The Australia Day Citizen of the Year Awards are presented annually to local citizens and groups who have made outstanding community contributions. The Awards are provided by the Australia Day Council of South Australia and administered by Local Government Authorities throughout the State.
The Community Event of the Year Award is based on event quality, impact on the City of Adelaide, and the contribution to the community. Each year, the City of Adelaide receives nominations across six-weeks, with the Council deciding on the recipients of each category.
“Despite all of the difficulties we faced during 2020, there were so many people in our community who rose to the challenge and achieved incredible things for our city,” Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said.
“It is a great privilege to acknowledge members who are contributing to our community by honouring them with such prestigious awards.
On 26th January 2021, Glam Adelaide CEO, Kelly Noble, and Showcase South Australia CEO, Steve Testar, were awarded the prestigious Community Event of the Year award for the SA4SA Bushfire Appeal Gala.
The Glam Adelaide Foundation SA4SA Bushfire Appeal Gala was held on 31st January 2020, being put into motion only days after bushfires began ravaging the Adelaide Hills. Nearly $400,000 was raised and donated to South Australian bushfire affected communities.
Glam Adelaide is a positive South Australian news website, while Showcase SA, focuses on business networking and events. As both organisations strongly support South Australian businesses, it was natural to refocus their resources for the gala.
Kelly said “Our team initially focused on running a bushfire social media group to help keep communication channels open for all those impacted or wanting to help. But it became clear that more needed to be done. Glam Adelaide published over 120 articles on bushfire resources, but we wanted to use our network to really make a difference. The gala was an obvious choice for us.”
Steve said “Using Showcase SA’s strong business network across SA and Glam Adelaide’s large readership, we secured fantastic donations. We worked with dozens of generous businesses who supplied wine, entertainment, auction donations and more, to ensure the event success.”
Supported by dozens of selfless volunteers, the event rallied South Australians to support those impacted by the bushfires. This resulted in 1,400 gala tickets sold within a week, making it the largest indoor event for SA in 2020.
To guarantee the money raised stayed within South Australia, the Glam Adelaide Foundation was established to oversee the event. This ensured that the $381,340 raised from the event, was provided directly to South Australian families and businesses. $279,086 was donated directly to the State Government’s SA Bushfire Appeal.
In addition to the ticket sale and auction funds raised on the night, $102,254 was also raised by a series of bucket list dinners. These were donated by Duncan Welgemoed (Africola) and his fantastic network of inspiring chefs were auctioned off. Funds from the dinners were donated to the Adelaide Hills Wine Region Bushfire Appeal, and two of the hardest hit wineries, Tilbrook Estate and Vinteloper.
As another extension of support, free premium I Choose SA listings were provided to bushfire affected businesses.
Steve and Kelly were humbled by the support and generosity shown by South Australians to their fellow South Aussies in need.
Event Committee: Laura Nash, Brylee Foulis, Lisa Richmond, Neely Karimi, Lucy Brewer, Ida Wong, Gabrielle Leonello, Mimi Wong, Adam Rowe, Ping Liew, John McCourt, Filip Odzak, Lettie Thwaites and Michele Lally
Platinum Sponsors: Glam Adelaide, Showcase SA, I Choose SA Business Directory and Adelaide Venue Management
Gold Sponsor: Blackbird IT
Silver Sponsors: Scammells Auctioneers & Appraisers and The Online Director
Media Partners: 7 News, Glam Adelaide, Triple M, SAFM and Southern Cross Austereo
Chefs: Gavin Robinson, Simon Bryant and Paul Baker
Supporters: Black Squid Design, McCourts, Little Lion PR, Adelaide Expo hire, PFD Food Services, Out in the Paddock, Bank SA and Wp Clinic
Beverage Sponsors: Beresford, Bickfords, Dunes & Greene, Hentley Farm, Howard Vineyard, Kirrihill Wines, Manyara, Pernod Ricard Winemakers, Seppeltsfield Barossa, Twenty Third Street Distillery, Sparkke, Ubertas Wines and Yalumba
Showcase SA was developed to help SA businesses with the information and skills to succeed. Their aim is to keep money circulating within the local economy to build a strong and supportive environment for businesses to thrive in. Spending money locally supports business, fosters ideas and creates jobs, keeping skilled people local.
Glam Adelaide was established in 2007, and now receives over 700,000 monthly website sessions, with 500,000 unique visitors. Combined with Glam Adelaide’s strong social media channels (114,000 Facebook followers and 103,000 Instagram followers), it reaches a significant number of South Australians, sharing the best SA news, reviews, and information, and has no paywall.
Showcase SA Media ContactÂ
Steve Testar
steve@showcasesa.com.au
0409 093 842
Glam Adelaide Media ContactÂ
Kelly Noble
kelly@glamadelaide.com.au
0417 706 577
