Brendan Simpkins
SMITHFIELD Plains’ Raelene Wlochowicz has been crowned Playford Council’s Citizen of the Year at an Australia Day breakfast on Tuesday.
Mrs Wlochowicz is the founder of the Playford Women’s Shed, based at the former Para West Adult Campus in Davoren Park.
The Shed provides a safe environment for socially isolated and vulnerable women to meet, increase their skills and build confidence.
Opening in March last year, the Playford Women’s Shed was the first of its kind in South Australia.
Speaking at the breakfast at X-Convenience Oval, Mrs Wlochowicz paid tribute to her family for their support during her journey.
She also thanked the team involved with the Playford Women’s Shed and to those who nominated her for the accolade.
“Thank you to everyone who voted for me, to receive this is beyond my belief,” she said.
“To the many amazing women from the Playford Women’s Shed who have been with me since the beginning and those who have joined our community along the way, I say thank you.
“Thank you for giving so freely of your time, energy and passion, thank you for supporting each other and believing that what we are doing at the Shed is so important and the need is so great.”
Mrs Wlochowicz founded the Shed after retiring from a 30-year career in youth justice.
She has been the driving force behind the establishment of the Women’s Shed in Davoren Park, using donations, a $1000 grant and the skills of a volunteer committee to rejuvenate an unused school building.
Young Citizen of the Year went to 18-year-old Courtney Hatchard of Craigmore.
Ms Hatchard is a player and coach with the Eastern Park Demons Netball Club across 22 junior seasons and six senior seasons, and has also represented the Northern Metro Academy and Elizabeth Netball Association.
Despite COVID-19 effecting sporting associations across 2020, Ms Hatchard remained committed to the health and wellbeing of Eastern Park’s players.
She coached three teams during the winter season, ensuring young players could continue to develop their netball and social skills.
She completed all necessary COVID-19 training requirements for the safety of her players and community.
Elsehwere, Midway Road Community House were named Community Group or Initiative of the Year for providing a safe and welcoming environment for community members to access a range of recreational, leisure, information and support services.
Elizabeth Rugby Union Football Club were named Sports Club of the Year for being an all-inclusive, family friendly club after rebuilding its junior sides in recent years.
