A HUMBLE and selfless community member who has dedicated decades of his time to help others was celebrated as Wattle Range Council’s Corcoran Ward citizen of the year on Saturday.
Leon Miels received the prestigious award before a crowd of around 180 locals at the Australia Day breakfast ceremony, which was held at Jubilee Park on Saturday.
Councillor Sharon Cox said the awards were an opportunity to recognise incredible community contributions made by individuals.
“Without these motivated persons, many noteworthy activities and events would not occur,” she said.
“Their selflessness and unfailing community spirit is admired.
“Leon has been a quiet contributor to Millicent and surrounds for over 40 years.
“He is quick to offer his services in working bees and has been pillar of helpfulness in the community.”
Mr Miels has been involved with the Millicent Men’s Shed, the Penguin Club, Millicent Apex Club, Millicent Lions Club, the Noorla Yo-Long Management Committee and overseen a number of community projects.
He thanked the community and his family for their support, adding there was a number of people worthy of the award.
Meanwhile, dedicated sportsman and passionate campaigner for CanTeen – Sam Linton – was named young citizen of the year.
Councillor Moira Neagle presented Sam with the award, which she said was an honour.
“I first met Sam when he was a Year 6 student at Newbery Park Primary School and that was a challenging time for him,” she said.
“It is an honor to speak about the impressive young man he is now.
“Three words, which recur in describing Sam are dedicated, resilient and compassionate.”
Sam lost his father in 2013 to cancer and has worked diligently to promote CanTeen since as a mentor, peer support volunteer and a state leadership team member.
He is also actively involved with the Millicent United Soccer Club and gained his soccer coaching and referee licence in 2016 at the age of 15.
Sam is the assistant under 12 coach and also helps run the junior skills program over the past three years.
In an emotional speech he accepted the award in memory of his late father and thanked his family and friends for their ongoing support.
The final award presented was the community event of the year, accepted by Peter Seebohm and Jenny Herbert for the Millicent Basketball Junior Tournament.
Councillor Graham Slarks said the tournament provides both social and economic benefits to Millicent and the surrounding districts.
“Players, coaches, managers and families travel from across country South Australia and Western Victoria, as far as Victor Harbor and Terang,” he said.
“In 2018 there were 86 teams with a program of 204 games from under 12 to under 18s with an estimated participation of close to 900 people.
“The economic benefits are wide ranging with accommodation, fuel, food, retail and tourism outlets who benefit from the enormous influx of visitors.
“Main street traders extend their trading hours across the weekend and accommodation is booked out in Millicent and surrounds.
“The social benefits are less easily measured and just as important.
“This tournament brings together families, past and present players and officials from across the country basketball scene.
“The running of the tournament is reliant on full participation and effort from all involved, which gives the committee, association and wider basketball community a real sense of pride and achievement when the final whistle sounds on the Sunday evening.”
Mr Seebohm said he was honoured to receive the award and would not be able to host the tournament if not for the support of volunteers and community members.
The crowd enjoyed a free hot breakfast at the ceremony, which was cooked and provided by local service clubs, community members and council.
