State Award Success for The Parks

The YMCA South Australia team at The Parks Sports and Recreation Centre (The Parks) was acknowledged with two major awards at the organisation’s annual awards event on Saturday (28 August).

The annual awards event celebrated the extraordinary effort and achievement of the organisation in another year that provided many challenges as the state continues to deal with the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic.

Petra Majchrak won the highly prestigious Excellence in Operational Management award while The Parks Youth Theatre was announced as the Program of the Year.

YMCA Regional Development Manager, Craig Hortin, said the awards were wonderful recognition of the time and dedication of the entire staff team.

Petra, The Parks Swimming Lessons Director, has worked tirelessly in often challenging circumstances, was overwhelmed by her award.

“I am pleased, grateful and humbled to accept this amazing award - it’s a huge honour,” she said. “I would like to thank YMCA SA for giving me the opportunity to work for such an amazing organisation. As an immigrant it was hard for me to find a workplace where I belonged, but the YMCA opened their doors and I will be forever grateful for that. Also, I want to thank Craig Hortin for not only being a great manager, but for his support as a mentor to me. And also, I wouldn't have received this award without the support of the amazing team at The Parks.”

The Parks Theatre Director, Ceri Hutton, agreed and said the program award was a great thrill for her hard-working team including Belinda, Bianca, Fran, Mackenzie, Kat, Bec, Talia and Joel.

“I am thrilled with us winning this award for the second time in five years of the theatres operation. So much love and effort goes into this program and it is great to see the team acknowledged,” she said. “We could not deliver the great outcomes that this program provides our kids without the amazing support of our Parks Youth Theatre families, our tutors, staff and volunteers.”

Highlights of the 2021 awards included Whyalla Recreation Centre’s announcement as the Jack Massey Team of the Year, together with dual recipients of the George Williams Employee of the Year award – Elysse Hirschausen (Fleurieu Aquatic Centre) and Michelle Haine (Children’s Services).

Other award recipients included: Stacey Hazelwood (Craigmore OSHC) – Emerging Leader of the Year, Claudia Barrietos (Fleurieu AC) – Engaging Future Minds, Carers Wrist Band Program (Fleurieu AC) – Excellence in Innovation, Laura Cannon (Unley OHSC) - Outstanding Contribution by a Young Employee and Travis Beard (St Clair) – Community Partnerships.