Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award Recipients 2024
The Adelaide Plains are home to a proud, spirited and generous community. Adelaide Plains Council celebrates the local people that make outstanding contributions to the community by presenting annual Citizen of the Year awards. \
Council received many worthy nominations and acknowledges the significant positive impact every nominee has had on the community in 2023. Council Members carefully considered all nominations at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 18 December 2023.
Council is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Australia Day Citizen of the Year awards:
Citizen of the Year: Denis and Maria Pellizzari
For over 57 years Denis and Maria Pellizzari have dedicated their time and passion to their Two Wells community. From helping to set up the first kindergarten and the Two Wells Community Centre, Denis has also been actively involved with the Two Wells Football and Netball Sporting Club and local Catholic Church for many years. Maria has also been involved with the Club, has been a member of the Two Wells Community Centre Committee, and volunteered with St John’s for over 20 years whilst raising their three children.
Young Citizen of the Year:
Jacob Paul Starting as the Club’s youngest member at just 6 months old, Jacob has grown up with the Two Wells Equestrian and Pony Club and become an integral member. In 2023 he devoted over 500 volunteer hours to the Club while finishing year 12. When not riding at club rallies Jacob is busy maintaining the grounds, working in the canteen, and encouraging others to volunteer. People describe Jacob as warm, kind, and always committed to helping others.
Community Event of the Year: Dublin War Memorial 20th Anniversary and Remembrance Service
Since the installation of the Dublin War Memorial in 2003, the Dublin History Group has spent countless hours researching past and present defence personnel who lived in the region to ensure their stories are told and remembered. The 20th anniversary of the Memorial was commemorated at the Remembrance Service, with over 50 people attending to pay their respects and connect with others.
Community Project of the Year: Two Wells Oval Water Tank Mural
Finding a creative way to pay homage to local sporting legends, the Two Wells Football and Netball Sporting Club transformed an unused water tank into a vibrant art installation. With a grant from Country Arts SA, they engaged local artist Kyle Armstrong to paint images of sporting locals from the town’s recent history. They plan to host an official opening in 2024.
Award recipients will be officially presented with their certificates at Council’s Australia Day Ceremony. All are welcome to attend the event on Friday 26 January 2024. Hosted by Mayor Wasley, recipients will be officially presented with their Australia Day Citizen of the Year awards and Council residents will be conferred as Australian citizens.
Australia Day 2024 Ambassador Major-General (Retd) Vikram Madan OAM VSM will attend as the special guest speaker. A retired Major General in the Indian Army, Vikram is the Chair of Multicultural Aged Care Inc and an Ambassador for Oz Asia Festival.
Adelaide Plains Council Australia Day Ceremony
Friday 26 January 2024
Dublin Oval
Breakfast served from 8am
Free family event, no booking required
For more information on Council’s Australia Day Awards and celebrations, please contact Council on (08) 8527 0200, or email info@apc.sa.gov.au.
Mark Wasley
Mayor
05 January 2024