Local heroes

Each year we celebrate the invaluable contribution local community members make to our City through our Australia Day Awards. Congratulations to our 2021 award winners.

To help you get to know your 2021 citizens, initiatives and sporting clubs of the year, we asked them why a connected community is so important to them.

This is what they told us.

Raelene Wlochowicz Citizen of the Year

If we are not connected, how are we going to support one another?

There are so many people who need support in our community and with community connection comes lots of additional threads. For example the support we provide the women at the Playford Women’s Shed in turn benefits their family, friends and colleagues they connect with.

Courtney Hatchard

Young Citizen of the Year

As a netball coach and player, I believe being involved in sport is a great way to provide a positive environment for kids and adults to come together.

Sport is a great way to form community connections while getting out there and having a go. Whether it is for fun, competition or providing something to strive for.

Annette Cooper, Midway Road Community House

Community Initiative of the Year

A connected community is like knowing all of your neighbours on your street – you feel happier, safer and a sense of belonging.

This is what we try to achieve at Midway Road Community House, as we want everyone in the Playford community to feel that inclusiveness.

Dave Zeelen, Elizabeth Rugby Union Football Club

Sports Club of the Year

A sense of belonging is extremely important and can have a huge impact on people’s lives, especially for young people.

We have had young players join the club who are struggling with mental health illnesses that makes it hard for them to get out of bed and go to school. Now they are regularly playing rugby and attending school.