THE annual Australia Day breakfast at Beachport’s Centennial Park is not losing popularity with significant numbers of locals and visitors among the 600 in attendance on Saturday.
Under cloudy skies, the Lions Club of Beachport and Rivoli Bay served up a hearty and hot breakfast at no charge.
The Kintore Ward recipient of the 2019 Australia Day citizen of the year award was Southend community worker George Osis, the young Australia Day citizen of the year award was Beachport student and community volunteer Zoe Moran and the community event of the year was the Inflatable Rescue Boat Carnival staged by the Beachport Surf Life Saving Club in June.
Their awards were officially presented by ward councillors Peter Dunnicliff and Dr Kevin McGrath.
Former Lions Club member Frank Boylan, now of Adelaide, was the master of ceremonies for the formal part of the function which included the ceremonial raising of the flag and the singing of the Australian National Anthem.
There was a hiccup with the flag unfurling as it turned out to be the flag of New Zealand.
Mr Boylan acknowledged the amazing work done by the volunteers who take part in the emergency services.
He said it was appropriate to do so as Mr Osis had dedicated 38 years to the Southend Country Fire Service brigade.
In his speech, Cr Dunnicliff made a tongue-in-cheek remark about not needing to talk about pot-holed roads, rates and the sand build-up in the boat ramp.
Cr Dunnicliff explained the contribution of Mr Osis to Southend including his CFS duties, mowing of blocks and disposal of road kill and his cash donation to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
“He is a humble and generous man,” Cr Dunnicliff said.
Cr McGrath pointed out Ms Moran served the community well as a Vacswim instructor and lifesaver, had achieved a 98.95 Year 12 score and was active in extra-curricula activities at her school.
Ms Moran used her acceptance speech to thank all who have supported and encourage her from Beachport whether they be friends, family or past teachers.
“Beachport is a wonderful community,” Ms Moran said.
“It does take a village to raise a child.”
Beachport Surf Life Saving Club representative Ben Treloar accepted the community event award and said it would return to Beachport in 2019.
“Our club has the right balance of education, community service, beach patrols and competition,” Mr Treloar said.
Beachport and Rivoli Bay Lions Club president Craig Reilly thanked his members and their partners for providing the breakfast and Wattle Range Council for the sponsorship.
He said around 40 helpers were involved in the catering and staging of the yearly function.
“It is a real social event and a typical joint Beachport effort,” Mr Reilly said.
Lions catering manager Ian Lister said 25 of the club’s 28 members were on deck and generous donations meant the hot breakfast and beverages could be provided at no cost.
“The fried eggs, bacon, tomatoes, bread, baked beans, onions and sausages are always popular,” Mr Lister said.
The new rescue boat donated by the Lions was officially commissioned by Mr Reilly by being doused in bubbly.
Community breakfasts in the Wattle Range Council area were also staged on Saturday morning at Penola, Millicent and Kalangadoo while an informal lunchtime barbecue was held at Tantanoola.
