Published on Friday, 3 February 2023 at 2:13:03 PM
Every year, the Shire of Coolgardie recognises and acknowledges individuals, community groups and organisations for the contributions they have made to our community.
This year saw a record number of nominations made over four categories comprising of the Citizen Award, Youth Award, Community Group or Event and the Corporate Award.
Here are your winners for 2023.
Coolgardie Winners
Citizen Award - This award is presented to an individual over 25 years of age who has made an outstanding contribution to the local community.
WINNER – Jim Miles
Jim has been nominated for his incredible effort and dedication toward eradicating the Hudson Pear Pickle in Coolgardie. This is a huge commitment and Jim has spent countless hours on his days off to this program. He is doing an excellent job too.
Youth Award - This Award is presented to an individual under 25 years of age who has made an outstanding contribution to the local community.
WINNER – Janelle Shilton
Janelle is a volunteer fire fighter who has come up through the juniors to become an active member. She is also now in the volunteer roles as treasurer and social media officer. She always puts her hand up to help out at community events and fundraisers.
Community Group or Event - This is presented to a community group or committee in the Shire of Coolgardie that has made an outstanding contribution to the local community.
COMMUNITY GROUP WINNER – Km’s & Convos for R U OK
This group of ladies encouraged and saw so many people get out of their houses and start walking to different locations and distances. The energy this group put into the month of July was remarkable. They definitely had the community taking about the next event that was planned like the Blue Tree Project. It got people out and walking in a group, which had a positive impact on people’s mental health.
COMMUNITY EVENT WINNER – Coolgardie Day
This nomination is for their hard work and for putting on a fantastic day in the Goldfields for the families to enjoy.
Kambalda Winners
Citizen Award - This award is presented to an individual over 25 years of age who has made an outstanding contribution to the local community.
WINNER – Godfrey Patten
Godfrey has been nominated for his work with the youth of Kambalda as coach of the Kambalda Volunteer Fire and Rescue Junior teams, his commitment to being a volunteer firefighter and his time as a volunteer on the Community Christmas Tree Committee. Godfrey took on the role as the junior KVFR team coach 3 years ago and has been instrumental in increasing the junior numbers from 7 to over 30! The largest group of junior competitors in the state. His leadership and mentorship has seen many wins and records broken. Youth under his guidance learn discipline and commitment and many will now go on to become volunteer firefighters which further benefits the community. Congratulations to all the Australia Day Winners from the Shire of Coolgardie.
Youth Award - This Award is presented to an individual under 25 years of age who has made an outstanding contribution to the local community.
WINNER – Taikata Puro Manukau
Taikata is a real leader and motivator for the youth of Kambalda. He represented Kambalda in AFL making it to the regional under 15’s carnival in Perth. He is also a member of the Kambalda Volunteer Fire Brigade. He leads by example and is always supporting his peers.
Corporate Citizen Award - Presented to a business or organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to the community in the Shire of Coolgardie.
WINNER – BHP
BHP has been nominated for their donation of an ambulance to the Kambalda St John Sub Centre. BHP have committed to many community sponsorships, community initiatives and encourages community engagement. Their donation of a brand new ambulance has a significant long term impact for the community and gives St John the ability to deliver a higher standard of service to Kambalda.
Community Group or Event - This is presented to a community group or committee in the Shire of Coolgardie that has made an outstanding contribution to the local community.
Community Group WINNER – Kambalda Volunteer Fire & Rescue
The volunteer fire and rescue group deliver an outstanding service to the community and are always on call to protect our community against fire dangers and to assist with accidents and incidents. They are also at nearly every community event, volunteering their time. This includes the Blue Light Disco’s, Santa lolly runs, school events, fun runs etc.
COMMUNITY EVENT WINNER - Kambalda Police Station -Blue Light Discos
For their outstanding contribution to the community through organisation and running of successful Blue Light Discos for the children of the Kambalda community. This includes the very successful Christmas Disco. They have greatly enriched the community, engagement with the local youth and police, and building positive relationships whilst doing so.
The awards are an important part of Australia Day but there were more celebrations after the ceremony was complete.
The day began with the classic cooked breakfast, thank you to both the Coolgardie and Kambalda Volunteer Fire & Rescue teams for cooking each year.
Residents in Coolgardie enjoyed a full day of events spread over the Coolgardie Park, Coolgardie Pool and Youth Club. Bouncy castles, games, new inflatables at the pool, free icy poles, treasure hunt, an evening movie and best dressed Aussie entertained families throughout the day all serenaded by Marcus McGuire’s smooth sounds. To accompany the cooked breakfast, the Coolgardie Primary School P&C served free tea and coffee for everyone.
Kambalda made the most of the sunshine at the Kambalda Aquatic Facility with plenty to do in the pool as well as out of the pool. Best dressed Aussie, free Krushies, 100 free coffees and for the first time a synchronized swimmer dazzled the crowd. Children walked away with great prizes from the treasure hunt, shoot the hoops competition and colouring in competition. New inflatables were introduced this year and were set up with everyone trying to make it to the end without falling off. Live music by Sally Jane set the scene for a wonderful day in Kambalda.
The Shire of Coolgardie would like to thank the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council for their support and assistance.
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