2009 Eyre Peninsula & Western Winners

Port Lincoln City Band is a concert band made up of 27 members that provides musical entertainment for the community. They provide a learner band for juniors and seniors and developmental opportunities for its members, school and community musicians. The band also provides a variety of music for different community events and concerts. The band has recently received funding to run a Master class and Concert in October, which has seen the whole community get involved.

In 2008/09, Calypso Star Charter has seen a significant increase in tour bookings and sales, many of which have come through for its new one-day shark cage diving experience. The company has also shown great business initiative, packaging the product with the Port Lincoln Hotel and releasing a spectator package with the option to upgrade once on the boat. Calypso Star Charter has also completed the National Tourism Accreditation Program and was awarded a bronze medal at the 2008 SA Tourism Awards.

Over the past 12 months the Ceduna Foreshore Hotel has completed its $8 million redevelopment, including extensive renovations of the accommodation areas and upgrades to the new function room. In 2008, the Ceduna Foreshore Hotel was the joint winner of the SA Tourism Award for Best Redevelopment, as well as the winner of two awards - AHA SA Best Bistro/Casual/Family Dining – Country and Best Retail Outlet – Country. As a community hotel, they have donated $46,000 for an X-Ray processing machine for the local hospital and have raised $29,000 for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.

The Port Lincoln Art Prize is a volunteer sub-committee of the Civic Hall Management Board, who instigated and organised the Port Lincoln Art Prize in 2008, 2009, and for 2010. This group gained $8000 worth of prizes, and formed partnerships with both cash sponsors, and in-kind support to provide Eyre Peninsula artists with a quality prize. The exhibition is run for 5 weeks, and has so far attracted over 4000 visitors to the region.

Brian and Jeff are co-chairs of the Eyre Peninsula Drought Task Force. Their contribution has been on a voluntary basis and has required them to give countless hours to supporting drought-affected farmers on the Eyre Peninsula. They successfully worked with Government representatives to ensure the entire Eyre Peninsula region is declared as an exceptional circumstance area, which has resulted in generating over $36 million in interest rate subsidies for severely drought-affected farmers.

Australia’s largest mussel farming operation, South Australian Seafoods supply quality Boston Bay Mussels to all corners of Australia. Mark Andrews and his team farm mussels in 168 hectares of water to produce a consistently outstanding and product. South Australian Seafoods’ staff has a combined experience in mussel farming spanning 40 years. South Australian Seafood is committed to sustainable farming of quality Boston Bay Mussels.

The Arno Bay Estuary Group, made up of volunteers, worked together to complete stage 1 & 2 of the Arno Bay Mangrove Boardwalk. In total, the volunteers donated 3000 hours of labour to complete the construction. Over the past 12 months, the group has added an extra 660 metres of boardwalk to extend the construction to the creek mouth. The boardwalk has been designed to allow wheelchair access along the entire length. Installation of interpretive signage has also been completed along the Boardwalk.

Over the past 12 months, Adventure Bay Charters have introduced 2 new components to their business; an underwater viewing tunnel that allows visitors to view the Tuna without having to get wet and a new tour called Sea Lion Adventures. They have also achieved Advanced Eco Certification on all tours and reached Carbon Neutral status. They have been proactive in working with other local tour operators including ‘Nullarbor Traveller’ and ‘Goin off Safaris’ to package their product. With these additions, Adventure Bay Charters has seen a substantial increase in sales.

This community group has recently staged its second successful freestyle motocross spectacular, including bands, fireworks and amazing bike tricks. The group has also raised $80,000 for various local sporting clubs, emergency services and the local hospital. The competition is recognised as one of Australia’s best and well organised. The event is a mammoth task running on a large community and generous sponsor funded budget, drawing people from all over Australia.

Kimba Area School Student Representative Council consists of two student representatives from each of Year 6 to Year 12. In 2009, the Council showed great initiative, running a ‘Bush Fire Appeal Week’ and registering for ‘School Aid – Kids Supporting Kids’ to raise money to support schools and students affected by the Victorian Bushfires. The Council has also held days such as Red Nose Day and Jeans for Genes Day to raise money for respective charities.