2023 Citizen of the Year Award Winners
Recognising our extraordinary citizens
The City of Victor Harbor is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 Citizen of the Year Awards:
- Citizen of the Year – Deidre Hughes
In recognition of lasting contributions to community groups and the health care sector
- Award for Active Citizenship – Donald Rumbelow
In recognition of ongoing commitment to local sport and recreation groups
- Young Citizen of the Year – Mathilda Meinecke
In recognition of various academic and extracurricular achievements
At the core of a great place is great people, and the City of Victor Harbor has many generous and compassionate residents who commit their time towards supporting the community around them.
The 2023 Citizen of the Year Awards provide an opportunity to formally recognise the important and valuable work that these extraordinary people do for our community.
The 2023 Citizen of the Year Awards will be formally presented at the City of Victor Harbor’s Australia Day Celebrations on 26 January 2023.
The festivities will take place at the Soldiers Memorial Gardens (Flinders Parade, Victor Harbor) with a free BBQ breakfast from 8am, followed by a formal ceremony at 9am.
Visit www.victor.sa.gov.au/australiaday for more information about this event.
About the City of Victor Harbor’s 2023 Citizen of the Year Award Winners
2023 Citizen of the Year – Deidre Hughes
In 2006, Deidre Hughes was the first woman to be inducted into the Rotary Club of Encounter Bay and was elected as President of the club in 2009. Through Rotary, she served the community and supported a range of initiatives. In 2014, she developed, directed and managed local community markets which raised approximately $80,000 annually for local Rotary projects, as well as humanitarian international projects. Deidre was elected as Assistant District Governor for Rotary District 9520 in 2011, where she was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow for her substantial assistance to Rotary District 9520 and her clear focus on building better communities. Deidre is also a foundation member of the Victor Harbor/Granite Island Probus Club chartered in 2006 and took on the role of Rotary Probus District Chair to support 88 Probus clubs from Broken Hill to Victor Harbor. Throughout her life, Deidre has been actively involved in the health care sector, working in several country health services, residential aged care facilities and Victor Harbor TAFE. She continues to advocate for improved localised health services on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
2023 Award for Active Citizenship – Donald Rumbelow
Donald has been a volunteer of the Encounter Bay Football Club since 1967 and is a life member. His vast knowledge has been shared in his role as the Chairman of the Encounter Bay Sporting Complex Planning Committee. Donald is also a life member of the Victor Harbor Yacht Club where he volunteers his time to support sailing activities. Additionally, Donald has committed many hours towards volunteering for the Victor Harbor/ Goolwa Sea Rescue Squadron, where he has assisted several rescues. He has been awarded a Ministerial Commendation for his achievements as Squadron Leader for the Sea Rescue Squadron. Donald is always willing to lend a helping hand and sets an outstanding example to his peers.
2023 Young Citizen of the Year – Mathilda Meinecke
Mathilda has contributed to the community through musical arts and sporting endeavours. She has supported the Encounter Bay Netball Club over the past year by volunteering in the canteen and baking and selling goods. Mathilda started swimming at age four and swam competitively from 2013 to 2018. She has previously played flute for the South Coast Choral and Arts Society, Granite Band and Goolwa Band. Her skills have been demonstrated through musicals, band performances and as a solo artist. At Victor Harbor High School, Mathilda has also represented the school at ANZAC Day ceremonies and community events. Mathilda has achieved great academic results throughout her schooling, being dux of her high school classes on numerous occasions, while also undertaking the role of School Captain in 2022.