Awards for Excellence are held annually to recognise members of the community who have made significant contributions to our locality. Nominations for Community Service (Group), Design, Sport and Environmental Achievement are now open.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, 16 November 2012.

Nomination forms and guidelines can be obtained from:

• Visit the City of Mitcham Civic Centre, 131 Belair Road, Torrens Park.
• Call our Customer Service Centre on 8372 8888 to obtain a nomination form and guidelines.
• Click on the links below to obtain the nomination forms and guidelines.

Community Services (Group) Award

Is awarded to a club, group or school who have made a noteworthy contribution, undertaken a project or served the community during the year.

Design Award

Is awarded for outstanding achievement for properties built within the City of Mitcham. This award covers:

• new residential development - single dwelling.
• new residential development - multi dwelling.
• outstanding achievement for a new non-residential development (this category is to recognise the many non-residential and mixed developments that occur within the City. This could include both public and private buildings and will include development forms such as warehouses, shops, offices, showrooms and workshops).
• Outstanding achievement for alterations and additions to an existing building (this category is to recognise alterations and additions to any existing building).
• Outstanding achievement in heritage restoration and/or conservation (this category is designed to include restoration works carried out on any Local Heritage Place, Contributory items and any other original building within the City. This category may include both residential and non-residential development).
• Outstanding achievement in environmentally responsive development (this category is designed to include any form of development that incorporates design elements that promote good environmental management and efficiency).
• Excellence in land subdivision.

Sport Award

Is awarded to an individual, team, group or school that have achieved in a sport or have supported or fostered a sport or club.

Environmental Achievement Award

Is awarded to businesses, groups and individuals who demonstrate a commitment to continual environmental improvement and environmental sustainability, an innovative approach to environmental management and a reduction in the environmental impact of its operations, products, services or suppliers.

All nominations must be received by 5 pm, Friday 16 November 2012 at the City of Mitcham Civic Centre, 131 Belair Road, Torrens Park SA 5062.

For further information please contact Council's Community Engagement Officer on 8372 8805 or email cbartlett@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au 

The City of Mitcham presented awards to outstanding members of the community during a formal ceremony on Australia Day at Carrick Hill. 

The Australia Day Awards and Mitcham’s Awards for Excellence are designed to acknowledge achievements by individuals or groups who have made outstanding contributions to the community, living and working in Mitcham. 

Mayor Michael Picton said “The Awards provide unique recognition for some of the outstanding work that residents, community groups and schools undertake within our community”. 

“Our awards are part of the Council’s commitment to strengthening community participation within the City” said Mayor Picton. 

Mitcham's Awards for Excellence

Excellence in Environmental Achievement Award 

The Excellence in Environmental Achievement Award was presented to two local groups – Red Gum Gully Our Patch and Friends of Sturt Gorge.

Red Gum Gully Our Patch has dedicated over 400 hours to rehabilitate Cedar Avenue Reserve, Grey box/ Red gum woodland, including handweeding, removing woody weeds, collecting seeds, propagating local native plants and planting local native plants. They also maintain paths, monitor water quality, keep a herbarium of the site and take photo points to monitor the sites development. 

The Friends of Sturt Gorge have improved Sturt Gorge fromSouth RoadbyFlindersUniversityup to the hills by removing olives and weeds from the creek and surrounding area and reinstated natural indigenous plants. They have also built walking tracks and organised walking tours. 

Excellence in Community Service Award 

The Excellence in Community Service Award was presented to the Blackwood/Belair & District Community Association for their Bushfire Awareness Program. This program aimed to help people prepare in case of a Bushfire and how to take measures to minimise the risk around the home. 

Excellence in Design 

The Excellence in Design was presented toScotchCollege’Rosevear Boarding Precinct’ for its innovative design. The precinct houses sleeping areas, common rooms, leisure spaces, a sick bay, visitor sleepover room, library/reading room, laundry/locker room and includes environmental design elements such as insulation, air flow, solar energy and recycled water. 

Excellence in Sport 

The Goodwood Indians Baseball Club received the Excellence in Sport Award for their Junior Development Program. The Club runs a successful and innovative youth baseball program, teaching very young children the sport of baseball – including throwing, hitting and fielding. 

As well as the Australia Day and Excellence Awards commendations were presented to those people who have made significant contributions to the community:

• Mr Graham Bagnell for his contribution to Legacy, St Vincent De Paul’s, RSL, Catalina Club for WWII Veterans, the Flinders Medical Centre, the Catholic Church and the Bedford Park Residents Association

• Mr Bruce Westley for his commitment to junior sport in particular football over the last 40 years. Bruce has coached, managed and held other various roles in junior sporting teams dating back to 1972. 

The Australia Day Awards are provided by the National Australia Day Council and are administered by Local Government Authorities throughoutAustraliaon behalf of the Council.