Published on 26 September 2022
Nominations open for 2023 Australia Day Awards
Do you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their outstanding contributions to our local community?
Nominate your favourite ‘local hero’ for the City of Onkaparinga 2023 Australia Day Awards. Nominations are now open and close on Friday 18 November 2022.
These annual awards recognise local individuals and groups who have made an outstanding contribution to our communities during the year in the following categories:
- Citizen of the Year
- Young Citizen of the Year
- Little Hero of the Year
- Sportsperson of the Year
- Community Event of the Year
- Active Citizenship (non-Australian Citizens)
Last year local South Port surf life-saving legend Leo Oliver (pictured) received the Young Citizen of the Year Award, after completing more than 51 volunteer hours in 2020–21, and even helping to save the life of a snorkeller in distress.
Onkaparinga Now asked 15-year-old Leo what it meant to receive this prestigious nod to his community involvement.
“I was honoured to be awarded young citizen of the year for Onkaparinga and it confirms for me that I’m doing the right thing in my community,” Leo said.
“Being awarded young citizen of the year makes me want to continue to do what I’m doing and help out wherever I can around the club, if it be helping in the kitchen or patrolling the beach.”
South Port Surf Life Saving Club president Richard Olesinski OAM wanted Leo’s community spirit to be formally recognised and nominated Leo in the Young Citizen category.
“The City of Onkaparinga Australia Day Awards provided the South Port Surf Life Saving Club with the opportunity to promote and celebrate the wonderful achievements of one of its young members, Leo Oliver”, Dick said.
Don’t miss out on your opportunity to recognise an inspiring member of your local community. Email your completed Australia Day Awards Nomination Form (available at council’s website) before 18 November 2022. You can also mail your application form to City of Onkaparinga, PO Box 1, Noarlunga Centre SA 5168.
For more information email the Civic Events team or phone 8384 0666.