Our unsung heroes receive Australia Day awards

Published on 26 January 2023

Colleen Bennett, a resident who has dedicated her life to community service, has been named our Outstanding Citizen of the Year at today’s City of Tea Tree Gully Australia Day awards ceremony at Modbury.

Mrs Bennett has spent thousands of hours volunteering for local community organisations to benefit others. These groups include Scouts SA (34 years of service), Redwood Park Neighbourhood Watch (26 years of service) and St John SA (27 years of service).

The Tea Tree Gully Men’s Shed Women’s Workshop Group received the award for Outstanding Community Group of the Year. Members have used their practical skills to bring joy to others. They created a fairy village outside the Tea Tree Gully Library in 2022 and a fairy garden at Linear Park (Highbury) in 2019. They also contributed to National Reconciliation Week community art projects during the past two years.

The awards were presented by Cr Rob Unger and Australia Day Ambassador, Holly Scott.

Mayor Marijka Ryan, acknowledged the achievements of the award winners and nominees.

“We thank them for putting their time and energy into enriching other people’s lives. Congratulations on your hard work and dedication.”

Outstanding Citizen of the Year commendation awards were also presented to Violet Coupar and Belinda Hennekam. The BEAT Movement received an Outstanding Community Group of the Year commendation.

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