House debates

Wednesday, 8 February 2023

Statements by Members

Spence Electorate: Australia Day Awards

1:37 pm

Photo of Matt BurnellMatt Burnell (Spence, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

I, like most members in this place, celebrated Australia Day with local communities in my electorate. For many of us, like me, this was our first Australia Day as a local member. I had the privilege of attending events and ceremonies held by the Town of Gawler, where I gave the Australia Day breakfast address, along with ceremonies held by the City of Salisbury and City of Playford. With events running from 7 am to 4 pm, it was quite the day.

I'd like to acknowledge some of the councils' award winners, for this is a time to recognise the quiet achievements and contributions of many unsung heroes in our community of Spence. I'd like to give particular praise to Georgi Thomas from the Mustard Seed Family Project and Joe Kielnerowski, the City of Salisbury and City of Playford's citizens of the year respectively. Also to Neil Sanders and Jules Reid from Gawler Parkrun, who jointly hold the title of Citizen of the Year for the Town of Gawler.

I'd like to give honourable mentions to some other award winners: Nathan Coppick, Seth Powell, Cheryl Drury, Jack Gill, Gayle Joyce, Madeline Prince, Geoff Meikle, Qasem Bahmanzadah, Nomiki Thomas, and Alex Coates from the Lions Club of Salisbury. Congratulations and thank you for making our local community, the electorate of Spence, just that little bit better.