Raelene Varga takes out Tailem Bend's 2025 citizen of the year award
A dedicated Tailem Bend local has been recognised alongside a community group on Australia Day 2025.
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A Tailem Bend woman's dedication to her community has earned her recognition as one of the Coorong district's citizens of the year.
Raelene Varga was named one of two award recipients at Tailem Bend's Australia Day event on Sunday.
She was recognised for her multiple volunteer roles within the community, including with the Tailem Topics, Tailem Bend Football Club, the Friends of the Tailem Bend Hospital and the former Tailem Bend Music Hall.
Perhaps where she spends most of her time, though, is as the Tailem Bend RSL's bar manager.
RSL president Chris Taylor said Ms Varga was the kind of person who did something because she wanted to, not because she had been asked.
"Her unwavering love for Tailem Bend is evident on the daily ... if you ever wondered who keeps the town tidy, picking up rubbish as she come across it, it's Raelene," Mr Taylor said.
Ms Varga said she was deeply honoured to receive the citizen of the year title for 2025.
"Volunteering ... allows me to serve people with a warm welcome and friendly conversation," she said.
She mostly enjoys assisting in the monthly karaoke sessions held by the RSL, and possibly singing the odd song here and there.
"I would also like to acknowledge the other volunteers as we all have our own special jobs, we are a good team," she said.
Enchanting experience is named project of the year
The team behind the Enchanted Encounter exhibit was also recognised on the day for bringing joy, connection and festive cheer to the community.
In the lead-up to Christmas in 2023, the Communities for Children team from the Tailem Bend Community Centre created a magical experience using low- or no-cost resources.
Over 15 days the Enchanted Encounter was attended by more than 600 members of the community who got to experience the free event.
Individuals of all ages were able to visit, including children, families, and the elderly, with a focus on making the season special for disadvantaged children and their families.
Judy Bagg, who accepted the award on behalf of the community centre, said the Enchanted Experience was a true reflection of the heart and soul of the community.
"It was designed to create an escape, a sense of wonder and moments of social connection," she said.
The success of the Enchanted event inspired the team to create another display last year, this time Inside-out themed.
"This display highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence and fostering genuine connections during the festive season, reminding us all of the beauty in our shared humanity," Ms Bagg said.
She thank everyone who visited the experience, the volunteers for making it happen and those who embraced the magic.
- See more photos: Social photos: Australia Day 2025
- Read more: Old Tailem Town's Peter Squires OAM will go down in history
