9 January 2024
Community contributions recognised
Australia Day Awards for the whole of the Clare & Gilbert Valleys district will be presented at a ceremony at Melrose Park on Friday, January 26 and will include a newly created Volunteer of the Year Award.
Citizen of the Year will be awarded to Auburn resident and wildlife rescuer and carer Tracy Heritage.
Tracy has inspired many with her dedication to native wildlife, as a licensed carer for injured animals for many years, making herself available to take in injured animals and birds and working with both Clare veterinary practices helping with species specific information.
She is always available to the public and has no hesitation in taking animals to Adelaide to get help from wildlife specialist vets, driving hundreds of kilometres to either pick up injured animals and birds or take them for lifesaving treatment.
Tracy is currently developing a mobile education unit to take to community groups and schools to create awareness and understanding around our native wildlife – she carries out her work at her own expense.
Tracy has served as a member of the Royal Australian Navy, volunteered with numerous ex-service organisations, volunteered at local sailing clubs and sailed at an international level.
She was also living, temporarily, in the USA during 9/11 and dedicated herself to the Australian Community when she returned home.
Riverton resident Riley McInerney has been named Young Citizen of the Year for 2024.
Riley has shown dedication and hard work as a volunteer for the Gilbert Valley Cricket Club where his roles have included being Woolworths Blast Coordinator, running a cricket training program for 5-8 year olds.
He promotes cricket for young players, in the hope that children will further develop their skills and their desire to play cricket in the years to come.
As his role as a volunteer he helps with the preparation of the turf wicket, which the cricket club takes pride in, and is an active volunteer at club fundraisers and working bees.
A deserving recipient of the Community Event of the Year, the Clare Rodeo provides an annual fun and entertainment event at the Clare Showgrounds.
This popular, family friendly, event is widely acclaimed for its exceptional organisation and has gained national recognition.
The Clare Rodeo is a not-for-profit community event run by volunteers who are commended for their hard work and commitment.
Ryan Tregilgas will receive the Active Citizenship Award on Australia Day for his tenacity and hard work over about a decade to bring the Clare Oval Redevelopment to fruition.
Working with the committee he lobbied, consulted, overcame setbacks and persisted in getting the new Clare Oval precinct off the ground and completed to AFL regional standards.
The $5.7 million purpose-built sporting precinct is now a jewel in the town’s sporting and social crown, replacing outdated facilities to create a modern and inclusive/accessible space for all.
It provides a welcoming and central location for the relocation of the Auburn, Clare & Districts RSL, gives local volunteers a safe and inviting space to contribute to the town’s sporting clubs and is a space the community can be proud of.
The facility features four changerooms, new toilets (all designed to modern standards of accessibility), umpire changerooms, coach boxes, function centre, kitchen/canteen facilities, new oval lighting and a new digital scoreboard.
The project generated eight full-time jobs during its construction as well as indirect employment and tapped in to local/SA suppliers where possible, creating a ripple effect of benefit through the community and the state.
A new award, Volunteer of the Year, will be presented to Clare resident Glenda Swavley.
Glenda is passionate about community life and this has led her to volunteer her time for many years across a variety of areas.
She was treasurer of the Fellowship and a member of the Mother’s Union of the Anglican Church for 27 years, from 1975, and currently volunteers for Meals on Wheels – something she has done for 23 years.
Glenda has spent 15 years painting nails for residents at Carinya, calling in once a fortnight, and volunteers twice a week at the Clare Valley Christian Outreach thrift shop, a role she has held for 22 years.
All of these services enhance the quality of life for myriad community members in the Council area.
Glenda goes out of her way to welcome everyone she comes into contact with and takes time to talk and listen, always with a smile.
At 81 years of age, Glenda shows no signs of reducing her tireless volunteering efforts.
The awards ceremony will be held in Clare at Melrose Park, where the community will also enjoy a breakfast and free model train rides.
Australia Day breakfasts and celebrations will also be held at Saddleworth and Riverton and to help with catering, bookings for all breakfasts can be made through Eventbrite – please see links below
Book here for the Clare event
Book here for the Saddleworth event
Book here for the Riverton event