at South Augusta Football Club.
Brian is currently the President of the Port Augusta Bird Society, a position he has held for 43 years.
In 2012 Brian joined the Friends of the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden. He was elected as the Vice President and currently holds this position. Brian volunteers at the Garden on average of 30 hours per week. He has been involved in fundraising for the Arid Lands Friends Group, seeking sponsorship and applying for grants as well as selling plants at off-site events.
Over the years, Brian has worked with the Australian Arid Lands Garden Staff on projects such as erecting the picnic shelter, bird hides and bird information bay. Last year Brian was involved in the erection of the replacement of the Garden’s 7 kilometre perimeter fence. He participates in the general maintenance of the Garden, including the laying of footpaths, propagation of plants, planting, pruning and mulching.
Mayor Brett Benbow stated “Brian has been such a positive and hardworking volunteer within our community. I offer nothing but huge praise and thanks to Brian, and his efforts definitely need to be celebrated today.” “Port Augusta would simply not thrive without people like Brian in the community.”
Brett and Sandra Prentis, and Shirley Mundy received certificates of recognition.
Thirteen year old Lauren Kennett was named the Young Citizen of the Year.
Lauren began dancing at the age of four and gives her time generously to the Anderson Dancers whilst also participating in Dance Explosions.
Lauren began acting in Anderson Dancers junior cast in 2015 and has loved the stage and all it brings. In 2017 she was approached to become a student teacher and took on this role willingly. Lauren spends Saturdays from 9am-4pm assisting the youngest students to the older teenagers.
“Lauren’s enthusiastic volunteering effort, at such a young age is outstanding and highly commended.” Mayor Benbow said.
Mayor Brett Benbow described Lauren as a “positive role model” and looks forward to hearing more about Lauren’s achievements.
The South Augusta Football Clubs ‘Kiss Goodbye to MS Mid-Summer Ball’ was awarded the Community Event of the Year.
Held on 23 February 2019 at the Central Oval Complex, the event was an opportunity to promote awareness of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and to raise funds to assist in finding a cure for this debilitating disease.
A donation of $5,000 was provided to a Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Research Foundation from the proceeds of the Ball. The Ball attracted 300 attendees from Port Augusta, Whyalla, Adelaide and surrounding towns.
Anderson Dancers 50th Pantomime – Aladdin and His Magic Lamp received a certificate of recognition.
The Australia Day ceremony also included annual traditions, such as the raising of the Australian flag by the 46th Army Cadet Unit and the cutting of the 26ers cake.