Past Recipients

2022

Name: Christine Robertson
Category: South Australia's Citizen of the Year 2022
Council: City of Charles Sturt

For so many our pets are a cure for loneliness, a member of the family when there is no one else, a lifeline. When a loved pet goes missing, the pain of wondering whether you will ever see them again is profound. A volunteer group founded by Christine Robertson and two colleagues in 2013 has led the way in helping lost pets get back home.Bringing families and their pets back together is the purpose of this registered charity ‘Lost Pets of South Australia’. It was realised that reuniting pets with their owners was hampered by the high number of animals without microchips.

An average vet fee of $65 to microchip a dog or cat was inhibiting families wanting to safeguard their pets’ welfare, so Christine developed a charitable program, ‘Chipblitz’ to cheaply administer the implants for $10. It has since gone national with more than 1100 volunteers at 130 locations across Australia microchipping an estimated 23,000 pets in other States. It is now the biggest program of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere with more than 43,000 pets treated in SA since it began in late 2015.

Name: Julie-Ann Finney
Category: Commendation Award for the South Australia's Citizen of the Year 2022
Council: City of Port Adelaide Enfield

When Julie-Ann Finney’s son, 20-year Royal Australian Navy veteran David, took his own life after fighting Post Traumatic Stress for a decade, she resolved to “protect his name and his legacy forever”. Julie-Ann had lobbied politicians, given countless media interviews, and gathered more than 400,000 signatures over the two years following David’s death in a desperate attempt to generate sufficient support for a royal commission into veteran suicides. It worked. On 8 July 2021, the Government established a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran suicide. Julie-Ann said it would help in the healing process of supporting veterans facing trauma following their time in service, giving hope for recommendations to finally provide solutions that result in ending the tragedy of veteran suicide.

Name: David Thomas OAM
Category: Commendation Award for the South Australia's Citizen of the Year 2022
Council: District Council of Robe

Country communities often thrive because of the dedication of a few to improve the lives of others. After retiring from SAPOL after 42 years’ service, David has had several roles assisting young people - being a Coordinator of the Christmas Party for special needs children for over 10 years, State Coordinator for Blue Light South Australia and Member of The Driver Intervention Program. David has also been Chairperson of the Lions Disaster Response and Recovery where he supported many organisations that were affected by the aftermath of bushfires in Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Keilira and Lucindale. He has also Chaired a Drought Relief Committee for Lions Districts in South Australia disbursing funds to drought affected farmers and their families.

Name: Elijah Hobby
Category: South Australia's Young Citizen of the Year 2022
Council: Light Regional Council

Elijah Hobby’s exceptional levels of voluntary service to people in his hometown is noted with quiet reverence. He is a volunteer with the Hewett Centre where he commits hundreds of hours of his own time in a leading role within the Centre’s Kingfisher Café. Not only did he design its menu and planned its functioning, he also oversees baking of most of the Café’s cakes and serves customers attending Centre events. His skills working in a professional kitchen coupled with his approach to customer service and café management have come to the notice of Centre management who are highly impressed by Elijah’s work ethic and his outstanding service standards. He works with closely with three of the Centre’s on-site therapy groups showing a remarkable ability to learn how to communicate with participants who are non-verbal. That adroitness extends to those living with dementia. His warm-hearted approach is always kindly, and fun filled. Before coming to the Hewett Centre, Elijah had been an apprentice baker, but he had to leave in his third year after being subjected to workplace bullying. Not long after that he was diagnosed with Autism and a degenerative eye condition significantly limiting his vision and his independence. Finding himself at home with little to do he was encouraged to volunteer with the Hewett Centre’s therapy groups. It proved to be a life-changing turning point.

Name: Julia Dangerfield
Category: Commendation Award for South Australia's Young Citizen of the Year 2022
Council: City of Mount Gambier

In the endless competition with humans for living space, our native animals and birds usually come off second best. That’s where wildlife carer Julia Dangerfield comes in. Looking after maimed, dying, or homeless wild animals for free is a demanding job, and Julia often goes about her day surviving on just 2-3 hours’ sleep. She helps other wildlife carers while still maintaining her own animal refuge at her home, relying heavily on the support of donations to house and feed her mixed assortment of Australian fauna under her special care. Julia’s deep concern for animal welfare is manifested in her spirited efforts to raise public awareness about the issue.

Name: West Beach Surf Life Saving Clubs Annual Pink and Blue Swim/Walk
Category: South Australia's Community Event of the Year 2022
Council: City of Charles Sturt

With thousands of Australians dying of breast and prostate cancer each year an imaginative pink and blue outdoor fundraiser has people lining up in their hundreds to take part. As a colourful outdoor charity event that takes place on water and on land at West Beach every Summer, the aim of the annual ‘West Beach Surf Life Saving Club’s Pink & Blue Swim or Walk’ is to raise money to improve treatment and outcomes for people suffering from breast and prostate cancers. It consists of family and pet-friendly walks of 2kms and swims over 200m, 500m or 1km distances. 100 per cent of the entry fee goes to the St Andrews Hospital Breast Care Unit and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. The event was first staged in 2013 by the West Beach Surf Life Saving Club's volunteers. It attracted 80 participants. It has now evolved to include a walk (making it more inclusive) and has generated more than $400,000 since its inception. In 2022 more than 900 people took part with donations totalling $92,000.

