2024 Port Pirie Australia Day Awards
Port Pirie Regional Council would like to congratulate the following deserving recipients of the 2024 Australia Day Awards.
The Australia Day Awards recognise outstanding contributions to the local community by individuals and an event that has made a significant contribution, both economically and socially, to the region.
The 2024 Australia Day Award recipients are:
Citizen of the Year
Andrew Thorsteinsen
Andrew is one of the everyday heroes of our emergency services, as a member of the State Emergency Service (SES) for the past 18 years. Starting as a cadet, Andrew has risen through the ranks of the SES to become Unit Manager of the Northern Operations Support Unit and Deputy Manager of the Port Pirie SES (operational) unit.
A devoted family man, Andrew works for SA Health where he continues his service to others. He is also a well-known and passionate local sportsman, playing cricket in summer and hockey in winter. Andrew is both president and a player for the Risdon Hockey Club.
Young Citizen of the Year
Sarah Smith
Sarah has overcome many barriers and demonstrated amazing resolve to become an outstanding young citizen. She recently graduated from the Heavy Industry Multi Skills program delivered in Port Pirie by Regional Development Australia Yorke & Mid North, where she had fantastic attendance and committed herself to the program.
Through the program, Sarah gained a Certificate II in Resources and Infrastructure, White Card, Working at Heights and Confined Spaces tickets and welding training. As a result, she has now been offered full time employment with McMahon Services. Sarah’s bright and cheerful nature and her willingness to succeed is a joy to watch.
Sarah is also an active firefighter with the Napperby Country Fire Service, where she was recently involved in fighting a fire where two houses were saved.
Community Event of the Year
Port Pirie Christmas Pageant
After the return of the traditional Port Pirie Christmas Pageant in 2022 following a break during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2023 Pageant was set to be spectacular. However, with a 2023 committee of only four people, it wasn’t looking promising.
The committee was determined to ensure the pageant went ahead and although all four committee members work full-time jobs and most have children, they devoted many hours and considerable effort into event preparations. As a result, the Pageant went ahead bigger and better than the year before.
Port Pirie loves Christmas and the Port Pirie Christmas Pageant Committee loves bringing the magic to the people of Port Pirie!
The Australia Day Awards will be presented at the Port Pirie Australia Day Celebrations to be held on Friday 26 January at the Solomontown Beach. More information on this event is available atwww.pirie.sa.gov.au/event-guide