2020 Certificate of Merit Recipients
Five hard working and well-known locals have been recognised with the prestigious Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Community Service.
The Certificate of Merit was reintroduced last year and is awarded to members of the community who have contributed significantly to Port Pirie and the region, who have demonstrated a history of community involvement or have performed a single action of significance.
Council would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the five deserving winners of the 2020 Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Community Service:
- Matthew Caputo
Matthew is a true stalwart of the Savoy Soccer Club and is one of only two recipients of the club's Lifetime Achievement Award. Following a 20-year playing career, Matthew went on to serve in various roles including gatekeeper at Savoy Park. He is best recognised as Bar Manager, the friendly face that greets club members every week.
From handling catering deliveries to general handyman duties, Matthew always has the club's needs covered.
- Annette Dodd
Annette became involved in the Aboriginal communities of Port Pirie in 1993, becoming a Director of the board. She was instrumental in securing funds to purchase the Aboriginal Community Centre on The Terrace and established the Women's Group.
Annette is a strong advocate for the Aboriginal communities of Port Pirie, particularly Aboriginal women. Annette is also a highly accomplished artist, receiving commendations and prizes in Our Mob, Artspace at the Adelaide Festival Centre. Her works have also adorned our own Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery on many occasions.
- Fred Seindanis
Fred has been a well-known and loved member of the local Greek community for the past 50 years. For the past 10 years, Fred has been both treasurer of the St George Greek community and a cook at the Hellenic Centre.
You may also recognise Fred from his soccer involvement - Fred is a life member of Hellas Soccer Club and has served the club as a player and administrator.
- Betty Cousins
Betty has provided an incredible 67 years of service to the Port Pirie Women’s Hockey Association then the Port Pirie and District Hockey Association (after the women’s and men’s associations amalgamated). Betty became a hockey player quite by accident when she accompanied her sister to training at the age of 17. Over the years, Betty contributed 30 hours a week of volunteer service including running the canteen.
Betty also volunteered for the Port Pirie and District Tennis Association for 21 years as a canteen cashier and volunteer for both junior and senior competitions, the Port Pirie Tennis International and many other tournaments and events.
- Abbee Finlayson
Abbee is someone who commits wholeheartedly to her passions, most notably, the Solomontown Football Club . She started out helping her father coach U9s 10 years ago and has gone on to serve various roles on the club's junior and senior football committees.
There is no job too big or small for Abbee - she is willing to give anything a go for her club, from volunteering in the bar and kitchen to organising presentation nights to first aid assistance on game days and so much more. She was also active in helping to bring the AFL and SANFL matches to Port Pirie.
If this was not enough, Abbee also goes above and beyond in her job at Lealholme to support the residents and is an active member and volunteer of the Port Pirie Darts Club.
The awards will be presented at the Australia Day celebrations at Flinders View Park on Tuesday 26 January from 10.00am. The event will begin with a flag raising at 9.00am.