Name: Renmark Rocks on Festival
Category: Commendation Award for South Australia's Community Event of the Year 2022
Council: Renmark Paringa Council

A rock ‘n roll Festival at Renmark is rocking locals with its runaway success as a tourist promotion for Renmark Paringa Council. Increasing in size year after year, ‘Renmark Rocks On’ is not only for those old enough to remember squares (uncool people), it’s for anybody who loves donning cool threads (clothes) and bopping to the sound of Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis. Under the stewardship of Renmark Paringa Council this extremely popular crowd pleaser is ticking all the boxes since its inception almost a decade ago with an annual expansion of attractions for enthusiastic crowds dressing up in billowing 50s-style petticoat dresses and all-black tight-fitting outfits for blokes sporting slick-backed hair. Even Covid-19 restrictions have not scared off fun seekers who are embracing new measures designed to keep everyone safe. All three nights devoted to the carnival sold out in 2020 despite newly imposed limits of 250 per night.

Name: Stephen Hedges
Category: South Australia's Award for Active Citizenship 2022
Council: City of Victor Harbour

Stephen Hedges has become an acknowledged expert on the lifecycle of the Little Penguin colony on Victor Harbor’s Granite Island. He has made an outstanding contribution to penguin research, first as a tour guide for more than 20 years, and then as a research assistant with Flinders University, and the BirdLab, for almost 10 years. His voluntary work assisting in the colony’s survival has not only added to an enhanced understanding of the factors affecting their decline by helping to collect crucial information, but also by communicating the science and the unknowns to Local and State Governments, conservation groups and the community. He became Senior Environmental Advisor to the company leading the Granite Island Causeway Project providing expert, practical advice on mitigating the risk of disturbance to the Little Penguins. He worked for the City of Victor Harbor as organiser/leader of penguin tours, and as a mentor/technical adviser to staff on the resilience of local marine bird and reptile species. Stephen has a broad range of other community interests, including volunteer work as a citizen scientist with Kangaroo Island/Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch. While Art teacher at Victor Harbor High School, he raised environmental awareness within the School before it was fashionable with his philosophy of reduce, reuse and recycle featuring in his lesson activities.

Name: Melvin Charlton
Category: Commendation Award for South Australia's Award for Active Citizenship 2022
Council: District Council of Tumby Bay

Tumby Bay CFS Captain Melvin Charlton has faced down death and won more than once. Melvin and his team of courageous volunteer firefighters on Lower Eyre Peninsula have fought some of the worst of SA’s bushfires. And people, livestock and buildings survived because of it. Melvin has received the Award for Active Citizenship later this year for selfless service to his community. It covers his role as Captain, Region 6 Air Support for the SA Country Fire Service, where he has worked, led, and mentored fellow firefighters whose mission is always to ensure the safety of Tumby Bay and other districts. In recognition of his “significant effort, bravery, and service to the CFS”, Melvin has already been awarded the SA Ministerial Commendation for Meritorious or Courageous Action. He works as part of Tumby Air Operations Brigade, having served 43 years with the CFS; 13 of those as Region 6 Air Support Captain. In other valued community service roles, he has spent years volunteering in Port Neill for the betterment and beautification of the district. His bountiful efforts, delivered without fanfare or expectation of reward, have benefitted several sporting clubs and local organisations.

2021

Name: Craig Scott
Category: South Australia's Citizen of the Year 2021
Council: City of Unley

Craig is a well-known driving force behind the Goodwood Saints Football Club. Currently in his fifth year as president, his vision and guidance has seen the development of a female football program, as well as the SANFL Inclusive League, which ensures players with integration difficulties – including mental and physical disabilities – are entirely integrated into the club.

Craig’s strong advocacy for social justice issues is reflected by work undertaken at the club. He’s implemented opportunities for the homeless from the Hutt Street Centre, and supported causes like the Red Shield Appeal, breast cancer and Mental Health education. Outside the football club community and since 1994, Craig has been involved in Operation Flinders, a program aimed at supporting at-risk youth. His empowering nature and leadership abilities have enabled him to create a strong, healthy and more resilient community in the City of Unley.

Name: Julie-Ann Bennett
Category: Commendation Award for the South Australia’s Citizen of the Year 2021
Council: Campbelltown City Council

In July 2018, Julie-Ann Bennett pioneered LOVE Campbelltown to promote positive interaction between community members and to help influence decision making and policy. Her vision is for residents to connect, learn and work together. LOVE Campbelltown has become an inclusive online community space creating remarkable impacts on various service clubs, community groups and local businesses. It celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Campbelltown and its people, and encourages active local citizenship and participation.

Julie-Ann embodies the LOVE Campbelltown ethos with a desire to encourage and build up others by creating an environment where people can connect and truly feel part of the community. Julie-Ann’s passion and dedication to the community is further highlighted by her own volunteering commitments at the Salvation Army Do Unto Others program, and supporting the work of Compassion Australia, Christian Blind Mission and Fred Hollows Foundation for over 25 years.

