The City of Playford’s Australia Day Awards acknowledge the valued work and commitment of community members who give their time generously to help others and make a significant contribution to the city.

The award winners were announced at Australia Day celebrations in Fremont Park, Elizabeth, on Sunday 26 January.

Citizen of the Year: Pauline Frost

Pauline Frost was one of the visionary founding members of the Greening Munno Para, now Playford Greening and Landcare, who dreamed of greening a semi-arid region with native vegetation.

She has been the driving force behind the highly successful group of volunteers, which has grown and planted tens of thousands of local natives over the years and been heavily involved in public education.

Young Citizen of the Year: Paul Gartner (joint winner)

Paul Gartner has supported and promoted the Playford Scout Group as one of its leaders for the past 11 years.

The young citizen is instrumental in running and planning programs, and regularly assists and mentors new leaders.

Paul continues to enables and encourages more young people to take part in the community organisation through his active participation.

Young Citizen of the Year: Rebekah Sellars (joint winner)

Rebekah plays a pivotal role in the youth community, working with young people to help better their lives.

This young citizen is a youth worker at Playford International College and volunteers her time to facilitate Northern Communities of Hope Youth.

At the youth drop-in centre, Rebekah mentors, case mentors and connects young people to the services they need.

Community Group or Initiative of the Year: Streetlight

Streetlight is an outreach program for young people that seeks to build relationships and develop trust with you to help them achieve their full potential.

A weekly hang out has been set up at Elizabeth City Centre, creating a safe space and sense of community for hundreds of young people.

Sports Club of the Year: Gazelles Netball Club

Since 1972 the Gazelles Netball Club has operated on the basis of family, with its main focus being on retaining members and creating a safe, inclusive environment based on the principles of sportsmanship.

The club of now 200 members continues to grow thanks to its focus on personal growth and improvement through supporting players in representative sides.

Commendations

Citizen of the Year: John Worrall and David Zeelen

Community Group or Initiative of the Year: Munno Para Primary Spring Fair