Published on Wednesday, 26 January 2022 at 1:33:15 PM
Every year, the Shire of Coolgardie recognises and acknowledges individuals, community groups and organisations for the contributions they have made to our community.
In the past year Australia has faced immense challenges – drought, bushfire, and the coronavirus pandemic. Through these tough times, the Shire of Coolgardie’s community has risen to the occasion by supporting one another which is evident in the number of nominations received for this year’s Australia Day Awards.
Below are your nominees and overall winners for the Shire of Coolgardie.
Coolgardie Nominees and Winners
Community Group - This is presented to a community group or committee in the Shire of Coolgardie that has made an outstanding contribution to the local community.
The Students of CAPS Kurrawang PS
Coolgardie Community Fire Brigade
Church West
WINNER – Church West
Churchwest have been nominated for their continuous support through food hampers to the community and a generous donation to the Coolgardie Safari Inn.
Corporate Citizen Award - Presented to a business or organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to the community in the Shire of Coolgardie. We have many in Coolgardie this year, which truly reflects what a wonderful community we have here.
Coolgardie Safari Inn
WINNER - Coolgardie Safari Inn
Coolgardie Safari Inn were nominated for their dedication to Coolgardie. This entails a building of a mini golf course and the Christmas meals that were supplied free of charge to Coolgardie residents.
Citizen Award - This award is presented to an individual over 25 years of age who has made an outstanding contribution to the local community.
Corey Matthews
Melissa Nowlan
Jess Higgins
Roy Bergin
Rodney Higgins & Wayne Hill
Joy Harwood
Gorrie Williams
Katherine Fox
WINNER – Jess Higgins
Jess received 2 nominations for her hard work and dedication in volunteering for the Coolgardie P&C. Her hard work and dedication has raised an incredible amount in 2021.
Kambalda Nominees and Winners
Community Group - This is presented to a community group or committee in the Shire of Coolgardie that has made an outstanding contribution to the local community.
Kambalda Community Christmas Tree
Quirky Quilters
Kambalda St John Sub Centre Volunteers
WINNER – Kambalda St John Sub Centre Volunteers
Kambalda St John Sub Centre Volunteers are a small but dedicated group of volunteers who have provided valuable and life changing service to Kambalda residents during 2021. They are not only emergency response ambulance officers, but also provide the community transport service. A part of this is Meals on Wheels, where lives have been saved during welfare checks.
201 calls for assistance have been made in 2021, with volunteers fielding 84% of these jobs.
St John Kambalda donated the following time and service to the community in 2021:
- 1045 hours attending to emergency response callouts by Ambulance Officers.
- 954 hours transporting and facilitating Meals on Wheels by CTS.
- 101 hours at community events providing first aid free of charge to our community.
Youth Award - This Award is presented to an individual under 25 years of age who has made an outstanding contribution to the local community.
Haylee Keast
WINNER – Haylee Keast
Haylee Keast was nominated for her contribution to community groups such as the Kambalda Squash Association, Kambalda Eagles Football Club and helping the Kambalda St John Sub Centre. She has a passion in trying to keep local sport in Kambalda and has undertook her level 1 sports training to ensure there is a trainer for the local football team. She spends time ensuring the local squash association doesn’t close, and even completed training to become a swim teacher so the children in Kambalda can obtain swimming lessons.
Corporate Citizen Award - Presented to a business or organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to the community in the Shire of Coolgardie.
Pit Bull Services
WINNER – Pit Bull Services
Pit Bull Services have been nominated for their contribution to the community and environment. Jamie and Travis Brophy collect containers from various local mine sites for no charge. The money generated from the Containers for Change scheme is then donated back into the community via Food Bank. They have also made continuous donations to the Junior Fire Fighters, Kambalda Fire Services, Harry's Heroes, East Kambalda Primary School for the camp, Kambalda TeeBall. They inspire change for the environment and community well-being with these actions.
Citizen Award - This award is presented to an individual over 25 years of age who has made an outstanding contribution to the local community.
Karen Karafilis
Irene Duke
John Scott
WINNER – Karen Karafilis
Karen is the treasurer for the St John Ambulance volunteers. She is also the co-coordinator for the Community Transport Vehicle and has dedicated countless hours each week to driving locals to medical appointments as well as the delivery of meals to Kambalda seniors for the Meals on Wheels program.
Congratulations to all the Australia Day Winners from the Shire of Coolgardie.
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