Name: Layan Mohammed
Category: South Australia’s Young Citizen of the Year 2021
Council: City of Charles Sturt

A passionate and forward-thinking community leader who has already made a significant difference to our community, Layan arrived in Australia only seven years ago and has fully immersed herself into Australian culture. Layan’s personal vision is to establish a facility to support her local Arabic community and provide them with an opportunity to practise their faith and feel connected.

With a significant presence at the Henley Surf Life Saving Club, becoming the youngest Vice Club Captain in the club’s 95-year history and being nationally recognised by the AFL, Layan demonstrates strong community compassion, drive and leadership. She models active citizenship by immersing herself into volunteer programs such as Glimmer of Hope, being involved in the Henley High School Student Executive team and in the running for prefect for 2021. Layan is a leader who inspires citizens to build a more diverse, connected and intercultural community.

Name: Recycled Runway
Category: South Australia’s Community Event of the Year 2021
Council: City of Mount Gambier

Since its inception eight years ago, Recycled Runway has grown to become not only the social event of the year for the Mount Gambier community but highlighting the important issue of textile waste, one of the largest contributors to landfill. This event continues to grow in its reach and at the same time educate the broader community on the importance of sustainability. Recycled Runway is an opportunity for those in the fashion industry to showcase their talent and demonstrate how this can be achieved by using recycled items whilst also generously raising funds for AC Care and the Uplift Project. This event has embedded itself into the Mount Gambier calendar and assists the broader community to discover ways to breathe new life into used items. Initiatives such as these contribute to making Mount Gambier a more sustainable city and inspires the wider community to implement similar enterprises.

Name: Marilyn Jetty Swim
Category: Commendation Award for South Australia’s Community Event of the Year 2021
Council: City of Holdfast Bay

Since her mother’s diagnosis, Sarah Tinney pledged to raise awareness and money to cure cancer in her mother’s honour. The Marilyn Jetty Swim is a bold, empowering, and vibrant community event that is held in the City of Holdfast Bay. It is comprised of Marilyn’s with a common drive – to make a difference in the lives of people living with cancer. Sarah’s commitment and tireless efforts are showcased through the growth of this embraced event. In it’s first year 2014, the event attracted 50 participants and raised over $25,000. In 2021 there are over 200 participants who collectively raise over $100,000. Sarah’s passion has unified people from all walks of life with a purpose to raise funds for vital cancer research, prevention and support programs. She is an unsung hero who has empowered the community to transform their grief into action that will support many.

Name: Adam Weinert
Category: South Australia’s Award for Active Citizenship 2021
Council: Adelaide Hills Council

During some of the most devastating bush fires Australia has encountered, Adam was a key leader in driving the Adelaide Hills Community to safety during the Cudlee Creek Fires.

Adam was instrumental in the creation of the Lobethal Bushfire Recovery Centre which provided relief and recovery operations to the community and surrounding districts – his liaison with Local, State and Commonwealth Government resulted in securing vital support to the community in times of disaster and emergency services. He mobilised 250 volunteers to ensure bushfire impacted residents receive immediate emergency accommodation, first aid and water provisioning. Adam placed other’s needs before his own despite enduring substantial personal loss through these fires. His ability to step up and demonstrate courage, compassion and selflessness in supporting so many within the local community is inspired leadership to the people of Lobethal. Adam’s kindness and determination to help others recover through tragedy is felt through the entire local community and this demonstration of active citizenship ultimately improves everyone’s lives.

Name: Gurjinder Singh
Category: South Australia’s Award for Active Citizenship 2021
Council: City of West Torrens

An owner of an authentic Indian restaurant and compassionate community leader that generously gives back to the South Australian community. Gurjinder’s passion for supporting the most vulnerable within our community is demonstrative through a range of initiatives such as distributing meals on Christmas Day and providing breakfasts to those that are experiencing homelessness at Light Square and Hurtle Square in the City.

Gurjinder and his Chahut restaurant is a kindness heartbeat of the West Torrens community and beyond as the team donated and distributed 5,000 food boxes to citizens connected with medi-hotels, international students and emergency department staff of the Lyell McEwen hospital, in response to COVID-19. Gurjinder is an exemplary role model and community leader that demonstrates compassion and community spirit.

2020

Name: Allan Mayfield
Category: South Australia's Citizen of the Year
Council: Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council

It has been said that very few people within the Clare Valley have not benefited in some way from the work achieved by Allan Mayfield.
An agronomist by trade, demonstrating strong leadership with a practical and conciliatory approach towards problem solving, Allan has also devoted himself to numerous community events and committees.
Allan has increased the profile of Clare, not only in SA, but also nationally and internationally. From securing funding from Federal and State Governments to extend The Riesling Trail, contributing to the community through Lions, to liaising with local governments and discussing issues with landowners, Allan has established himself within the community as a committed individual working to improve the lives of the people of Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council.

Name: Caitlin McMahon
Category: South Australia's Young Citizen of the Year
Council: City of Mount Gambier

2019 Order of Australia Association, South Australian Branch, Student Citizenship award recipient Caitlin McMahon has an extensive resume showcasing her natural leadership in several spheres within her community and her quality contribution towards humanity across several community organisations.
As an active member within her community, the City of Mount Gambier, Caitlin has also demonstrated considerable contributions towards her schooling, sporting and work commitments. As a highly motivated and passionate individual, Caitlin demonstrates a clear consciousness for the importance of hard work, organisation and selflessness.

