TWO long-serving Riverland councillors were recognised for their contributions to the community at the state’s Local Government Awards held in Adelaide recently.
Berri Barmera councillors Margaret Evans and Rhonda Centofanti received Certificate of Service awards for 40 years and 25 years respectively, and earned commendations in the Joy Baluch Award which recognises the contributions of female elected members.
Cr Evans, who became a Berri councillor in 1975 and served as Berri – and later Berri Barmera – mayor from 1979 to 2006, said it was “a bit unreal” to reflect on her four decades in local government.
“For me those 40 years seem to have flown by,” she said.
“When I retired from local government in 2006, I was at a loose end.
“I wasn’t schooled for anything because I had been in local government for so many years and I found myself needing to be busy again.
“I’ve loved being in local government all these years.”
Cr Centofanti said she felt “sincerely honoured” to receive the awards.
“Even though both Margaret and myself were rather apprehensive about travelling to Adelaide to receive our awards, we were so truly blessed to come home with our Certificate of Service awards and our Joy Baluch Award commendations,” she said.
“Both of us are extremely proud of our achievements being recognised together, serving the Berri Barmera Council as fellow councillors and dear friends.
“We are truly thankful for the opportunity to represent the people in our community.”
Cr Evans said she was shocked to receive a commendation in the Joy Baluch Award, named after her late friend and former Mayor of Port Augusta.
“When they read out Berri Barmera Council I was getting ready to clap Rhonda, and I was thrilled to bits because she very much deserves it,” Cr Evans said.
“Next thing I know they said both of our names, and out of all these nominations our council managed to get two commendations.
“I think it is great for our council to have two elected members received commendations for this award honouring a wonderful person.”
Cr Centofanti said she was proud to follow in the footsteps of her grandfather Ed Frahn, who served on the Paringa Council for 26 years.
“I would like to thank all those who have encouraged and supported me over my 25 years of service to the Berri Barmera community and acknowledge the hard work our dedicated council team continually do to build a better community,” she said.