Heroes in our community

Latest News

Published 25th January 2019

Community Service Awards: Six worthy winners

2019ausdaywinners

WORTHY WINNER: Susan Burgess being held up by her peers as a someone thoroughly deserving of a Community Service Award.

2019 AUSTRALIA DAY COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS

Susan Burgess

Susan is a remarkable lady. She helps run her own business and looks after her 12-year-old son who is wheelchair bound and cannot walk or talk or do much for himself. She also raises money for Variety SA The Children's Charity.

“Every day she does not stop and never takes time for herself,” her nominator said.

“With her son often in hospital lately, and a few times nearly losing him, she fights on.”

Heidi French

Many people would notice Heidi French down at the Ada Ryan Gardens but perhaps not as many would notice the volunteer work she does.

Heidi has been volunteering her time, three days a week, at Ada Ryan Gardens for more than 11 years. You will see her down there with a smile – rain, hail or shine – volunteering off her own back to help keep the gardens looking as fantastic as they do.

“Heidi does an amazing job, she is a real asset for Whyalla and a good role model for retired people,” her nominator said.

Bruce Muhlhan

As a volunteer Bruce has been the driving force behind the introduction of the Story Dogs program into Whyalla primary schools.

Story Dogs is an Australia-wide reading support program where selected students read to an accredited dog and its handler. Reading takes place in a quiet area of the school such as the library or verandah outside a classroom.

Sessions run for 20 minutes long where each child is one-on-one with the dog team. The books used in the program are suitable for each child's reading level, are engaging and inspire children to read for enjoyment & knowledge.

“Bruce has been instrumental in the recruitment, training, accreditation and introduction of the current six other dog teams now operating in Whyalla during 2018,” his nominator said.

“He is still actively recruiting with two more teams in training.”

Allison Skepper

Allison has been volunteering her time for over 20 years in Whyalla.

Allison volunteers nearly on a daily basis and over the past 20 years has been a member of many committees. She is currently on the following committees: Whyalla Blue light committee; SAM Inn committee providing meals to those in need; Central Whyalla Football Club volunteer for 15 years; Uniting Church volunteer; Catholic Church Council member; providing accommodation, meals and support for two youth apprentices from rural and remote areas.

“Allison is a dedicated and highly motivated member of the Whyalla Community,” her nominator said.

“She is dedicated to improving the town of Whyalla through her efforts in assisting others and providing support to organisations as a volunteer. She works tirelessly, she is inspirational, instils confidence in those who volunteer alongside her.”

Olga St Paul

Working at the Whyalla Aged Care in the Yeltana Nursing Home as a carer, physio assistant and lifestyle officer, Olga goes beyond these roles in her own time and at her own expense.

Her list of achievements when going above and beyond include a Mother’s Day high tea; Father’s Day afternoon tea; Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Teddy Bears Picnic, Traditional English cooked breakfast; Melbourne Cup Day luncheon.

Olga takes two days unpaid off work to organise activities on site.

“Olga is a selfless, caring person who loves to give and share happiness,” her nominator said.

“Her greatest reward is seeing the look of surprise and delight as residents come into the room to be entertained and enthralled.”

Jan Wakeling

Jan goes over and beyond within her role as a social worker with showing compassion and empathy to our most vulnerable.

The office hours for Anglicare are Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 12pm for emergency relief, however, Jan often stays back and assists clients out of the hours. She works to ensure that they don't go hungry or without their immediate needs.

“The demands of her role can be strenuous at the best of times,” her nominator said.

“The fact she gives extra shows her genuine care for the community.

"We have constant positive feedback from the general public, clients, as well professional peers about how moved each person she has engaged with has been.”

The Community Service Award winners will receive their awards tonight (Friday, January 25) before being honoured again at the Australia Day celebrations in Ada Ryan Gardens tomorrow (Saturday, January 26).