Name: Ebony Brackston
Category: South Australia's Young Citizen of the Year - Commendation Award
Council: Alexandrina Council

Ebony is a valued and passionate member and volunteer of both the Southern Youth Advisory Committee and the Strathalbyn Community Youth.
She has been heavily involved in the planning and implementation of regional events targeted at the youth of the region, giving her time towards the creation of opportunities for the youth within her community.
Ebony has represented the Alexandrina Council and the region at the United Nations Youth Conference in Adelaide for the last three years, and the region at the 2019 State Governments Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy Summit. Also, in 2019, Ebony was awarded The Fleurieu Women's Youth Ambassador Award this year for her valuable contribution to the region.

Name: Day in the Dust
Category: Community Event of the Year
Council: Regional Council of Goyder

In recognition of the resilient Goyder community, the Eastern Drought Community Action Group held the drought relief concert on the Robertstown oval. Headlining the event was the South Australian Army Band, with local Goyder support acts. With over 400 attendees, this event not only brought together a community for an evening of food and entertainment, but to give the local community something to look forward to, access to drought support services, to raise awareness to us of what our neighbouring communities, friends and family are going through, and more importantly an opportunity to put aside the daily stresses that come with drought.

2019

Name: Ingrid Kennerley
Category: South Australia's Citizen of the Year
Council: District Council of Lower Eyre Peninsula

Ingrid has contributed many hours of volunteering within the Cummins community with various sporting clubs and community groups. Her unselfish and enduring devotion to the community is inspiring and has made Cummins a better place for its citizens. Ingrid’s personal experience with the tragedy of suicide has enabled her to provide support for community members when it’s needed and to be a mentor on the Empowering Lower Eyre – Suicide Prevention Network. Committee.

Name: Derryn Stringer
Category: South Australia's Citizen of the Year - Commendation Award
Council: Wakefield Regional Council

At Snowtown Centenary Park Sports complex, the football club had a shed that was used as change rooms and, on game days, as a canteen. Derryn Stringer’s vision was for this to become a pavilion to host meals after training and post game day functions and community events. Derryn has spent hundreds of hours working on funding the project, sourcing contractors, materials, organising working bees, as well as many days and nights spent at the pavilion himself. What he has achieved and the effort that he has made to achieve it is truly extraordinary.

Name: Scout Sylva-Richardson
Category: South Australia's Young Citizen of the Year
Council: City of West Torrens

Scout Sylva- Richardson is a 14 year old student who has an Autistic 11 year old brother. Scout found there was a real lack of resources around children with Autism so decided to be proactive and write her own resource from a personal experience. Scout’s book has since been delivered across schools and organisations in South Australia and nationally and a second print is being organised to meet demands.

Name: Joseph McMahon
Category: South Australian's Young Citizen of the Year - Commendation Award
Council: City of Mount Gambier

Joseph McMahon is a caring, compassionate and supportive individual to his local community. At 15 years of age he has achieved many accolades in community service, public speaking, drama, sport and music. He has been described by his principal as “a caring member of our school community”.

Joseph is an active and well-respected member of the St John Ambulance Cadet Division and through his dedication and community work he is wanting to pursue a career as an Ambulance Service Paramedic.

Name: Rope for Hope - Owen Primary School
Category: Community Event of the Year
Council: Wakefield Regional Council

“We may be kids, but we can still make a difference”. In response to the drought conditions affecting farmers in 2018, students at Owen Primary School organised “fiver for a farmer” day, where all students came dressed as farmers and donated $5. What began as an idea from some big hearted middle primary students concerned about the drought in parts of SA, evolved into a major fundraiser, which not only provided truckloads of hay for farmers in need, but also highlighted the crisis, and gave hope to farmers doing it tough.

2018

Name: Edward Roberts (Ned)
Category: South Australia's Citizen of the Year
Council: District Council of Tumby Bay

Edward Roberts known affectionately known as Ned, has quietly and generously contributed to the community of Tumby Bay and its surrounding districts. Ned has given over 25 years’ service to the Rovers Cricket Club. During this time he captained the team for many years as well as representing the Tumby Bay Association at Inter-Association level. He was nominated in their “Team of Half a Century”. Ned was also an active member of the Tumby Bay Football Club, both as a player and active club member including treasurer. He was also selected to represent Great Flinders in the Mortlock Shield. Ned has devoted his life to community service, in his working life as District Clerk of Tumby Bay District Council where he oversaw the huge expansion of Tumby Bay and Pt Neil which was a major contribution to the District’s growth and future development. This included, the northern, southern and marina projects. He was also the prime mover in the inception of Aged Homes and remains an active member since leaving the Council. His work with Council went way beyond normal working hours and extended his services beyond the role by being active across the District in school and community life.Ned was the inaugural Treasurer for Tumby Bay and District Financial Services (Community Bank) from 2012-2016 and still remains in the capacity of Treasurer and provides many hours per week providing the support for the Community Company. He is also an Ambassador for the Community Bank. Through the dedicated and hard work of Ned and others the Cleve agency was born in April 2016. His contribution to this endeavour has been highly valued by the community.He has been an active member of Lions, Catholic Community in Tumby Bay and a Justice of the Peace for 38 years. Through his marriage to Madelynn they have inspired their four children to be active citizens in their own communities.

