2025 Award for Active Citizenship - Dianna Stasiuk
How does it feel to be recognised for your efforts in the Brukunga community?
"I am extremely humbled to have been nominated in the first place and am grateful to all those who assisted in the nomination process."
"To receive the award is an honour and inspires me to continue to support the community and strive for improvements for the wellbeing of our town."
What initially inspired you to get involved in community work, and what kept you motivated?
"Local residents, Kelly Northey and Katrina Warner, recognised the need for assistance and services in Brukunga after the 2019 Cudlee Creek fires. Through their championing to Council, we received help from the MBDC's Community Resilience Officer, Lee Ritchie."
"The Brukunga Community Association Inc. (BCA) was then revived. The BCA is all about organising and supporting activities which promote community development in Brukunga and that includes services, environment and amenities. To have a community which looks out for and supports each other, and the bonds of friendships formed, is what keeps me motivated."
What advice would you give to others who are thinking about becoming more involved in their own communities?
"In this age of social media, keyboard warriors and naysayers, it's too easy for people to complain and say negative things. Nothing is achieved by doing this and problems continue or escalate."
"By being involved in your community, you can make a difference, and you will be surprised by the positive support you will receive from local and state governments and residents. Meeting and speaking with neighbours and local residents provide an insight into other people's perspectives and inspires you to do what you can to get things done."
Can you share the most rewarding aspect of organising the Celebrating 70+ Years of Brukunga?
"There were several rewarding aspects in being involved in organising the Celebrating 70+ years of Brukunga."
"Reuniting at least 20-30 original "kids" from Brukunga, who grew up here in the 50's and 60's was amazing. To be able to put faces to names, hear their stories, watch them talking and laughing with each other, swapping details and expressing their appreciation for the event and for recognising and acknowledging the history of Brukunga, was truly magical."
"We had people travel from WA, Moonta and wider Adelaide regions to attend the event. It showcased the bonds of an era gone by and has inspired us to continue to aim for that community engagement again."
"All up, there were in excess of 200 people who attended the celebration. The BCA and I couldn't have wished for a better event."
Can you tell us more about the Mount Barker District Council Digital Connectivity Plan and how you think it will impact Brukunga and surrounding areas?
"The MBDC Digital Connectivity Plan is still a work in progress and currently on the Council meeting agenda. The aim is to recognise the blackspots and bring Brukunga and surrounding districts up to an acceptable standard with telecommunications."
"I am really hoping there will be enough research conducted, funding sourced and infrastructure installed to enable us to be able to call for emergency services when required, contact neighbours, even those 1km over a hill, during bushfires, to not have our phones go into SOS mode in our own homes and enable visitors to the districts to also have reception in times of danger or emergencies. Even to be able to receive calls, messages and emails without having to walk out into the middle of the road when meeting at our community hall would be a blessing."
