2009 Far North Winners

The Port Augusta Cultural Centre – Yarta Purlti is a newly developed arts and cultural hub in the central business district of Port Augusta. The centre supports and encourages community and individual participation in all facets of the arts and culture. It also symbolises the Port Augusta’s aspiration to become a regional centre for the arts and culture as well as a creative place to meet. In the past year the centre has been involved in the restoration and redevelopment of the South Australian Magistrates Court Buildings and Trooper Barracks, as well as transforming the Institute Building into a high quality visual arts gallery and a flexible outdoor performance and entertainment space.

Michelle and Roger Coles’ plans for a quiet retirement have grown into an all-consuming business, providing quality entertainment for the Port Augusta community. Through their continual efforts and dedication to embracing a new technology, they have provided a cinema experience that is second to none. Their cinema was the first in South Australia to provide live satellite concerts and operas and they are the only cinema in the State to be selected as a part of the regional digital screen network pilot program. They also give back to the community by fundraising with local and State charities, providing free screenings to support schools and sporting organisations in the area.

The Phoenix Society is recognised for its overall business achievements in Whyalla. They have a vision to provide challenging and meaningful work for the disabled and this vision has been broadened to include people with all types of disability. Their facilities in Whyalla now employ 55 people who are supported by 6 staff. Phoenix plays a significant role in the local community by providing supported employment opportunities and career pathways for the disabled. The work of the Phoenix Society delivers positive outcomes across the community and is well recognised for its ability to change lives.

The Port Augusta Men’s Shed has completed a number of important projects during the last 12 months, notably a documentary that was launched internationally titled, “Big Stories Small Towns”, featuring the Men’s Shed. The Men’s Shed has also undertaken several major construction projects including the contraction, donation and delivery of items to the Stirling North Primary School, Port Augusta Courts, Nursing Homes and other primary schools. This work done by the Port Augusta Men’s Shed not only provides a unique service for the community, but also offers real support for men working in the region.

Paula has demonstrated significant support for families of Port Augusta by carrying out her volunteer work with 5 separate programs over fourteen years, averaging 15 hours per week of active service. Paula’s work has delivered positive outcomes across a broad range of families within the community. She possesses a proactive attitude and a unique awareness of the needs of families. Paula’s ongoing work has seen continual support for young families and new families to the city.

Outback Smart is achieving some major outcomes in the field of innovation. It is the first program of its type in Roxby Downs, training over forty volunteer community energy assessors and providing over sixty home energy assessments in the community. Outback Smart also recently held a six week series of community education workshops completed with eighteen participants. Outback Smart is entirely run by volunteers from the community, showing the program is self-sustaining and can continue to deliver innovative services and education for the community.

RoxFM has strived to implement sustainable practices to aid the community of Roxby Downs. Their achievements including developing local recycling initiatives, generating ideas around sustainability and raising community awareness about environmental issues. RoxFM is a community collection point for Planet Ark, and the station also collects household batteries, cans and bottles with the proceeds going to Roxby Downs Scout Group. They also encourage the community to donate old CD’s for reuse or resale. Throughout 2008, RoxFM hosted an environmentally aware radio show called, “Eco-Hour”, which aimed to educate the community into leading more sustainable lifestyles.

With the busiest year on record just behind them, Stuart Range Caravan Park continues to thrive in the outback setting of Coober Pedy. During the last 12 months, extensive work has been completed on the front entrance of the park and has continued to beautify not only the park, but also the entrance to the town. The Athanasiadis family have maintained a program of continuous improvement, which has seen the addition of contemporary signage, paved footpaths and palm gardens. Despite a heavy workload in the tourism industry, the family contributes significant support as volunteers in the Coober Pedy community and are strong supporters of the region’s future development.

Laura has demonstrated her abilities to be a true ambassador for her region and in the State. Her achievements have included representing South Australia in the Under 18 National Basketball Championships is Ballarat, winning a special incentive award in the Port Augusta City Junior Sports Awards for netball and basketball, winning St Joseph Netball Club’s A Grade Most Accomplished Player and representing Port Augusta in the A Grade Women’s Country Basketball Championships. She was also selected for State League Reserves for Matrics Netball Club and was recently in the Premiership Spartans Basketball Team. In April this year, Laura represented South Australia in the State Netball Team in the National Championships and was subsequently selected in the Australian squad to attend the Australian Institute of Sport. 

Tim has demonstrated he is a positive role model for his peers through his continual involvement in the Andamooka Community. He has been nominated for and participated in the ANZAC vidual in Adelaide and represented the State for the SES to be presented to the Governor General. Tim has represented Roxby Downs Area School as School Captain for the recent visit to the area by Premier Mike Rann. Tim is actively involved in the School Representative Council and School Governing Council. He promotes volunteering through his involvement and ongoing training of SES and CFS Cadets. As an active school student and volunteer throughout the community, Tim recognises the value of giving something back to the town in which he lives.