It’s that time again – we’re celebrating the latest Onkaparinga-based state, national or international award-winners in our regular, bi-monthly column (read our most recent instalment here).
This edition includes a pair of winners from the South Australian Community Achievement Awards and three restaurants being named in the top 100 most delicious experiences in Australia. Let’s jump in!
Caring Cassie
Christies Beach resident Cassie Day (pictured) was named winner of the Carers SA Carer Achievement Award at the South Australian Community Achievement Awards in February.
Cassie has devoted 23 years to caring for her son, Matthew, who lives with cystic fibrosis, autism, and has an acquired brain injury.
Her relentless advocacy led to Matthew becoming the first paediatric patient in SA to access groundbreaking treatments, significantly improving his quality of life and others with cystic fibrosis.
Beyond caregiving, Cassie founded The Carers Place, a business supporting families to navigate the complex world of disability.
She created a thriving peer-support community, wellness programs, flexible employment opportunities for carers and developed an NDIS provider network in SA. Cassie's impact has influenced community and government alike.
Cassie said she was grateful to receive the award.
“It is certainly humbling and in my opinion all nominees and finalists were worthy recipients of this award – given the great advocacy work they do for carers, people with disability and chronic health issues in our great state,” the lifelong Onkaparinga resident said.
Congratulations, Cassie!
Chooks named champions
Cassie wasn’t the only Onkaparinga winner recognised at the South Australian Community Achievement Awards – Chooks Little Winery Tours took home the Konica Minolta Customer Service Award.
The McLaren Vale business is dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences while promoting local businesses.
Established in 2010 by Terry “Chook” McCoy and Kerry Mortimer, the company provides tailored wine tours that celebrate the Vale’s unique charm.
Chook has cultivated strong relationships with local wineries and supported community initiatives, raising significant funds for causes such as bushfire recovery and cancer research.
The tours are lauded for their personalised approach, as no two are the same, earning glowing reviews and repeat customers.
Inducted into the McLaren Vale Business and Tourism Hall of Fame, they continue to foster a profound appreciation of the region’s wine and culture.
Delicious Onkaparinga
The annual delicious. 100 list was announced in February, honouring the top 100 most delicious food experiences in Australia, and Onkaparinga nabbed three of the 100 coveted national spots!
The Wonder Room at Dandelion Vineyards in McLaren Vale was described as an “elegant cellar door with a difference” in “one of the most scenic spots in McLaren Vale”, with nods to its “treasure trove of wines”, “elevated snacks” and “larger dishes that hero estate-grown food”.
Aldinga’s The Little Rickshaw continues to kick national goals thanks to what the judges described as “exquisite (and very reasonably priced) set menus” that “unfold in a joyous parade of flavours from across Southeast Asia and beyond”. The experience is topped off thanks to its location “inside a charmingly ramshackle 190-year-old blacksmith’s shop”.
Aldinga Beach’s Silver Sands Beach Club rounds out Onkaparinga’s honourees, with judges saying “beachside fish and chips don’t get much better than this, or come with a better wine list”. The location is described as having a “welcoming vibe” that overlooks a “gorgeous stretch of Fleurieu coastline”.
Layla Bovell named SA’s Youth Citizen of the Year
You might’ve read our earlier story about the City of Onkaparinga’s 2025 Australia Day Award recipients.
What you might not know is that, soon after, Onkaparinga’s Young Citizen of the Year – Layla Bovell – was also named South Australia’s Young Citizen of the Year at a ceremony at Government House!
As a dedicated member of the South Australian Youth Forum (SAYF), Layla has driven positive change – co-authoring the 2023 SAYF Annual Report, presenting recommendations at the UN Summit of the Future, and leading the charge for period justice. Her work is breaking down menstruation stigma and ensuring equity for young people.
Organised by the Australia Day Council of SA in partnership with all 69 councils, the Citizen of the Year Awards recognise those who strengthen our communities.
This marks the second year in a row an Onkaparinga resident has won a state award after Gill Golding was awarded SA Citizen of the Year in 2024.
Have an award win to submit?
Eligibility
For inclusion in the column, all of the following criteria must be met:
- Businesses, organisations, groups or individuals located in the City of Onkaparinga
- Winners of state, national or international awards in their chosen field
- Award received up to two months before submission.
Submission
Email to onow@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au
Please include:
- Your name and contact details
- Name and (if known) contact details of the winner
- Name and details of the award
- If available, web links to the award
- If available, high-resolution images.
Pictured
Christies Beach's Cassie Day, who was named winnerof the Carers SA Carer Achievement Award at the South Australian Community Achievement Awards in February