Alexandrina Council has announced the recipients of its 2023 Australia Day Awards, which publicly honour those who serve the community and make Alexandrina a better place. 

Goolwa & Surrounds

Citizen of the Year 2023 will be awarded to Claire Fuller. 

Claire has lived in Alexandrina for the last 36 years and is active in the community. For the last 25 years, Claire has been involved with the Port Elliot Show Society and has been fund raising and supporting important causes. She has brought in $165,000 worth of donations for Relay for Life and volunteers with Riding for the Disabled. 

Strathalbyn & Surrounds

Citizen of the Year 2023 will be awarded to Linda McLoughlin. 

Linda McLoughlin is treasurer of the Strathalbyn Tourism Association and has been an active member of the Tourism Association in several leadership roles for many years. She has also been treasurer for the Gilbert's Motor Museum since its formation two and a half years ago. Her work has help attract many thousands of visitors to the town for the benefit of other local businesses and the community.

Goolwa & Surrounds

Young Citizen of the Year 2023 will be awarded to Eli Modra. 

Eli has dedicated more than 18 years to serving the community though the local Country Fire Service (CFS), working his way up from being a cadet in primary school to now Port Elliot CFS Captain and Regional Training Officer. His focus on training up the next generation of CFS officers is important for the future of the region. 

Strathalbyn & Surrounds

Young Citizen of the Year 2023, be awarded to Melanie Cross. 

Melanie is an active participant in both netball and tennis in her community and goes beyond just playing in these sports. While working at Nutrient Ag Solutions, and studying an Agricultural Degree, Melanie also mentors high school girls looking at a career in agriculture. Her focus is on creating a succession plan for the future of Milang in this industry and is a part of community groups supporting local agriculture. 

Goolwa & Surrounds

Community Event of the Year 2023 will be awarded to the Middleton Town & Foreshore Association – Middleton Jazz in the Park. 

The event has a fantastic impact every year, raising funds for community organisations, including the CFS and local surf lifesaving clubs. Volunteers from many local groups assisted with running the event, which supported local businesses in many ways. 

Strathalbyn & Surrounds

Community Event of the Year 2023 will be awarded to the Strathalbyn Agricultural Society - 150th Show Anniversary. 

Each year the Strathalbyn Agricultural Society hold their fantastic Agricultural show event that gathers those from the community and beyond. In 2022, they celebrated their 150th show anniversary that showcased the best of farm machinery, side shows, live music and entertainment, and other exhibits. 

Goolwa & Surrounds

Active Citizenship 2023 will be awarded to Friends of the Oscar W. 

The Friends of the Oscar W ensure that the iconic PS Oscar W works at its best for residents and tourists visiting the region. The passion and dedication of this group of approximately 175 volunteers, many of who were involved in driving her restoration, ensures she remains operational. The paddle steamer is a powerful reminder of our history and their efforts ensures that she remains safe and functional for all who walk her decks or take a cruise on the majestic vessel. 

Strathalbyn & Surrounds

Active Citizenship 2023 will be awarded to Port Milang Historic Railway Museum Inc. 

Ten years ago, the Milang Railway Museum was a small community museum with a few volunteers and around half a dozen visitors each weekend. In 2013, some new local volunteers joined and started a process which has re-energised, expanded and upgraded the museum. Its popularity has grown to draw visitors to the town, many from far afield, every weekend. As a result, businesses in Milang have enjoyed a steady growth in their weekend trade. The museum is run entirely by local volunteers and contributes significantly to the growth of Milang. 

‘Mayor’s Community Service Awards’ 2023: 

Goolwa & Surrounds – Jill & Lee McKenzie 

Jill and Lee McKenzie have given tirelessly and joyfully to the Tooperang War Memorial Hall over many years. Jill is Hall Treasurer, which includes organising, taking bookings, and preparing the hall for events. Lee is Hall President and has an amazing ability to network to include people from all walks of life and bring them into the community and make them feel welcomed. New arrivals to the area are quickly sought out and invited to attend events at the Hall and are welcomed and introduced by Lee to all. 

Strathalbyn & Surrounds – Strath Neighbourhood Centre 

The Strath Neighbourhood Centre is a progressive, supportive environment, with an ethos of respect, dignity, acceptance, and inclusion to all community members. In the past year the centre has supported the community through welfare support, emergency food relief, special circumstance assistance and other ongoing support. 

Alexandrina Council Mayor Keith Parkes congratulates all award recipients and recognises what they do for the community. 

“I welcome the entire community to attend our Australia Day events in Strathalbyn and Goolwa and extend a warm thank you and congratulations to those who will receive an Australia Day Award,” he says. 

“Our community would not be the same without your input. It is inspiring to learn about what you humbly do for our region and it will be a privilege to personally see you all at the upcoming Australia Day celebrations to present these awards.”