General News
4 February, 2025
Rainbow resident named Hindmarsh Citizen of the Year
Rainbow's Allira Roberts has been honoured in this year's Hindmarsh Shire Australia Day awards as she received Hindmarsh Citizen of the Year.
Ms Roberts said when she first got the phone call, she couldn't believe it.
"I was very shocked and surprised," she said.
"I don't do volunteer work for this, I just enjoy doing it."
Ms Roberts said she looked at previous Rainbow recipients on the honour board and thought "wow".
"I'm in good company there," she said.
"It's such a huge honour."
For a number of years she has done volunteer work "on and off" and has been apart of the Rainbow Town Advisory Committee for at least three years.
"The work I do in the Town Committee is very rewarding," she said.
Ms Roberts joined the committee to have a focus and drive to re-motivate herself in the community.
"I thought 'I have a voice, I should use it'," she said.
With her work in the Rainbow Town Advisory Committee, Ms Roberts has continued her strong advocacy for those with a disability, ensuring the town is accessible for people of all abilities.
She has been working hard to get disability parking around town, DDA compliant amenities and facilities at public toilets in the township of Rainbow, and all-ability access to the Rainbow Swimming Pool including a lift chair which will enable people with accessibility requirements or elderly people who may struggle with steps, easy access to enter and exit the pool safely.
"It's a different outlook on things and for others to take step back to think about those with mobility issues," she said.
She has also successfully applied for grants and permits on behalf of the Rainbow Town Advisory Committee and developed a new residents booklet providing necessary information to new residents of Rainbow.
Ms Roberts also volunteers her time with Rainbow Archives where she sorts, scans and catalogues historic newspaper items, letters and other documents containing historical importance.
"A big thank you to other members of the Rainbow Town Committee, Rainbow Learning Centre and Neighbourhood House, and Rainbow Archives for being so welcoming and adapting spaces so I can attend meetings," she said.
Hindmarsh Shire mayor Ron Ismay presented Ms Roberts with her award during Rainbow's Australia Day ceremony.
"This award is a well-deserved acknowledgment and recognition of Allira’s contribution
to her community of Rainbow and even though I am sure she will be humble in accepting the award,
she is a true role model to many residents of the Rainbow community," he said.
