2019 Australia Day winners

Awards will be presented at Council's Australia Day Breakfast on 26 January, 2019. 

Citizen of the Year David Herbig

Described as cheerful, innovative and community-minded, David Herbig has done much to elevate the profile of the Eden Valley and Springton communities over the past six decades.

A passionate ambassador for the region, David is a great source of local knowledge. He has a particular passion for Springton’s historic Herbig tree, which was once the home of Friedrich and Caroline Herbig and their first two children. David has volunteered countless hours as tour guide, author and subject-matter expert, helping to attract hundreds of visitors from around the world each year.

As a devoted member of St John's Lutheran Church at Springton, David has contributed

to the congregation and community, acting as official curator of both the state heritage-listed

Friedensberg Cemetery and the 'new' cemetery at Springton.

David is also known state wide as a breeder of quality thoroughbred racehorses, and

retains a wealth of knowledge about blood lines and pedigrees.

A man of many talents, David is a prolific writer, talented musician and composer, and has contributed immeasurably to community life in his 85 years.

Young Citizen of the Year Cassie Taylor

Eighteen year old Cassie Taylor has a strong sense of social justice that has seen her advocate at state and local level for people facing disadvantage or inequity.

The Nuriootpa resident has been a delegate at UN Youth Summits and other forums, and is always willing to share her newfound knowledge and skills with her peers. She is passionate about addressing youth homelessness and has volunteered her time coordinating care packs for people facing disadvantage.

Cassie resident is a long-serving member of the Barossa Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) as well as deputy chair of Youth Barossa, commitments she juggled with year 12 studies. Her public speaking skills have seen her emcee many youth events including the popular RACE (Racial and Cultural Event) run by Barossa YAC, and she is a familiar voice on community radio station Triple Bfm.

Cassie’s strong sense of community is reflected in her volunteering ethos and commitment to the welfare of others.

Community Project of the Year - Barossa Community Kitchen

The Barossa Community Kitchen offers more than just a hot meal to people in need – for many it is a lifeline.

The project was spearheaded by the Nuriootpa/Tanunda Uniting Church in response to local homelessness, and the kitchen opened in 2016 with the support of the Community Kitchen Committee, Kind Hearted Kitchen and community volunteers.

A 12 month trial period soon became a permanent fixture, with free meals provided on a Thursday night at the House of Hope in Murray Street, Nuriootpa for people facing homelessness, low income or social isolation.

The project soon became a ‘whole-of-community’ effort, with donations of food, appliances and kitchen supplies from  local businesses and organisations. Free hair washes, haircuts, pet grooming and emergency hygiene packs have become part of the service, restoring people’s dignity and sense of self-worth. 

Barossa Community Kitchen now has 36 volunteers, including members of service clubs and the Uniting Church who offer company and conversation, and each week 16-20 people stay for a meal or take away.

Not only has the kitchen turned out 750 meals and 600 hours of service, it provides comfort, social inclusion and a place where everyone is welcome.

Community Event of the Year - Barossa Dementia Friendly Community Garden Open Day

The Barossa Dementia Friendly Community Garden is giving families living with dementia a much-needed place to spend time and share meaningful stories and activities.

Located at Barossa Bushgardens, the garden features sensory experiences and visual cues that take people back to yesteryear and stimulate memories, conversation and sharing.

The garden was spearheaded in response to the need for a public place where people could spend time with their loved ones. All aspects of the garden including objects, plants, walking paths and activities have been carefully selected to create a garden that feels peaceful, safe and welcome to a person living with dementia.

The Open Day recognised the remarkable community effort to bring together people living with dementia, their carers, horticulturalists, businesses, authors, volunteers, schools, service groups, community care providers and the general community.

An initiative of the Dementia Friendly Communities Committee in partnership with Carers & Disability Link, The Barossa Council and Barossa Bushgardens, the garden is also educating the community about living with dementia and the role of nature in health and wellbeing.