Meet your 2026 Citizen of the Year Award winners
Each year, the Citizen of the Year Awards recognise the outstanding achievements and contributions of South Australians living in their council regions.
These individuals and local organisations have already been awarded by their local council at Australia Day ceremonies and are then shortlisted for the state awards program, which is run by the Australia Day Council of South Australia (ACDSA).
LGA is a proud sponsor of the Citizen of the Year Awards, with LGA President Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross saying they shine a light on the extraordinary efforts and quiet achievements of people from all corners of the state.
“These are people who provide incredible services and programs to our council regions, such as fundraising events, food runs for the disadvantaged, and advocacy to improve access to health care for indigenous people,” Mayor Holmes Ross said.
“Many of these people have their own jobs, families and commitments, but they do it because they care about helping others and wanting to achieve better outcomes – and that deserves our recognition.”
The nominations are divided into four main categories:
- Citizen of the Year
- Young Citizen of the Year
- Active Citizenship award
- Community Event.
Australia Day Council of SA Chief Executive Officer Jan Chorley said the awards are now in their 16th year and the 2026 winners and finalists have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to supporting people and enhancing services.
“I’m really proud to be able to extend our appreciation and gratitude to people and organisations that volunteer their time and expertise across all manner of activities,” she said.
2026 Citizen of the Year Award winners
Citizen of the Year I Andrew Plastow I City of Charles Sturt
Andrew Plastow is a visionary school leader who has transformed education, particularly for Aboriginal children and families. Through his creation of Ngutu College, the Kamilaroi man challenged conventional schooling to prioritise equity, culture and community in a learning environment where every child, young person and family can belong, thrive and be heard.
The College now supports nearly 300 children and young people from Kindergarten to Year 11, with almost 50% Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander enrolments.
Young Citizen of the Year I Ishaan Chaudhuri I City of Norwood, Payneham & St Peters
At just 16, Ishaan has demonstrated exceptional leadership by advocating to enhance student engagement, health equity, and community outcomes to local and national medical student networks.
His work on rural Indigenous healthcare access helped contribute over $5,000 worth of free tuition in mathematics, science, and English to students experiencing financial hardship.
Ishaan also serves as the Youth Representative for the Indian Bengali Association of Adelaide, is the National Secretary of the Australian Medical Students’ Association and dedicates his time to Flinders Fights Cancer (FFC) and the Flinders University Rural Health Society (FURHS).
Award for Active Citizenship I David Richardson I Mount Barker District Council
A dedicated volunteer, David is an active member of the CFS Nairne brigade, the President of the Nairne District Residents Association, and on the committee of the Nairne and Districts Netball Club and Nairne Oval Committee.
David is also behind much-loved community events such as Nairne Twilight markets, Nairne History Month and Nairne Carols, volunteering long hours applying for grants and managing those events.
Award for Active Citizenship (Commendation) I The Laura Nature Playground Committee I Northern Areas Council
Through strong community collaboration and volunteer effort, the Laura Nature Playground Committee has shown exceptional active citizenship by leading a project that directly strengthens community life. The Laura Nature Playground is a welcoming and inclusive space where families connect, children play and visitors are drawn to Laura. The committee has turned a community dream into a major local asset.
Award for Active Citizenship (Commendation) I Lyne Harrison I Light Regional Council
Lyne is a dedicated member of the food and relief centre at the Light Country Community Centre, which provides food support to people in need three days a week. Behind the scenes Lyne contributes countless hours coordinating food pickups from surrounding towns, sorting and organising supplies and managing clients to ensure everyone receives the help they need. Her commitment is vital to keeping this essential community service running smoothly.
Through her actions, Lyne promotes dignity, inclusion and kindness, helping to create a stronger, more connected community.
Community Event of the Year I The Gawler Show I Town of Gawler
The Gawler Show is the largest regional show in South Australia and the town’s largest community event, attracting over 25,000 visitors in 2025, and providing wide reaching social, cultural and economic benefits.
The event fosters community pride and connection while celebrating the region’s agricultural, horticultural and creative heritage, a tradition spanning more than 170 years. Through more than 3,800 competition entries, the Show enabled participation across craft, cooking, photography, livestock, floriculture, schools and care facilities.
Community Event of the Year (Commendation) I Matt Evans, The Victor Harbor Half Marathon I City of Victor Harbor
Each December since 2022, Great Southern Runs has organised the Victor Harbor Half Marathon, growing from 700 runners in 2022 to 2600 in 2024. Last year there were 4000 competitors in 2025.
This inclusive event has been successful in getting people fit & active; bringing visitors to the region to boost the local economy and making financial contributions to local sporting clubs and community groups who provide volunteers over the race weekend.
For more information about all the winners and finalists, head to the Citizen of the Year Awards website.
