Celebrating SA’s Community Champions this Australia Day
Australia Day stirs up mixed emotions for some, but one thing most of us can agree on is the pride we feel in the people who keep our communities alive and thriving. As we take stock of our nation, one question really does stand out – where else would we rather be?
Here in regional South Australia, our strength lies in the passion and dedication of our people. At Greater SA, our mission has always been to shine a light on the small towns that form the heart of our state. These towns don’t just survive by chance – they thrive thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers who show up every single day.
The Citizens of the Year awards are a reminder of the selfless individuals who are the backbone of our communities. It’s promising to see young citizens following in their parent’s footsteps, learning what it means to step up for the greater good.
Take Sandra Snook and her daughter Abbey from Burra, for example. In the Goyder Council’s Burra ward, this mother-daughter duo has taken out citizen and young citizen of the year. Sandra juggles commitments across five town groups, including the local town hall, art gallery, and community committees, while Abbey is carrying on the tradition by volunteering with Meals on Wheels, the town hall, and the history group. They’re living proof that community spirit is passed down through generations.
Then there’s 80-year-old John Fewster from the Riverland, who has spent decades serving the Berri and Barmera communities. From umpiring hockey to driving seniors to medical appointments, running events, and helping the homeless, John’s dedication is nothing short of legendary.
These are just two stories among countless others across South Australia. I’d love to tell each and every story, but thankfully, for our communities, there are too many to list! Every breakfast cooked, every town cleaned up, and every roadside emergency attended to this weekend is a testament to the volunteers who give their time so freely.
So here’s to the Sandras, Johns, and Abbeys of our great state. Without them, our towns wouldn’t have half the heart they do. To every citizen of the year across SA – thank you for showing us what true community spirit looks like.
