The Australia Day Citizen of the Year Awards Winners 2019

Marcela Lastra

Marcela Lastra, of Mawson Lakes, created an Australian-record in 2018 when the charity she founded - Hair Aid Community Cuts – provided more than 230 free haircuts in less than five hours. Those were just some of the free cuts shed provided through her prolific charity work during 2018. She also donated her time at homeless shelters for men and women in the city, on a weekly basis through the St Vincent De Paul Society. Marcela still found time to volunteer at Royal Adelaide Hospital and spent time in the Philippines doing mission work, which included training people from some of the poorest communities in the world in hairdressing, to help families establish an income stream.

Marcela’s generosity is only matched by her business skills. She operates a successful salon, Longko Salon, in Mawson Lakes. The business has given opportunities to trainees and refugees and has continued to grow and thrive after starting out as a home-based operation.

Andrew McDonald-Masters

Andrew McDonald-Masters, of Parafield-Gardens, was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at age seven, and overcame the social and learning challenges this presented to graduate from Parafield Gardens High School with his SACE certificate in 2015. Andrew went on to gain qualifications in warehousing and forklift operation and has worked as a mechanical assistant at Golden Grove-based Boating Scene for the past two years. He continues to mentor students at his former school and also helps young people going through the Duke of Edinburgh programs, among other volunteer work.

Ray Hall

Ray Hall, of Salisbury North, is another tireless community contributor. He has chalked up more than 50 years in chairman and presidents roles at community organisations including the Penfield Sports Association, Penfield Model Engineers Society and Salisbury RSL. Ray was previously a Salisbury Living Legend and has lived in the City for almost half-a-century. He remains passionate about his community and continues to give up his time for community groups.

Bowls SA Super League

Bowls SA’s inaugural Super League event at Salisbury Bowling Club run over six weeks from July-September 2018, was a wonderful success. The event showcased the bowling club’s world-class new under-cover rinks and attracted bowlers and spectators to Salisbury from across SA. The event was also streamed live online and gave widespread exposure to the area.