The City of Onkaparinga has named Leo Oliver its Young Citizen of the Year; Dr Mark Potter its Citizen of the Year; and the Fleurieu Folk Day its Community Event of the Year.

The planned awards ceremony was cancelled due to COVID-19, so Mayor Erin Thompson called the recipients to congratulate them, and a reception to honour them will be held when it’s safe to do so.

Joining the club as a Nipper, Leo was appointed South Port Junior Club Captain in the 2019-20 season.

He was nominated for the award by club President Dick Olesinski OAM, who says Leo shows a level of maturity and responsibility that far outweigh his young age.

“He is one the first members to put his hand up when there is a call for help needed around the club. Although he is no longer a Nipper, he continues to provide mentorship and support to our junior members in many ways.

“Leo is also extremely helpful within internal club activities and is a regular volunteer in the club's kitchen when meals are on.

Leo was that keen to start patrolling that he completed his Surf Rescue Certificate (the precursor to the Surf Bronze Award) training while he was still 12 and sat for the exam as soon as he turned 13.”

A keen competitor in most surf sports disciplines Leo commits many volunteer hours, providing water safety cover on most Saturdays.

Dick says Leo's most important and significant achievement came in December 2020, when he and two other Under15 South Port members saved the life of a snorkeler who had been dragged out to sea in dangerous windy conditions. 

“The calm and controlled manner in which he risked his own life to save another with the support of his mates was extremely brave and was worthy of being deemed Surf Life Saving SA's Rescue of the Month for December 2020.”

Citizen of the Year Dr Mark Potter owns and runs the McLaren Vale co-working hub Meeting Place MV, which supports and nurtures local businesses and community ventures.

He also runs a number of programs to assist vulnerable and high-needs people in the local community and fosters the Fleurieu Chapter of the Awesome Foundation, which generates funds for investment across the region. 

The chapter supports community initiatives such as purchasing surfboards and lifejackets for disabled surfers at Moana; meal hampers for those struggling; and addressing women’s domestic violence initiatives.

COVID-19 forced cancellation of the annual three-day Fleurieu Folk Festival for the second year running in 2021.

To fill the gap the Fleurieu Folk Festival Committee staged a revamped Fleurieu Folk Day in October, featuring South Australian performers who needed the gig and using as many local businesses as possible.

The COVID-safe music spectacular was a great success, with a large crowd, earning it the City of Onkaparinga award for Community Event of the Year.