MEDIA RELEASE
Australia Day Award recipients for Clare & Gilbert Valleys
A committed Mintaro resident with a repertoire of skills will be presented with the Australia Day Citizen of the Year for the Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council district in January.
Justin Brady has kept his village informed through the production of the town’s newsletter for almost 20 years, accumulating more than 2,100 volunteer hours.
He has been a regular at community events, photographing, interviewing and questioning, using a sensitive approach to what happens in his community.
Justin has contributed to the wider Clare Valley Community in a range of roles, is member of the Mintaro Progress Association, as well as supporter of several other organisations.
Young Citizen of the Year, Isaac Nichols from Black Springs loves his community and has been volunteering since he was a child, learning about service with his grandfather Kelvin Schwartz and other Gilbert Valley Lions Club members since 2013.
Formally becoming a Lions Club member in 2020, Isaac learned about community involvement through his membership of sporting groups and as a sportsman.
Isaac has become passionate about being a role model for younger teens, and rather than attending schoolies as a school leaver, he volunteered with the Green Team and has continued to do so, moving into leadership roles.
He is a leader within the Lutheran community, volunteering in roles for Christian Life Week and raised money by walking for Suicide Prevention.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service Black Tie Gala Ball has been named Community Event of the Year after the groundbreaking event in the Clare Valley marked one of the largest gatherings in the region’s history.
The event was a celebration of the RFDS Clare Support Group’s 70th anniversary, making it the oldest Support Group in regional Australia.
The ball made a tangible contribution to the community, raising vital funds for the RFDS.
The Active Citizenship Award will be awarded to Leonie Moore from Watervale for her wildlife rescue work.
Leonie is always willing to take on injured native animals and birds, provide advice, and often drive miles to pick up wildlife in need of her care.
She also finds time to play in a local band at events in the Clare Valley.
Mayor Allan Aughey OAM said that he looked forward to recipients being honoured and acknowledged at the 2025 Australia Day breakfast in Melrose Park, Clare on Sunday, January 26, 2025.