OVER 20 local employees and businesses were acknowledged for their contributions to the district at the Rotary Club of Loxton’s annual Pride of Workmanship (POW) awards recently.
Seventeen individuals and seven small businesses were presented with a special plaque on the night to commemorate their service to their workplace and to the local community.
Rotary Club of Loxton president Jenny Mills congratulated the winners, and said although they had to adjust the event to meet the COVID-19 requirements, it was important to ensure the awardees were formally acknowledged.
“It is always a privilege to honour those in our community who work across all fields of endeavour to contribute to the vibrancy of our community,” she said.
“The program has evolved over time since it began in 1991 and is an important event on the Rotary Calendar.
“This year it is no exception, with 17 individuals and seven small businesses being recognized for their excellence in service.”
Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland regional development manager Bruce Mellett was the event’s guest speaker, and delivered an inspirational speech about the current state of affairs in the world and how Loxton as a community can move forward as one.
Mr Mellett also spoke highly of the night’s awardees, and how while their efforts may not always be recognised, they make a difference to the local community.
“The volunteer efforts across a range of areas, make our community – your community – brighter, richer, better, (and) stronger,” he said.
“As individuals, we probably volunteer in more ways than we think – helping it in school, sport or other activities, caring for an elderly parent, simply small contributions but they make such a difference.”
Rotary Club of Loxton director of vocational services Bert Haslam said he was proud of how far the town had come, and judging from the list of awardees, the future of Loxton was bright.
“I’m pleased to say looking at the list of all the awardees out here, the future of Loxton is in great hands because they are prepared to go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure you are welcomed, whether you are a tourist or a local, to Loxton,” he said.
Proceeds from the night’s raffle were donated to Rotary’s ‘bringing communities together’ project, which aims to increase awareness of family stability, mental illness and suicide prevention within the Loxton-Waikerie community.