Name: Dr Robert Irving (Dr Bob)
Category: South Australia's Citizen of the Year - Commendation Award
Council: City of Prospect

Dr Bob approached the then Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) in 1996 offering his services as a veterinary surgeon to remote indigenous communities. His offer was passed on to Nganampa Health Council (NHC) and Dr Bob subsequently started working on the NHC Dog Health Program. Dr Bob has given NHC 22 years of consistent service. The program has been funded by the Australian Government and the dog health program operates in the APY lands. The closest veterinary practice is in Alice Springs which is 500 kms from the APY lands. The aim of the program is to reduce the risk of transmission of the zoonotic diseases from dogs to humans, to control the size of the population of dogs and to humanely and strategically remove sick or troublesome dogs from the communities. In a 10 year period from 2003 to 2013 Dr Bob has administered close to 18,000 doses of the parasitic control agent, over 3000 doses of the fertility drug and put down close to 3,000. The benefits of his work are enormous. Dogs now do not suffer the consequences. Dog numbers have been controlled and reduced since the start of the program. He also works in Western Australia and the Northern Territory often in very remote locations. He has also worked in over 20 communities in an around central Australia, Arnhem Land and Cape York in Queensland. Dr Bob has been at the forefront of providing professional veterinary services on a sustained basis. His truly unique role and outstanding services has greatly reduced the risk to children and adults of contracting skin infections, diseases and chronic gut conditions. A unique character and one who has undertaken important work for the Australian community. A truly unsung citizen.

Name: Stephany Martin
Category: South Australia's Young Citizen of the Year
Council: Campbelltown City Council

Stephany grew up on a settlement just over an hour out of Mildura to a young mum, in the midst of one of the worst droughts in Australian history. She took on the opportunity to support her family during the tough economic time by cleaning her local school every night and other jobs. She discovered Art and exhibited pieces in Sydney, Mildura and Broken Hill. After graduating from high school she had the ambition to study law and to join the Rotary Club of Campbelltown (the youngest member of the District at the time), she went on to complete various Rotary Youth Leadership programs. She has taken on International Director of the Rotary Club of Campbelltown, coordinating International Women’s Day dinners and a $60,000 project raising funds for Fiji. She has coordinated other events for Rotary and temporarily joining the Council’s YAC. Stephany also chartered the Rotaract Club of Sturt, and has been the Chair of Rotary Youth Leadership Awards/Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment District Committee and awarded the Rotary District 9520 New Generations Best Project Award in 2017 for her successful programs. She remains involved in several Rotary committees advancing the mission of Rotary. Stephany, selfless contribution to the community has been relentless. During peak times of study her contribution to the community and Rotary has remained constant, driving initiatives for disadvantaged children. Stephany is an inspiring young leader, with years of dedicated service to the community.

Name: Plains On A Plate - Adelaide Plains South Australian Country Women’s Association
Category: Community Event of the Year
Council: Wakefield Regional Council

Plains on a Plate exemplifies a true community led event bringing the whole region together with a focus on food highlighting the produce of the Adelaide Plains. The Adelaide Plains CWA group conceptualised this event. Over 1,000 people attended, drawing the whole community together including the local school community, various rural industries, the Owen Hall committee, local golf, bowls, basketball and tennis clubs, the Wakefield Regional Council, CWA, Owen Ag Bureau members, local CFS members, Owen Community Centre and community volunteers. This event is a great example of a community working together to showcase local produce, build community connectedness and celebrate a successful community event.

2017

Name: James Graetz
Category: South Australia's Citizen of the Year
Council: Mid Murray Council

James Graetz has displayed an unrelenting commitment to the Keyneton district community and beyond for 50 years. He is an upstanding person, who has been committed to the job at hand across numerous organisations from his children’s school to the district’s agricultural bureau. He treats people with respect and listens to their concerns where his position requires it. His outstanding commitment to the Keyneton CFS for 50 years, including 30 years as captain, stood out during the 2014 Eden Valley fire, not only at the height of the emergency, but for many weeks after managing crews to handle the many flare-ups and extensive de-briefing with authorities at local and State level. His work with this emergency continued with BlazeAid. James’ commitment to the community is immense and was made more difficult with the loss of his beloved wife Carol 12 years ago. James became the sole parent to their two children Kym and Sally and continued to run his household and farm. James goes about his community duties with no fuss or fanfare in a humble and quiet manner.

Name: Sarah Hammond
Category: South Australia's Young Citizen of the Year
Council: Mt Barker Council

Sarah Hammond was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis at just 18 months of age. Here began a moment of a life full of hospital visits, operations, injections and endless medications searching for a cure and end to her pain.Living her life as a young person with Juvelile Arthritis, Sarah made it her cause to improve life for children living with arthritis, and become an advocate for them. At the age of just 19, Sarah Hammond founded Kids Arthritis Australia – Australia’s first organisation solely dedicated to supporting the 1 in 1,000 children in Australia living with Juvenile Arthritis. Sarah and her volunteers run family get togethers; where parents can talk to other parents whose children are going through what they are, and where kids with Juvenile Arthritis can meet others like them.Sarah is heavily involved in her community, volunteering at Hills Radio at Mount Barker, or at her local CFS station with the cadets. Her passion for community comes from her family and being able to give back to the community that supports her.

