Three of Kangaroo Island’s finest were awarded as Citizens of the Year in last Thursday’s Australia Day ceremony at Hope Cottage Museum in Kingscote.
Graeme Connell was named for his contribution to emergency services and the community; Bryan Kelly for his contribution to sport and youth; Heather Fisher for her contribution to youth and humanity.
Mayor Jayne Bates presided over the ceremony, recalling milestones for Kangaroo Island in 2011.
“As I reflect on our last 12 months as a community, we have added some milestones to the cement that continues to bind us together and build on the legacy and the fabric of our Australian way of life.
“The unwavering commitment of Sapper Jamie Larcombe, whose belief in what we so easily take for granted led to his ultimate sacrifice, and as a community will be forever remembered with immense pride.
“The celebration of 175 years of official settlement of our State and its humble beginnings on Kangaroo Island. A milestone of perseverance and ingenuity, of hard work and commitment.
“That day finally, in recognition of Kangaroo Island as the birthplace of the State, Premier Rann gave his State of the State address here on the island for the first time. “
She welcomed the award winners.
“Heather is a school teacher at Kingscote campus and has been for the last 31 years… She is also the senior school counsellor, mentor and the school-based apprenticeship organiser.
“Her dedication and caring for children goes much further than the classroom... Heather has spent endless hours finding accommodation for children who find themselves homeless and helping families who aren’t coping with the stresses of life.
“Heather has been on several Operation Flinders camps and blue light camps and has always made herself available for extra duties at school and in the community. Many years of helping out at school discos, blue light discos and street parties, handing out bottled water, advice and helping children get home safely, is all part of her caring selfless nature.”
Bryan Kelly was awarded in recognition of a lifetime of service to community and youth.
“Bryan has been a committee member and office bearer of the Stokes Bay Hall Committee. He has been an active CFS brigade member and has a long service medal from the CFS.
“Bryan has been scout leader in Kingscote and Parndana, was instrumental in revamping the Kingscote Scout group and was awarded life membership of the Scout Association.
“He is a foundation member of the Parndana Golf Club, is currently the treasurer and once again has been awarded life membership.
“He is an active member of the KI Players and was part of the reforming committee in 1991. He is a foundation member of the KI Walking Club and an active member of the Kangaroo Island Lions.
“Bryan’s lifelong passion for tennis has seen him hold every executive position in the Kangaroo Island Tennis Association. He is a member of the Kingscote Tennis Club and recently took up the role of association junior co-ordinator.”
She praised Graeme Connell as a quiet achiever.
“Graeme has always been an energetic forward thinker and achiever. Starting with his purchase of land in the Birchmore area, Graeme became concerned with the salinity problem from the Birchmore Lagoon. His enthusiasm helped form the Chain of Lagoons Landcare group.
“Graeme has been heavily involved in the KI Ag Bureau and KI Field Day committee.
“As a CFS brigade member for over 40 years, including captain of the Kingscote Brigade and group officer at a time of great change, he was awarded a life membership.
“Graeme became a member of the school board for several years. Graeme has also served on the Kangaroo Island Hospital Board, donating his time and giving generous donations to the hospital. He is a valued member of Advance Kingscote and is in his second term as a Kangaroo Island councillor.”
The Community Event of the Year was awarded to the 175th Settlement Day celebrations and the award accepted by Advance Kingscote and the KI Pioneers Association representatives.
Maria and Wayne Loechel were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for their work in raising the flag at Flagstaff Hill each day for 10 years.
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