PORT MacDonnell resident Phillip Simpson was named Grant District Council’s citizen of the year at the Australia Day community celebration at Kongorong.
A pivotal member of the Moorak Country Fire Service for more than 50 years, Mr Simpson has served as a lieutenant and captain with the brigade.
The community stalwart was awarded the CFS National Service Medal and acknowledged for his service following the 1983 Ash Wednesday bush fires.
Mr Simpson has also contributed widely in other community roles, including volunteering weekly in the 1990s to teach children with disabilities.
The community resident has also been involved with the Royal Life Saving Society, Port MacDonnell Men’s Shed, Meals on Wheels as well as the Moorak Primary and Grant High Schools’ governing councils.
A Justice of the Peace for more than 20 years and president of the Lower South East Justices Group for 15 years, Mr Simpson became a volunteer SA Ambulance First Responder in 2005 and is rostered on 24 hour call up to four times per week.
Moreover, Mr Simpson is vice president of the Limestone Coast zone ambulance volunteers and president of the Port MacDonnell Community First Responders.
Wally Balnaves, Heather Richards, Chris Tully and Jodi Widdison were also nominated for the award.
“As a council we feel that it is important to celebrate the award recipients and all nominees as they have all made a positive difference to our community and should feel very proud to be nominated,” Grant district mayor Richard Sage said.
Meanwhile, Tarpeena Progress Association’s Paint the Bowl project was named community event of the year.
A fact finding trip for Tarpeena’s youth led to artist Jeremy Ievins designing and painting the skate park bowl.
Supported by the Office of Youth, council and local business, the project sparked community pride in the town and increased usage of the skate park.
The young citizen of the year award was given to Bradley Long, 23, of Pelican Point.
Bradley has assisted with coaching Kongorong women’s and colt’s football teams, volunteers for working bees and social committee and is a great role model for junior upcoming players.
The young citizen also volunteers for the Limestone Coast Fishermen’s Co-operative and hosts an annual friendly cricket match to raise funds for charity.
Council’s Australia Day celebration was hosted by the Kongorong Progress Advisory Committee, which donated all proceeds to the SA CFS Foundation and the Stand Like Stone South East Disaster Relief Fund.
In a heartfelt gesture, Mr Sage acknowledged emergency services personnel including the CFS, SES, MFS, SA Police, St John Ambulance, SA Ambulance and
First Responder teams for their dedication, courage and sacrifice, especially during this horrific bushfire season.
A minute’s silence was held for bushfire victims.
