Australia Day Award Winners: Port Adelaide Enfield

2021 was yet another challenging year, with a great deal of uncertainty and having to live differently. For many people, it was another tough year. But, what always shines in challenging times, is our wonderful Australian Spirit, one of resilience and coming together to overcome adversity and finding new ways to connect as a community.

The City of PAE Australia Day Awards held on Monday Night, recognise some incredible people in our local community; people who go above and beyond to not only help those around them, but to make our community a place where people love to be. We congratulate everybody who was nominated and on behalf of everyone in the City of PAE, we thank each and every one of you for your contribution to making PAE a place where people love to be.

pae australia day award winners

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – Julie Ann Finney.

Julie-Ann has brought about national awareness to suicide and PTSD in veterans. In 2019, after serving in the Royal Australian Navy for 20 years, Julie-Ann’s son, David tragically took his own life. Bereaved, Julie-Ann was determined to find answers. The incident rate amongst veterans such as David was alarmingly high and so Julie-Ann commenced her journey of fighting to ensure no other veteran’s family should suffer the same anguish. Obtaining 400,000 signatures, she petitioned tirelessly for the establishment of a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which finally commenced late last year. Julie-Ann has taken on the role of advocate, lobbyist, fundraiser, counsellor, her achievements contributing toward the education of many. It is without a doubt that Julie-Ann’s efforts have saved lives and will continue to save lives in the future.

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – Ma-Musu Nyande.

Ma-Musu is a young leader and community advocate within the African Community in South Australia who is nominated in recognition of her work with young women from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Ma-Masu has inspired women of all backgrounds to use their voice to speak up and created safe spaces for young African females. Whether in her professional environment or personal, Ma-Musu’s goal is to create cultural safety for all in Australia. Congratulations Ma-Masu on being the 2022 Young Citizen of the Year!

JUNIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – Kate Hall.

Kate is a Junior Helper at Hillcrest Guides and supports young girls aged between 5-10 years old. Kate organises and runs games and craft activities at most Guides meetings. Recently, Kate assisted several girls new to Guides through the experience of a sleepover. Kate also participates in Carry on Guides, a Not-For Profit variety theatre production staged annually by members of the Girl Guide Association in South Australia.

JUNIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – Amber Trappell.

Amber has followed up on the “Smoke-Free Playgrounds” initiative by being recognised as an ‘Asthma Champion’ with Asthma Australia. Amber is actively involved in PAE Play Streets, raising community awareness and collecting charity donations. Amber and her sister Penny have also volunteered to help look after the Little Library which City of PAE installed in a park near their home.

JUNIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – Penny Trappell.

Penny has been actively involved in the PAE Play Streets events. Penny organised and taught crafts to children, ran free raffles and helped to collect charity donations. She has also helped to look after the Little Library near her home.

COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR – Yarnbombing Pateela Street.

This event sought to engage community members to come together and work on a project that promoted conversation over the simple act of shared crafting. Community members were invited to create colourful displays of knitted or crocheted yarn on trees. The sense of community that resulted through participation in this event promoted community connectedness and cohesion.

EMERGING GROUP OR EVENT – Sailing at Lightsview.

Sailing at Lightsview initially started as a small group of hobbyists coming together informally. In the past 12 months, the group has become incorporated, and membership has grown to over 50 members. As well as hosting a range of competitive and community events, the group has promoted community participation by funding 3 loan boats for members of the community to come and try sailing and delivering engaging events for the Lightsview community.

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