2019 Citizen of the Year recpients

Awarded at ceremonies in Goolwa and Strathalbyn

Alexandrina Council proudly acknowledged recipients of the 2019 Citizen of the Year awards at the 2019 Australia Day Ceremonies in Goolwa and Strathalbyn on 26 January. The awards celebrate the valuable ways in which individuals and groups have contributed to their communities in 2018.

The Citizen of the Year awards were presented to Sharon Pankhurst of Goolwa, and Sue Eckert of Strathalbyn.

Sharon Pankhurst has been a volunteer at the Signal Point Gallery and South Coast Regional Arts Centre in Goolwa since 2010, where she coordinates volunteer rosters and supervises exhibitions, together with providing support for community arts events.  The 40 volunteers managed by Sharon for both galleries have welcomed more than 6,000 visitors in a three month period. Sharon’s commitment to, and passion for the arts, has been pivotal in Goolwa continuing to maintain its highly regarded reputation as a major regional centre of art and culture. 

Sue Eckert has made an exceptional and significant contribution to the Strathalbyn community over the last 40 years, which has included being the Christian Book Shop volunteer and co-ordinator; the Co-ordinator of Christmas Hampers to Disadvantaged Families in the district (160 delivered in 2018); Chair of the Christmas Where the Angas Flows Committee; a volunteer and board member of Strathalbyn Neighbour Aid; a volunteer music teacher at Langhorne Creek Primary School and member of the school’s Welfare Club; and has played the organ at the Strathalbyn Church for over 40 years. Sue was also awarded a Paul Harris Fellow from the Strathalbyn Rotary Club for her work within the local community.

The Young Citizen of the Year awards were presented to Carter Banks of Goolwa, and Hannah Arnold of Strathalbyn.

Carter has been a member of the Southern Fleurieu Youth Advisory Committee for over five years, volunteering at local youth forums on mental health, as well as forums run by the Youth Affairs Council of SA. Carter has also volunteered his time to the management of numerous youth art exhibitions.  Carter is a South Australian Police volunteer and is a member of the Blue Light Disco Committee.

Hannah Arnold led a team organising the ‘A Day Out of the Blue’ community event in November, a fundraising event to raise awareness of those who have suffered and continue to suffer from anxiety and depression. Hannah and her team raised almost $3,000 for Beyond Blue and COPE, and hosted an event that provided a supportive network and environment for its patrons.

The Community Service of the Year Awards were presented to Jules Wagner of Goolwa, and Paquita Wise of Strathalbyn.

Jules has kept residents of the South Coast informed for over nine years, through her administration of the ‘Goolwa South Coast Facebooker’s group.’ The group is an online forum for people to discuss matters affecting their community and enabling all residents, including those less mobile, to feel connected. Jules spends many hours moderating and reviewing the site to ensure her ‘followers’ are getting accurate and up-to-date information.

Paquita has been the coordinator of Country Life Compassion Inc.’s Pantry Club for over six years. The Pantry Club is a Strathalbyn based program that helps many people in the community and wider region by providing food and financial, emergency and crisis support to those in need. It also offers all people a place to feel accepted and welcomed, regardless of their finances, health and lifestyle.

The Community Event of the Year Awards were presented to the Lions Family and Children’s Christmas Eve Party in Goolwa, and to the Kenny Blake Festival of Motorcycling in Strathalbyn.

The Lions Family and Children’s Christmas Eve Party is a wonderful community event, supported by a number of community groups and organisations. Every year, around 500 people attend to enjoy picnics, rides, raffles and Christmas cheer.

The inaugural Kenny Blake Festival of Motorcycling was a community initiative organised by a small group of volunteers, (in particular - Mary Lou Nees, Sue and Jo Scheiffers), who were supported by our community, local businesses, and the motorcycle industry.  The event took place in Strathalbyn in October 2018, when motorcycle enthusiasts from Alexandrina and beyond came together to celebrate the life and achievements of racing’s ‘gentleman racer’, Kenny Blake, who grew up in Strathalbyn. The festival was lauded an outstanding success and is set to become a biennial event.

Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes, congratulated all award recipients, and acknowledged the positive impact they have on our community.

“It is an honour to recognise our 2019 Citizen of the Year award recipients, who through their commitment, generosity and humble nature have helped shape our region and communities.” he said.

“On behalf of Alexandrina Council, I acknowledge the outstanding contribution made by these well deserving members of our community, who share their experience and passion for the benefit of all.”