Australia Day award winners announced

A history buff, a local footballer and a passionate community gardener were among those who received community recognition awards as part of our Australia Day commemoration.

Historic Kingston House volunteer Fran Lovell was named Citizen of the Year with Mayor Amanda Wilson acknowledging Fran’s two decades of dedicated service to this significant State Heritage site.

“Fran works with all levels of government to ensure that the care and maintenance of Kingston House is considered and kept to the best standards possible,” Mayor Wilson said.

“Over the past four years, Fran has project managed significant heritage restoration works, including important roof replacement and gorgeous lattice work in keeping with the original build.”

The Community Event of the Year honour was awarded to the Brighton Jetty Classic event, which is South Australia’s largest open water swim and street festival, which has been held annually since 2006.

The event regularly attracts around 1,500 participants, with the Marilyn Jetty Swim event being a major highlight. Since 2014, hundreds of Marilyn Monroe lookalikes have taken to the water for a swim around the jetty as a fundraiser for Cancer Council SA.

The award was accepted by Nick Corbett, Brent Bunting and Julia Church from the Brighton Jetty Classic committee.

Three people received Active Citizenship awards, including Frank White – a charter member of the Rotary Club of Somerton Park, which was formed in 1988.

Frank has been President of the club and has been awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship for service to Rotary International. He has also been involved in many other volunteer organisations, including Probus, Legacy and Friends of Carrick Hill.

Beau Warren, who’s a passionate community gardener, was also honoured with the Active Citizenship award.

He has played a pivotal role in establishing and growing the North Brighton Community Garden and has helped to create a community space that promotes sustainability and environmental awareness.

“His commitment to the garden's development has significantly contributed to the health and wellbeing of participants by offering a space that fosters both mental and physical health,” Mayor Wilson said.

Lisa Stewart, Vice Chair of the North Brighton Community Garden, accepted the award on Beau’s behalf as he was interstate for a volleyball tournament.

The third person to receive an Active Citizenship award was Andrea Bodey for her work with the Brighton Jetty Sculptures committee.

The outdoor sculpture exhibition, which is in its 17^th year, is a major fundraiser for the Brighton Surf Life Saving Club and Andrea has volunteered her time for the past 14 years, coordinating up to 150 volunteers.

Glenelg Football Club’s 2024 Premiership Captain, Liam McBean, was named the winner of the Young Citizen of the Year award for his work off the football field.

He is a mental health advocate and has raised funds for the Sammy D Foundation, Beyond Blue and Cancer Council SA.

“He has spoken in schools about the need for men to take greater action to change the narrative in respect for women. He is someone who genuinely cares about noble causes and strives to lead by example,” Mayor Wilson said.

As part of today’s event held at the Stamford Grand in Glenelg, another 60 people from 25 countries, including Argentina, Bangladesh, Romania, Uruguay and Wales, took their pledge to become Australian citizens.

“Each of you here today who are becoming Australian Citizens have something that belongs only to you,” Mayor Wilson said.

“We hope that, in turn, you too will actively embrace and advance the freedom, the peace, the diversity and the tolerance that we are privileged to enjoy in Australia.”