Name: Damien Walker
Category: South Australia's Young Citizen of the Year
Council: City of Salisbury

Damien Walker of Parafield Gardens, is a strong young man who stands up for individuality and is a caring and selfless hard worker. Damien volunteers at Salisbury’s Twelve25 Youth Enterprise Centre three days a week. He commenced at the Centre in 2014 providing administration support and now helps coordinate youth programs. He assists with special events such as Salisbury Secret Garden, South Australia Living Artists, Rotary Youth Driving Awareness Program, Youth Week and much more.Damien is an ambassador for the Salisbury LGBTIQ Community and Suicide Awareness Program and is actively involved in ‘Talk Out Loud’, which aims to empower young people to make positive life choices and become active in their community. DAMIEN has specifically focused on raising awareness of Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.Damien has been a Salisbury City Rotaract Club member since its establishment. He has held his positions as Secretary, Webmaster and Committee Member for the past three years and assisted the Club in raising money for causes such as Daffodil Day and the Nepal Earthquake Victims. He volunteers with the annual Salisbury Community Christmas Parade, manages Salisbury Catholic Parish’s volunteer program, and helps with the Parafield Gardens Free Christmas Lunch, which is a special luncheon for people with nowhere to go on Christmas Day. Damien is a committee member, team leader and friend to many.

Name: The Uraidla Show
Category: Community Event of the Year
Council: Adelaide Hills Council

February 20th, 2016 saw the biggest Uraidla Show in a decade, with over 5,000 people through the gates of the show grounds, experiencing an event which pulled the whole community together. Reinvigorated by a young committee, fresh ideas were introduced to the 127 year old event, supported by a number of the older stalwarts of the committee who have led the committee over the longer term.The committee afforded free sites to a number of community groups who were successful in raising money for their own causes. Meanwhile, volunteers at the adjacent Sustainability Fair came together to put on a fun, informative and interesting day, where groups promoted and discussed simple ways to become more sustainable.

Name: The Youth Driver Awareness Program
Category: Highly Commended for contribution to the Community
Council: Barossa Council

The Youth Driver Awareness Program run by the Rotary Clubs of Barossa is credited with providing driver education to more than 2,600 local young people at risk on our roads. The local Rotary Clubs introduced the program into four local high schools in 2007 in response to the over-representation of young people in road crashes and fatalities. Targeted at Year 11 students who are learning to drive, the one-day program features professional facilitators and centres on speeding, alcohol, seatbelts, distractions and personal responsibility.

2016

Name: Debra Campbell
Category: South Australia's Citizen of the Year
Council: Lower Eyre Peninsula Council

Despite a diagnosis giving her only months to live, Debra Campbell has fought against her blood cancer diagnosis for 12 years and although still suffering from her illness has dedicated significant time for others facing the disease. This has included fundraising efforts of more than $180,000 which has contributed to the Leukaemia Foundations new Foundation Village which has 15 apartments for people who need to relocate to Adelaide for treatment. One of these apartments has been named the “Spirit of Eyre Peninsula” after Debra’s efforts. Debra has also been instrumental in the opening of the first regional office for the Leukaemia Foundation in Port Lincoln which provides additional services to blood cancer patients. Debra is an amazing example of someone who has taken the events of a life threatening illness and used it to provide better services for those suffering from the disease across the state.

Name: Eboni Frankel
Category: South Australia's Young Citizen of the Year
Council: Berri Barmera Council

Despite her age Eboni is an active leader within her school and local community. A high achiever academically and in extra curricular activities at Glossop High School Eboni has been regularly elected to student representative positions and a key member of many of the schools sporting teams including Netball where she has represented the Riverland and was runner up Best and Fairest at the State Carnival.

Eboni is also a proud Gunditjimara woman and is an excellent role model for other young indigenous women in the community especially with regards to her volunteer community work including rotary and relay for life amongst others . Eboni’s commitment to school and her career goals have been recognized in her being honoured with the prestigious Dame Roma Mitchell Scholarship which is only granted to 6 indigenous students statewide.

Name: Bianca Bilsborow
Category: South Australia's Young Citizen of the Year
Council: City of Salisbury

Bianca is a passionate contributor to her community, motivated to make a difference in society and selfless in wanting to improve the quality of life for others. Biancs efforts have been across a number of different areas including City Salisbury Rotaract Club where she has successfully fund raised for a number of causes including White Ribbon and Daffodil Day, Twelve25 Salisbury Youth Enterprise Centre, the Midnight basketball program for at risk youth, Salisbury Youth Council and a facilitator for the Duke of Ed program. The City of Salisbury has also incorporated Bianca in their marketing strategy as a result of her selfless efforts to promote volunteering to young people within the community.

Name: Festival Fleurieu
Category: Community Event of the Year
Council: Yankalilla Council

The Festival Fleurieu has been developed as an event across the Yankalilla Region that includes a range of inclusive visitor experiences over a 9 day period with 90 eclectic events in 50 venues. Festival Fluerieu showcases the best of the region to create a greater awareness of visitors of the beauty of the pristine environment and also celebrates the community spirit. With a population of only 4500 the diversity in experience at this Festival is incredible including contributions buy local artisans, authors, musicians, cooks, poets, historians, farmers, producers and business owners. It is estimated that more than 20,000 people visited the Yankalilla region generating significant economic and tourism impact for the area whilst effectively promoting the best the area has to offer.

