Photography by Angus Black

09/02/2024

JADE RECOGNISED FOR ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP!

Jade Brook is a well-known name in our community, and for good reason!

Her unwavering dedication and active involvement in community wellbeing are part of the reason she was nominated for and won the 2024 Australia Day Award for Active Citizenship.

Jade’s impact has been felt far and wide by young and old, as she works to create a cohesive and caring environment that nurtures the wellbeing of every individual. This is evident through Love Out Loud, a project founded by Jade that focuses on feeding families in Mount Barker and advocating for those experiencing homelessness.

When she’s not busy with Love Out Loud, Jade can be found facilitating Aboriginal networking groups and dedicating herself to reconciliation efforts. But, her passions don’t stop there!

Jade consistently makes herself available to unite and build bridges between different community groups, sharing her Aboriginal culture and fostering a sense of connection and care. She enriches the community with diversity and understanding and is a role model and mentor to younger generations. Through her active involvement in the community, Jade plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging and resilience among young individuals.

We can only describe Jade’s dedication and passion as the embodiment of active citizenship.

Congratulations, Jade and thank you for all that you do. 👏

📷 Photography by Angus Black

01/02/2024

AND OUR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR IS… 🥁🥁 CHARLES SHELDRAKE!

Charles won the Citizen of the Year award on Friday 26 January for his outstanding and unwavering commitment to the well-being of the Mount Barker community through his many (and we mean many) voluntary activities.

Charles feels incredibly honoured to have received the award. He has always volunteered for the extremely rewarding feeling he gets from helping the community and never for praise. Being recognised by this award has left him truly humbled.

When he’s not serving as a Justice of the Peace, Charles can be found at the Kiwanis Book Shop, sorting, shelving and selling books.

“It’s head and shoulders above the rest of the volunteering roles I do because I get to interact with the both the public and volunteers and it produces results for the community," Charles said.

“We sell books for $1, $2 and $3 and last year we were able to raise $65,000 in sales. That’s a lot of books sold! These funds go directly towards helping disadvantaged children and families in the local community.”

As the President of the Kiwanis Club in the Adelaide Hills, Charles oversees various initiatives, with the 'Terrific Kids' program delivered to local Primary Schools being a standout.

“The Terrific Kids program rewards children who aren’t particularly academic or sporty but are doing their absolute best. These children, they’re good eggs," Charles told us.

“Seeing the absolute joy light up on the children’s faces when they receive this reward is definitely the most satisfying part. Often they don’t expect to receive the award, so seeing the impact it can have is extremely rewarding.”

Charles first started volunteering with Mount Barker District Council in 2015 after the loss of his wife in 2012, and continues to make a positive impact. As a volunteer driver in our Community Programs, he transports sick or elderly people to medical appointments, both locally and in Adelaide.

“I feel extremely privileged to be a volunteer driver and help with the recovery of so many clients. I meet some incredible people and love being useful," Charles said.

Please join us in congratulating Charles for the well deserved award. His impact is felt far-and-wide making him a true beacon of service and compassion in our community.

📷 Photography by Angus Black

31/01/2024

MEET OUR YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR, TOM MEGSON!

On Friday 26 January, Tom was announced as Mount Barker’s Young Citizen of the Year! Tom's unwavering commitment to showcasing agriculture in innovative ways and his dedication to community building have truly set him apart.

We caught up with Tom this afternoon to congratulate him on this incredible achievement. His response? “I’m overwhelmed!”

Tom is extremely honoured to receive the award and couldn’t believe it when they called his name.

“I was first asked to volunteer for the Callington Show Committee, and I loved it! I just wanted to help out in my community, and this was my way of giving back to something I’m passionate about,” Tom told us.

For years, Tom has been an active member of the Callington Show Committee, inspired by his parents' dedication to volunteering and their contribution in the community. His involvement extends beyond the committee, and he actively participates in softball as a player, a qualified referee, and a mentor for younger players.

"I love mentoring the younger players, it’s always so rewarding to watch them develop their skills.”

“I also umpire what we call ‘old folks’ in the Australian Muster Games, and that’s always a lot of fun. I was involved with that last year and it’s one of the most memorable events I’ve been a part of,” Tom said.

In light of his achievements, Tom encourages local young citizens to volunteer and get involved in their communities.

"Just go out there and be yourself, it’s the best thing you can do. Just be yourself and have fun," Tom advises.

Tom’s involvement in committees, work on rural properties and active participation in various community initiatives highlight his commitment to community service.

Congratulations once again, Tom! Your passion and dedication are an inspiration to us all.

📷 Photography by Angus Black

29/01/2024

27/01/2024

A DAY TO RECOGNISE, RESPECT AND REFLECT

Congratulations to our 2024 Australia Day award winners:

🏆 Citizen of the Year - Charles Sheldrake

🏆 Young Citizen of the Year - Tom Megson

🏆 Award for Active Citizenship - Jade Brook

🏆 Event of the Year - 2023 All British Day

We’ll have stories on each of the winners over the coming week.

In addition to celebrating our formal award winners, Australia Day is a particularly important day to recognise the Traditional Owners of this country and Peramangk Nation of this district.

We recognise, also, the thousands of selfless and courageous first responders, frontline workers and volunteers who put the safety and wellbeing of others before their own.

We reflect on the resilience of communities and the spirit of helping, giving and supporting that defines us as Australians.

We respect the stories, histories, and contributions of all Australians, wherever they have come from.

On Australia Day we celebrate being Australian, together.

📷 Photography by Angus Black
www.angusblackphoto.com

16/01/2024

01/11/2023

Seagulls for miles 🦤

01/11/2023