Sonia rides to YMCA award

The Valleys Lifestyle Centre’s Sonia Goss was presented with the Community Partnerships award at the organisation’s annual awards evening at The Playford on Saturday 1 October.

Awards were presented across 10 separate categories, showcasing and celebrating YMCA South Australia’s best for innovation, creativity and excellence.

A highlight of the night, Sonia’s award was for her extraordinary effort coordinating the Ride for a Brighter Side fundraising event in October 2021.

The Ride for a Brighter Side raised close to $59,000 for mental health support and also won the Community Event of the Year at the Clare & Gilbert Valley Council Australia Day awards. Accepting the YSA award, Sonia gave credit to the wider staff and support team at The Valleys, together with local community and businesses that supported the event.

Other highlights of the evening included the Support Services Finance Team winning the Jack Massey Team of the Year award and the Volunteer of the Year presentation to Fleurieu Aquatic Centre’s Julienne Huppatz, for her dedication to the local community.

The growth in the Children’s Services sector was endorsed with four awards. Southern Regional OSHC Manager, Tabitha Norris won the prestigious George Williams Employee of the Year, while Youth Empowerment Manager, Susan Britza, was announced as the Emerging Leader of the Year. Madeline Stansbie from Riverbanks College B-12 ELC took the Engaging Future Minds award, while the Mentorship Leadership Program was awarded for Excellence in Innovation.

Other award recipients included: Toni Hayles (Glengowrie Gymnastics) – Excellence in Operational Management, Tara Krenske (St Clair Recreation Centre) - Outstanding Contribution by a Young Employee and The Wellbeing Committee – Program of the Year.