Name: Side Show Alley
Category: Community Event of the Year
Council: City of Port Lincoln

To celebrate Mental Health Week, West Coast Youth Services coordinated a circus themed event “Side Show Alley” held on Port Lincoln Foreshore hosing an event that was free, fun, informative, inclusive and accessible while have wide appeal and educating and promoting about mental fitness and well being. There was a wide range of activities including therapeutic art workshops, yoga and meditation sessions, community walks and presentations all highlighting mental well being. Over 1000 people of varying ages attended with a combination of local business, government and non government agencies contributing

Name: Centenary of ANZAC
Category: Community Event of the Year (Highly Commended)
Council: Light Regional Council

The Freeling RSL coordinated an incredible program of activities for the Centenary of ANZAC that had been 12 months in the planning. Commencing with a march from Freeling Post office followed by a Dawn Service that attracted record crowds ending with a light plane dropping poppies amongst those assembled. Afterwards the ANZAC Day clash occurred in AFL Football between Freeling and Kapunda, followed by the A Grade Netball with all participants receiving a commemorative medal and at the completion another flyover occurred to drop poppies on participants. The day finished with a ceremonial sunset with bugler, lowering of the flag and a fireworks display. The day was enjoyed by thousands from Freeling, Kapunda and other nearby towns and was an incredible effort for a small community.

2015

Name: Robert Stacey
Category: South Australia's Citizen of the Year
Council: Northern Areas Council

Robert is a wonderful example of the importance of local voluntary contribution to improve facilities and accordingly the health and well-being of the community. He has made an extraordinary contribution to the Jamestown community- the two biggest achievements being the role he has played in establishing Belalie Lodge, a district home for the aged and the Jamestown Hydrotherapy Pool, a state of the art facility. Robert has served on the Board of Belalie Lodge for 27 years- most of them in leadership positions and the hydrotherapy pool was his brainchild and he has worked passionately on it from inception to completion.

He has also made significant contributions to other community organisations in the Jamestown area including the Football Club, Uniting Church , Hospital Board and Show Society.

His passion for working to improve and health facilities in Jamestown is based on his belief that regional areas should have the same access to health and well-being facilities as their city counterparts is an amazing example of what passion and hard work can achieve.

Name: Daniel Spencer
Category: South Australia's Young Citizen of the Year
Council: City Of Mitcham

Five years ago Daniel put his university studies in music on hold to devote himself to his passion for the environment. Working with the Australian Youth Clime Coalition he has been a passionate campaigner and advocate for greener and cleaner energy solutions . This is most evident when be re-located to Port Augusta to campaign and advocate for solar thermal power plants replacing coal fired plants and took part in numerous activities to raise awareness and established working committees to organize and facilitate necessary advocacy and capacity for the Port Augusta community. This resulted in the Repower Port August Alliance consisting of many stakeholders including the local community, unions, environmental groups, non-government organisations and local businesses achieving a full feasibility study currently been undertaken,

Daniel has showed amazing dedication to his passion for the environment which has had significant impact on the Port Augusta community and the nation.

Name: Tom Kruse Centenary Celebrations
Category: Community Event of the Year
Council: Clare & Gilbert Valley Council

The Waterloo Hall and Peak Body Committee have decided that it was important to recognise significant citizens of the area and accordingly conducted the Tom Kruse centenary celebrations to remember the famous outback mailman on the Birdsville track. The celebrations included unveiling of the new Tom Kruse commemorative panel, production of a documentary, book readings by author Kristin Weidenbach.for the public, and naming the new park and community shed, which the committee have played a key role in developing, after Tom Kruse. Not only was the event a great success in attracting hundreds of people to the area to remember Tom Kruse it also resulted in the establishment of community facilities and historical monuments that will benefit and educate the community for generations to come.

2014

Name: Peter Ancell
Category: South Australia's Citizen of the Year
Council: Coorong District Council

Peter Ancell is an enthusiastic, inspirational and dedicated person inspires and encourages others to become involved in community activities and volunteers for numerous organisations within the Meningie region, to such an impact that there are not many people in the Coorong District Council of Coorong that haven’t benefited from Peter’s efforts.

Name: Zachary Caudo
Category: South Australia's Young Citizen of the Year
Council: District Council of Loxton Waikerie

Zac is an avid promoter of the Riverland and a young man who has achieved much already despite his years. Through his families winery he has invited international wine groups from Asia to the Riverland to promote regional products and received countless wine medals over the years. He also introduced the True Grit event to Waikerie- the first Australian Military inspired Obstacle Course in 2013 which brought 9000 visitors to the Riverland.

Name: Clare Valley Carnival of Music
Category: Community Event of the Year
Council: Joint: Clare & Gilbert Valley Council

HATS Incorporated is a not for profit cultural organisation involving a large group of volunteers who organized the Clare Valley Carnival of Music which incorporated professional musicians, singers and dancers whilst giving amateurs and young people experience Utilising the Courthouse Cultural Centre in Auburn, which the group established as a unique 100 seat heritage performance venue, the festival is a huge success increasing tourism and visitation to the region.

