Amelia Rix Award

History

The CBS Amelia Rix Award was established in 2003 by the Executive Director of Community Bridging Services (CBS) Inc, Freddie Brincat OAM, to commemorate the courage and determination of former Jobnet client Amelia Rix in her efforts to secure employment. This achievement was far from easy for Amelia, and involved a number of years of pre-employment training and work experience placements before she eventually found regular paid employment as a car yard attendant. Amelia sadly passed away in February 2003.

“I became involved in supporting Amelia through community recreation and other life experiences in around 1992, when she was about 14 years old. Her positive attitude and love of life and people was a reflection of her parents (the late Barbara Rix OAM and Ted Rix). Over this time other staff worked closely with Amelia. Out of the sad and hurtful experience of Amelia’s passing, Barb found a way to make good, by establishing this Award dedicated to Amelia’s memory, to help other people to be happier by recognising their strengths and successes. ”
Freddie Brincat OAM

The 16^th anniversary of the CBS Inc. Amelia Rix Award was held on 14/11/19, at the beautiful Adelaide Pavilion, situated in Veale Gardens.  It was another successful Award ceremony, recognising and acknowledging people who had achieved their goals through determination and perseverance.  There were around 110 people in attendance.

James Theodosi, a member of the CBS Inc. Moonlight Speakers and Leaders, emceed the event and Freddie Brincat OAM, Executive Director and Founder of CBS Inc., gave the background on the Amelia Rix Award, including a personal account of Amelia.  Entertainment was provided by Georgia Darcy, Cabaret Artist.

There were 11 Nominees for the 2019 Amelia Rix Award. Four were from SA rural regions, i.e. Murray Bridge, Port Pirie, Port Augusta and Whyalla. The Nominees are employed in a variety of fields, e.g. retail, administration, concierge, art gallery assistant, production, maintenance, horticulture, park attendant. Their community work includes youth work, music therapy, sports clubs and the arts.

This year’s Winner was Nigel Kraft, Eastern Adelaide, who received $1,000.  Nigel works as a production worker / cleaner at FPS Food Manufacturing at Greenfields and has volunteered in a number of roles over many years, including the Hampstead Rehab Centre kiosk and The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

There were two Runners Up – Antonio Favorito, Western Adelaide, and Lisa Hutchinson, Port Augusta, who each won $400.  Encouragement Awards were handed out to the other Nominees.

The generous sponsors of the 2019 Amelia Rix Award were also recognised at the ceremony.  This included Beg Your Pardon menswear who provided fitted suits to all of the male Nominees.

Mai Nguyen was also thanked for giving all of the female Nominees a makeover in preparation for the night.

Anyone wishing to donate to the Amelia Rix Award, to help keep it going, can do so via the PayPal link or contact Caroline Manetta on 8207 1233.

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