2023 Australia Day Celebrations
Congratulations to our local legends who won, or were nominated for, a Rural City of Murray Bridge Australia Day Award.
The legends who took out the top honours were presented with their awards during a ceremony at Edwards Square on Australia Day, Thursday 26 January.
2023 Australia Day Award Winners
Active Citizenship Award The Hub at Darling Avenue
Citizen of the Year Sandra Walding
Community Event of the Year Rockleigh 105 / Gravel Fest
Welcome to our newest Australian Citizens!
Twenty-three new residents, originating from a variety of nations including England, Liberia, The Philippines, South Africa, Sudan, Taiwan and the United Kingdom, became Australian Citizens on Australia Day 2023 in Murray Bridge.
Sandra Walding
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Sandra is described as a dedicated and passionate person, who truly cares about the welfare of those around her. This is demonstrated through her very impressive history volunteering at Meals on Wheels and for local sporting clubs.
Sandra started volunteering with Meals on Wheels in 1987, supporting members of the community to live independently through the delivery of healthy, nutritious foods and creating more opportunities for social contact. Now in her 36th year of volunteering at the Murray Bridge branch of Meals on Wheels, Sandra has served in a number of positions and has proven herself capable and caring every step of the way.
Sandra has also made a strong contribution to local sporting clubs in our region. She is a life member of the Rambler Football Club, and over the years has supported the club by working in the canteen during home matches, and helping out with functions. Sandra is still an active supporter of the Club.
Loyalty was another word used to describe Sandra. This can certainly be seen in her commitment to her beloved darts clubs. Sandra has been granted life membership at both the Jervois Ladies Darts Club, and the Murray Bridge Bowling Club Ladies Darts Club. She has held various positions at both of these clubs including acting as Secretary and Treasurer for extended periods of time.
A quiet achiever, but a high achiever, Sandra has made an extraordinary contribution to our community, over a significant number of years. She is highly regarded by her family, friends and all those who know her.
The Hub at Darling Avenue
AWARD FOR ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP
The team at the Hub at Darling Avenue are the embodiment of ‘active citizenship’. Through their partnership with Foodbank and SecondBite, the Hub provides access to low-cost grocery items and free bread, fruit and veggies. They also run a free café which builds social connectedness – providing a space for people to pop in and have a chat, while enjoying a coffee, tea or toastie. The Hub team and volunteers have seen a significant growth in the number of people accessing this great service, with around 150 people coming through the doors each week. In a time where many are experiencing the pinch, and indeed feelings of loneliness or isolation, the Hub’s work is more important than ever.
In the last year the Hub has gone from strength to strength. In addition to supporting food security and social connection, and providing a range of community programs; the Hub has now established an accessible toilet, shower and laundry facility.
The Hub has achieved some great outcomes, and we cannot wait to see what they do next.
Rockleigh 105 / Gravel Fest
COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR
The Rockleigh 105 / Gravel Fest is a weekend of gravel and mountain bike events. As the name suggests, the main event includes a 105 km ride through the back hills; with undulations, vistas, ridge tops and valleys – the event really showcases the area’s unique terrain. While this is certainly not a challenge for the faint-hearted, the weekend also caters for riders of all skill levels, and includes a number of distances.
Not only does the event provide a physical challenge and stunning scenery, but importantly it also supports the local Rockleigh Country Fire Service.
The event is run by Murraylands Multisports, whose founding member Morgan Coull, is well known in the region for his accessible and inclusive events that promote health, the great outdoors, and giving new activities a go. Well done to the Rockleigh 105 / Gravel Fest event team and volunteers.
Nominate your favourite ‘local legend’ for the Rural City of Murray Bridge Australia Day Awards.
You can nominate here
Alternatively complete this form and return to:
Australia Day Council of South Australia,
Office 18, 240 Currie St,
Adelaide SA 5000
or email to:
adcsa@adcsa.com.au
2024 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD RECIPIENTS:
Citizen of the Year - Sandra Walding
Community Event of the Year Rockleigh - 105 / Gravel Fest
Active Citizenship Award -The Hub at Darling Avenue
2023 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD RECIPIENTS:
Citizen of the Year - Brenton Lewis
Young Citizen of the Year - Gamze Bakan
Community Event of the Year - Murraylands Fair
Award for Active Citizenship - Barbara Pym
2022 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD RECIPIENTS:
Citizen of the Year - Cathy Smith
Young Citizen of the Year - Cheska Nacario
Community Event of the Year - Cars and Coffee - Murray Bridge
Award for Active Citizenship - Geoff Gale
2021 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD RECIPIENTS:
Citizen of the Year - John Scarvelis
Young Citizen of the Year - Sallee Shepherd
Community Event of the Year - dual recipients Murray Bridge Marathon and the RMFL 2020 Final Series
Sports Person of the Year - Morgan Coull
Volunteer of the Year - Lauren Salter
2020 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD RECIPIENTS:
Citizen of the Year - Helen Peake
Young Citizen of the Year - Luke Ratzmer and Lara Yarrow
Community Event of the Year - Wellington Strawberry Fete
Community Initiative of the Year - Mypolonga Farmers Market and Car Boot Sale
Sports Person of the Year - Barbara Smyth
Sports Contribution- Ken Graetz
Volunteer of the Year - Maurice Wegener
2019 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD RECIPIENTS:
Citizen of the Year - dual recipients Heather Courtney & Trevor Purdie
Young Citizen of the Year -Tegan Thomas
Community Event of the Year - Murray Bridge Agricultural & Horticultural Milestone 100th 
Show Celebrations.
Commendation Award - Rockleigh Carols in the Bush
Community Initiative of the Year - Rockleigh Neighbour Muster
Sports Person of the Year - Mark Smyth
Young Sports Person of the Year - Molly Bretag
Volunteer of the Year - Des O'Sullivan
2018 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD RECIPIENTS:
Citizen of the Year - Don Watts
Young Citizen of the Year - Kai Martin
Commendation Award - Tamara Varu-Mark
Community Event of the Year - Callington Show
Community Initiative of the Year - Pamper Day For Young Carers
Sports Person of the Year - Ivan Long
Young Sports Person of the Year - Alex (Ally) Wilson
Volunteer of the Year - Mariane Morgan