Name: Kodomo-no-Hi Japan Festival
Category: Community Event of the Year
Council: City of West Torrens

The Kodomo-no-Hi (which means Children’s Day) Japan Festival has been held annually for fifteen years and is now the largest community based Japan festival in the country attracting an excess of 5000 people who enjoy a variety of performances, demonstrations, and exhibitions on Japan including martial arts, tea ceremonies, ikebana and bonsai, Japanese craft workshops and a variety of Japanese cuisine.

2013

Name: Marie Davis
Category: South Australia's Citizen of the Year
Council: Town of Gawler

Marie Davis is an enthusiastic, inspirational and dedicated person who inspires and encourages others to become involved in community activities and volunteers for numerous organisations within the Gawler region. Despite being a mother and working in a senior management role at the Gawler Hospital, Marie still finds a significant amount of time each week to volunteer to the local community as she has done for the last twenty years.

Some of Marie’s key roles have included involvement with the Wasleys Netball Club and the Gawler Central Football Club, where she spends almost every evening and most of the weekend organising and coordinating club activities.

Marie has also had a significant role with the Gawler Relay for Life Charity events which have raised money for Cancer research including $85,000 just in 2012. Marie is a wonderful example of the importance of local voluntary contribution to the betterment of the community

Name: Dayna Duncan
Category: South Australia's Young Citizen of the Year
Council: District Council of Cleve

Despite her age Dayna has already shown a great deal of enthusiasm and passion for her community volunteering for more than a dozen extra curricular activities and committees at her school, including St John and Country Fire service.

However, Dayna’s key accomplishment this year was winning the ABC Radio Competition “Haywire”, with a piece highlighting the role technology has played in reducing isolation especially for rural regions, and that personal contact and involvement face to face with your community is irreplaceable and cannot be downplayed or ignored.

Dayna’s winning piece has been played nationally on radio, and has now seen her take a role in leadership and community building activities with members of parliament & community leaders, and this has already had an impact on policy related to these issues. Despite her young age Dayna is a wonderful role model for young people who can have a role in their county’s future direction.

Name: The Eyre Peninsula Field Day
Category: Community Event of the Year
Council: District Council of Cleve

The Eyre Peninsula Field Days are an enormous community event, relying heavily on the involvement of almost all service groups, sporting clubs, religious groups, businesses and other organisations in the community for its existence.

Field Days showcase the very best that the Eyre Peninsula has to offer, combining a vast array of industries, technologies and information and lessening out the communities’ geographic isolation of these products and services.

Field Days are a major source of fundraising for local non-profit organisations, and many infrastructure developments would not have been possible without the event. It also displays what is possible when local government, business and the not for profit organisations of a community work together.

2012

Name: Ophie Renner
Category: South Australia's Citizen of the Year
Council: Town of Gawler

Ophie Renner is a retired principal who has volunteered an enormous amount of time assisting children with reading difficulties. Every week he voluntarily tutors children in the Gawler region to help them with their studies and English comprehension. His tutoring includes children who suffer from dyslexia and he has organized many public information sessions to educate the community about Dyslexia, assisting students, parents and educational professionals. He is also an active community contributor volunteering with organisations such as Heartbeat, Gawler Probus, U-Care and the Lutheran Church committee. Ophie's work assisting students to overcome their learning difficulties has had a positive impact on hundreds of children and their families.

Name: Cameron Forster
Category: South Australia's Young Citizen of the Year
Council: Campbelltown City Council

Cameron is a hard working, energetic and responsible person, demonstrated through his commitment to his studies and work output. He is extremely passionate about the environment, volunteering on the Youth Advisory Committee of the Campbelltown City Council and as a Nature Conservationist for Trees for Life. He also volunteered with the Australian League of Immigration Volunteers as a Team Leader with the Northern Immigration Detention Centre in Darwin. Cameron gained an to the environmental sector at Government level by completing an industry placement as an Environmental Support Officer with SA Water. Cameron is a motivated young person and has accomplished a great deal in his short career.

Name: 25th Anniversary of the Clare Quilters
Category: Community Event of the Year
Council: Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council

The Claire Quilters Club celebrated their 25th Anniversary with an exhibition in late last year. More than 600 people attended the exhibition over the 3 days, raising enough money for the event to be self-sufficient, plus donate $2000 to the Clare Hospital, $500 for Relay for Life and $100 to Rotary. A cocktail party on the Friday evening celebrated two members being awarded life membership.
Throughout the year, the club also made quilts for the Stockport Flood victims and donated money to the victims of the Queensland floods. The club provides a community service to women in the Clare and Gilbert Valleys and is a vital piece of fabric in the patchwork quilt of South Australia.

Name: Lochiel Hall Centenary Celebration
Category: Community Event of the Year
Council: Wakefield Regional Council

Lochiel Hall Centenary Celebration, held in March 2011 brought together the town of Lochiel by restoring the 100-year-old hall, improving usage of the hall and conducting an event to celebrate its place in the community. The process involved participation by 44% of the Lochiel population; over 1000 volunteer work hours, and now provides an important historical record for the current and former generations of residents of the community. Overall it is a wonderful example of community spirit that proactively brought the Lochiel community together.