Unsung Heroes Awards

Ms DIGANCE (Elder) (15:36): Recently, I was fortunate to attend the City of Marion Unsung Heroes Awards 2017 event at the Marion Cultural Centre. This event, held annually by the City of Marion, recognises and celebrates those in our community who continually and consistently make a difference. It is always wonderful to celebrate the achievements of our amazing individuals, community groups and businesses who work and volunteer with such passion and dedication, strengthening and enriching our community and constantly contributing to making our community great.

The awards recognise achievements in categories of the arts and culture, business, community spirit, courage, environment, fair go, innovation, role models, sports and bravery. This year, 28 individual nominations and one group nomination were received by the City of Marion, and all people nominated received an award. There was an electric atmosphere, as a crowd of enthusiastic supporters of family and friends gathered in support of the nominees. We honoured nominees in six categories, followed by a special mention at the end of the ceremony of Councillor Bruce Hull for his recent bravery, twice in quick succession, as he challenged illegal dumpers and intervened in an apparent domestic violence situation.

On to the awards: in the category of community spirit, the following were recognised: Lyn and Keith Dansie, with a combined 116 years of volunteering service to St John Ambulance; Rima Haddad, for organising and hosting lunches to generate donations of toiletries for female victims of domestic violence; Laurie Wallace, for his dedication to his tennis club, a volunteer for 56 years; Bruce Hunter, a dedicated volunteer with 25 years of service at Marion LIFE; and Elaine Murton, for her volunteering services of 10 years at Marion LIFE. Previously, Elaine practised as a community health nurse, so she has transferred her skills to this organisation. A community spirit award also went to Bill Black, a reliable Men's Shed volunteer, who customises wheelchairs and equipment for the disabled.

The winners in the category of arts and culture included Kerrie Polkinghorne, who runs Vocalise Community Choir for 75 members aged 30 to 80, and Zoe Ingram, an artist and illustrator enjoying international recognition. The business awards were won by Kelly Keates, the innovative owner of Zonge Engineering and mentor of women in science; Brad and Gaylene Clark, owners of expanding website builders, Company Hub; and Judy Forbes, who owns and runs the Once and Again Book Cafe, which passes on customer donations to good causes. She runs an innovative cafe of community conscience, supporting many community causes and offering suspended coffee. Next was Bridget Hogg, owner of HR Development at Work and volunteer for Wellbeing Foundation, helping organisations with staff wellbeing. Lastly in this category were Ben Heide and James Mungall, winemakers with Patritti Wines, and also winners in the London wine display with their grenache.

In the category of role model was Lamya Hazim, who helps new arrivals access services by encouraging them to ride bikes. She sources these bikes through donations, and she fixes and cleans them and then donates them to their new owners. Also recognised was another young man, Chance Ndune, a young migrant who volunteers with youth groups linking young Indigenous people to education; and Aidan Barry, who, even with his serious health challenges, is an inspirational speaker and founder of the No-Handicap Golf Club. He plays golf and rises above his disability challenges to advocate on behalf of people with disabilities.

In the category of environment, Alan Wilson and Chris Waugh were recognised for their work with Marino Conservation Park; and Chris Teale, Michelle Parsons, Gemma Farrow, Linda Thurlow, Rosana Cohen, Lorraine Pulsford, Linda Snyder for their work with the Marino Community Garden. They have turned land into a thriving garden for 50 residents and planning musical community events.

In sport, Georgia Bevan, Courtney Cramey, Deni Vernhagen, Danna Cox, Ebony Marinoff, Anne Hatchard, Justine Mules, Jessica Sedunary, Jenna McCormick—all players from Morphettville Park Football Club and also members of the Adelaide Crows women's team who played in the AFL inaugural season. Nine players from one club—now that is outstanding! Congratulations to all who received awards, and also to the City of Marion for ensuring that their recognition occurred. You are all inspirational and thank you for all you do.