THE YEAR AWARDS

awards .

ally recognised keynote speaker whose work is recognised by UN Women.

Socceroo Awer Mabil is co-founder of the not-for-profit organisation Barefoot to Boots, which aims for better health, education, policies and gender equality for refugees. His own unique way of celebrating a goal is a message to those struggling with their mental health: you are not alone and you can speak up.

Awer grew up in a Kenyan refugee camp after his family fled civil war in Sudan, before coming to Australia at 10. Only a year after reaching his dream to play for the Socceroos, his sister died in a car accident in 2019. It is his experience of hard times, the memory of his sister and the knowledge that young people see him as a role model that drives him to perform. It’s what he does that 27-year-old Awer wants to be known for, not his background. Awer was unable to attend the awards presentation in Canberra due to team commitments in Europe. His mother Agot Dau Atem and uncle Michael Matiop Dau Atem accepted the award on his behalf.

The inspiring and outstanding South Australian individuals recognised for their selfless contributions. They were awarded in the Australia Day Awards 2023 at Government House.

Australia Day Council of South Australia Chief Executive Officer, Jan Chorley said the Australia Day Awards recognise the commitment of South Australians whose work often goes unnoticed. These individuals are selfless, resilient, and generous, and enable their communities to be strengthened as a result of their tireless efforts. “These are the unsung heroes that remind us how good we can be when we’re at our best, and I congratulate all Award recipients for their extraordinary contributions to our state”.

The 2023 Australia Day Award recipients are:

South Australia’s Citizen of the Year: Stella Braund

South Australia’s Young Citizen of the Year: Hannah Allen-Jordan

South Australia’s Young Citizen of the Year Commendation: Alex Bruhn

South Australia’s Community Event of the Year: My Tree Project

South Australia’s Community Event of the Year Commendation: Renmark Rowing Club

South Australia’s Award for Active Citizenship: Evette Wolf

South Australia’s Award for Active Citizenship Commendation: Pat Munden

South Australia’s Award for Active Citizenship Commendation: Pieter Dawson

The Award for Leadership in Languages and Cultures (Category 1) Dual Recipent: Thomas Pearson

The Award for Leadership in Languages and Cultures (Category 1) Dual Recipient: Coen Pearson

The Award for Leadership in Languages and Cultures Commendation (Category 1): William D’Angelo

The Award for Leadership in Languages and Cultures (Category 2): Tahlia Riessen

The Award for Leadership in Languages and Cultures Commendation (Category 2): Mussa Nawroazi

Inspiring South Australian Women’s Award: Sarah Paddick

Inspiring South Australian Women’s Award – ‘Emerging Leader’: Zainab Kazemi

Inspiring South Australian Women’s Award – Commendation: Madelyn Duckmanton

(courtesy : ADCSA)