Alexandrina Council presented Local Government Service Awards to 21 employees last week, including its longest-serving employee, Allan Pomery, who has worked for the council for 45 years.

Thelma Vivian was also recognised for 30 years of service with Alexandrina Libraries.

Local Government Service Awards are long-service recognition awards that acknowledge individuals’ contributions to local government across South Australia, including council employees and elected councillors. 

They are part of the LGA SA’s broader Local Government Awards program.

“In the case of Allan and Thelma, the long service has been accrued at Alexandrina or pre-amalgamation councils, which is an extraordinary feat,” says Alexandrina Chief Executive Officer Andrew MacDonald.

“Allan has detailed knowledge of our area, which is invaluable to council and our community and his dedication to Council and community is unparalleled.

“Thelma is a much-loved and respected member of the Library and wider Alexandrina Team, and she is a passionate advocate for the positive impact Libraries have on our community.

“To all our employees who have received long service awards, I pass on my congratulations.

“These awards celebrate dedication, knowledge and contribution to local communities through the local government sector.”

Local Government Service Awards were also presented to:

• Colin Shackleford and Kerry Abbott (25 years).

• Stacey Bateson, James Horwood and Mark Hicks (20 years).

• Lachlan Miller, Deb Gregory, Lianda Deans and Julie Payne (15 years).

• Travis Griffen, Gary Lyons, Cheryl Ludgate, Doug Jones, Kylie Markow, Anna Schmidt, Andrew Rodda, David Heath, Shannon Hirniak and Braden Wray (10 years).

Alexandrina Asset Inspector Allan Pomery, from Port Elliot, began working with the District Council of Port Elliot and Goolwa in 1980 as a garbage truck driver.

Allan has held many roles with the council over the ensuing decades including signage,

graffiti removal, machinery operator and undertaking corella control.

Outside of his service to Alexandrina Council, Allan has been captain of the Port Elliot CFS Brigade and has volunteered his firefighting services both locally and interstate as required for many years.

Thelma Vivian began working as a trainee at the District Council of Port Elliot and Goolwa in 1995.

During her 30 years of service, she has dedicated her career to the important role libraries play in the community and to individuals, offering learning through imagination and information and positively impacting their lives.

Thelma’s current role includes the maintenance of the Alexandrina Libraries collections, training library staff and volunteers as well as delivering the Little Rock ‘n’ Read program.