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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2013-07-24 Daily Xml
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UNSUNG HEROES AWARDS

Mr SIBBONS (Mitchell) (15:27): It was my pleasure last week to attend the City of Marion Unsung Heroes Awards. These annual awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the outstanding work of the many volunteers who make our communities safer, more enjoyable and more vibrant places in which to live. I would like to share some of the achievements honoured at the awards this year.

It was wonderful to see Bernice Heaven, who has been the volunteer tea lady for the Marion City Band for almost 40 years, receive an art and culture award. Bernice also helps to provide meals for those who do not have time to cook before rehearsals and coordinates fundraising efforts for the band. It is fair to say that the band, which has won accolades in national competitions, owes so much to their tireless tea lady.

As I make my way around the electorate, I bump into Patricia Munden everywhere and so I was thrilled to see her receive a community spirit award. She has been volunteering at the Cooinda Neighbourhood Centre for the past 30 years. Patricia's warm-heartedness and inclusive nature has attracted many regulars to her ceramics classes, and they have kept youngsters' boredom at bay during school holidays for many years. Patricia is also regularly found cooking up delicious, healthy and affordable lunches and snacks in the centre's kitchen as a part of the Healthy Communities Initiative. Patricia is a valued source of wisdom and advice for other staff and volunteers at the centre.

It was great to see Pauline Newman acknowledged for her work at Cooinda as a Green Thumbs Volunteer, helping to teach others to grow healthy food at home or to participate in community gardening. The award also recognised Sharon Jupp, who is the dedicated trainer and volunteer in the Cooinda gardening program. Thanks to the work of Pauline and Sharon, many participants have been able to overcome barriers, including isolation, disability or illness, to make a contribution to community gardening or establish their own gardens at home.

Each year I have attended these awards, recognition has been given to the incredible work undertaken by the Warradale branch of Meals on Wheels. It was wonderful to see a Community Spirit Award presented to Ann and David Pope, who have dedicated a total of 39 years volunteering with Meals on Wheels. Ann is a founding member of the Warradale branch and, together with husband David, they make up a compassionate, caring and dedicated duo.

Another founding member of the group acknowledged at the ceremony was Alan Vowels. Alan has volunteered for nearly a quarter of a century driving and delivering meals to his local community. His can-do attitude, good humour and genuine interest and willingness to engage with his clients has made him a very popular member of the team.

With 22 years of service at Warradale Meals on Wheels, Fay Quinn also received an award. Her passion for crocheting means that many Meals on Wheels clients have received beautifully crafted blankets and shawls in addition to the thousands of meals she has lovingly prepared over the years.

Finally, a story that is now well known to many South Australians: I would like to acknowledge the incredible bravery of Tony Mills, a senior MFS firefighter. Tony was on his way home after finishing his shift when he noticed smoke billowing from a house and raced to the scene. The fire was moving through the house so quickly that Tony could not get inside but, hearing screams, he used a garden dropper to break a window and pull 17-year-old Tim and 14-year-old Tabitha to safety. Incidentally, I grew up with Tim and Tabitha's mother Tracey in Mitchell Park.

I congratulate the City of Marion for hosting these awards, which enable us to acknowledge and appreciate the generosity of many people in our community who work so hard for the betterment of others.

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