2024 Certificate of Merit Winners Announced
Port Pirie Regional Council is proud to announce three deserving locals as recipients of the prestigious Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Community Service in 2024.
The Certificate of Merit awards members of the community who have contributed significantly to Port Pirie and the region, demonstrated a history of community involvement or performed a single action of significance.
Council would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the worthy recipients of this year’s Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Community Service:
Nick Seindanis
Nick has been a dedicated and compassionate advocate for the community, especially in the multicultural and Greek sectors. His commitment is evident in his service on committees where he has helped shape decisions and initiatives that benefit the community. Nick has shown particular care for elderly community members acting as an interpreter, helping to bridge language gaps and ensuring that elderly Greeks can access essential services and remain connected in the community.
For the past two years Nick has dedicated himself wholeheartedly to preserving and sharing the rich 100 plus years history of our Greek community. This monumental task involved extensive research, countless hours of interviews, documentation and commitment. Nick's project was driven by his love for the community and his belief in the importance of preserving our history. His selfless commitment, without personal gain, has resulted in a historical book that celebrates and preserves our heritage.
Thelma Gould
Thelma’s diversity in her many volunteer roles shows that she is willing to have a go and provide assistance wherever it is needed.
She has volunteered her time and efforts with the Propriety Football Club/Lions Football Club for over 50 years, Meals on Wheels for over 30 years, Uniting Care Goods on Gertrude for almost 20 years, the Royal Flying Doctor Service for 5 years, Port Pirie Table Tennis Club for 40 years and the Port Pirie Tennis Club for around 20 years. Thelma has also volunteered at the Port Pirie Netball Canteen for 5 years and the Port Pirie Sporting Association for 30 years.
Thelma has only recently retired from working in the kitchen at the Lions Football Club and is still an active member on various local committees.
Robyn Clark
Robyn has volunteered at the Port Pirie Regional Health Service as a Rainbow Helper/Hospital Volunteer for 40 years. There are only two volunteers left doing this role at present, and Robyn is one of the original volunteers from when the service commenced in 1984.
At present, the volunteer role entails visiting patients in hospital and asking if they would like to complete an in-patient survey regarding the Port Pirie Regional Health Service. Over the years, the role has changed tremendously and once included tasks such as washing patients’ clothing, helping to write letters, curling hair, assisting with showers, providing magazines and snacks. Some of the patients may not have had family or friends to visit them, so the Rainbow Helpers provided a vital service to many people in need during their hospital stay.
Robyn also makes regular visits to nursing homes in Port Pirie, including Helping Hand and St Josephs to visit friends and other residents.
"Congratulations to our three 2024 Certificate of Merit recipients! These outstanding individuals exemplify selflessness, generosity and a deep commitment to supporting our community in numerous meaningful ways. We are immensely thankful for their many contributions, and I am personally excited to see them recognised and honoured in this special way," said Mayor Leon Stephens.
The 2024 Certificate of Merit awards will be presented at the Port Pirie New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Port Pirie Foreshore on Tuesday 31 December 2024.