Community heroes in the spotlight

MOUNT Gambier will celebrate outstanding community contributions at the upcoming Australia Day event with the announcement of the City of Mount Gambier 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards.

This year’s award recipients are:

Tracey Wanganeen – Citizen of the Year

Brydie Lewis – Young Citizen of the Year

Phillip McInnes – Senior Citizen of the Year

Festival on the Green – Community Event of the Year

Keith Seiler – Active Citizenship Award

Awardees will be formally acknowledged at the Australia Day Breakfast and Awards event at the Cave Garden/Thugi on Monday 26 January 2026.

City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin OAM said the awards celebrate individuals and community groups who go above and beyond to make a positive impact.

“On Australia Day we come together to recognise the people and groups who quietly lift our city up. Their generosity of spirit, their time and their talent make Mount Gambier stronger, more inclusive and more connected,” Mayor Martin said.

“Volunteers are the heartbeat of Mount Gambier. The awardees recognised on Australia Day remind us that small acts sustained over time, create big outcomes for our community.”

The City of Mount Gambier Australia Day Breakfast and Citizen of the Year Awards presentation will be held on Australia Day, Monday 26 January 2026 at the Cave Garden/Thugi from 7:30am.

The Lakes Rotary Club of Mount Gambier will cook breakfast until 9:00am. Coffee will be available on site and all funds raised from the breakfast and coffee van will be donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Attendees will be entertained with live music performances by Trish and Isaac Bruggemann, Brenton William – BW Music and Garbriel Strachan Music.

Formal proceedings include the singing of the Australian National Anthem, a flag-raising ceremony by the 48th Army Cadet Unit, and the Citizen of the Year Awards presentation hosted by Mayor Martin.

The event will be livestreamed at facebook.com/cityofmountgambier for those unable to attend.

Mayor Martin will conduct an Australian Citizenship Ceremony following the awards presentations from 10:15am. 31 candidates from 13 countries will make their pledge of commitment to become Australian citizens.

“Conferring citizenship is one of my greatest pleasures as Mayor and I invite all attendees to stay and witness this wonderful occasion,” Mayor Martin said.

City of Mount Gambier Citizen of the Year – Tracey Wanganeen

Citizen of the Year Tracey Wanganeen (pictured above) is a familiar face in the Limestone Coast for her tireless advocacy in mental health, suicide prevention and community wellbeing.

Her story is one of courage and reinvention.

After 21 years as a legal secretary, Tracey made a bold decision in her early forties to change direction.

“I enjoyed my job, but thought if I don’t leave now, I’ll be here forever. I wanted to do something that made a real difference,” Tracey said.

At 42, she enrolled in a social work degree while working full-time in domestic violence services.

“It took me seven years to finish because I worked full time all the way through. My goal was to graduate before I turned 50, and I did,” she said.

Her placements opened new doors, including a project manager for a domestic violence awareness conference and palliative care work.

“I never imagined grief would become a passion. But I saw the power of listening and being present for people in their hardest moments,” Tracey said.

That insight led her to StandBy Support After Suicide, where she spent nine years as regional coordinator across southern South Australia.

“Helping people feel less alone in their grief and breaking down stigma, that’s work that matters,” Tracey said.

Tracey travelled widely, built networks and trained communities to respond with compassion.

She recalls sitting with families in their homes after a loss, creating space for conversations others found too hard.

“We encouraged people to keep talking about their loved one. They didn’t disappear because they died, they’re still part of your life,” she said.

Her leadership extended statewide as a member of the inaugural Premier’s Suicide Prevention Council, contributing to South Australia’s first Suicide Prevention Act.

She also championed Are You OK? Day as the Limestone Coast’s only ambassador, helping bring the national convoy to Mount Gambier, and volunteered with Ski for Life for eight years, travelling along the Murray River to raise awareness and provide support.

“I used to say I had the best job in the world, who gets to ski along the river and help people at the same time?” she said.

Tracey also supported touring theatre productions addressing suicide, debriefing cast and audiences after performances, and worked with multiple suicide prevention networks to keep conversations alive in regional communities.

In 2023, Tracey was honoured to be nominated for the Rural and Remote Impact category of the South Australian Association of Social Workers AASW Awards.

She went on to win the category, an achievement she describes as one of her proudest moments.

“It wasn’t just about winning. The fact that my manager at the time nominated me meant so much. As someone who came to social work later in life, it was a truly humbling experience.”

Today, Tracey manages FocusOne Health’s Mount Gambier Medicare Mental Health Service, a free, walk-in no appointment required service ensuring immediate access to care.

“If someone walks in today, we’ll find a way to support them.”

Her team includes mental health peer workers with lived experience, who often provide exactly what people need: a safe space to talk and practical ideas for self-care.

“Sometimes all people need is a kind person to sit and listen,” Tracey said. “We don’t rush to fix it. Being heard can be the help.”

Her advice to help others is simple but powerful.

“Be kind. Listen to how it is for that person. Don’t shut them down because you feel uncomfortable. Say, ‘I don’t know what to say, but I’m here to listen.’ Help-seeking is a strength, not a weakness.”

Tracey’s family reflects her values of service and inclusion.

Her husband Steven is an Aboriginal education worker, her son Marcus supports disengaged students at the Independent Learning Centre and is well known locally as a DJ, and her daughter Kimberley runs a cultural consultancy in Adelaide.

“I’m proud of my family and the work they do. We’ve all faced challenges, but we’ve always believed in making a difference,” Tracey said.

Her impact is felt in everyday moments – a parent who drops in and finds a neutral space to talk, a friend who learns how to listen without trying to fix everything, or a community event where people feel welcome and safe.

“When someone says, ‘Thank you, that helped,’ I know I’m exactly where I need to be,” she said.

Senior Citizen of the Year – Phillip McInnes

Phillip McInnes (pictured below) is an 85-year-old community stalwart whose lifetime of service reflects unwavering dedication and selflessness.

Born in Mount Gambier on December 9, 1939, Phillip attended Mount Gambier Primary School and later Mount Gambier High School before beginning his career as an apprentice electrician at R.W. Scott in 1956.After completing National Service and a year driving trucks for J & J Ward, a twist of fate led him to the Electricity Trust of South Australia (ETSA).

“One morning, while driving a fully loaded semi-trailer to Portland, the brakes suddenly failed,” Phillip said. “Sixteen tonnes on board and no brakes. I thought, how am I going to get out of this?”

Thinking quickly, he released the problem and steered the truck safely down Bay Road to Mount Gambier Motors opposite Margaret Street and the Police Station.

“I drove in there with no brakes, fully loaded, and handed it over to them,” he said.

That unexpected breakdown gave him just enough time to make his job interview with ETSA, a role that became his career for the next 42 years.

“Talk about luck. If those brakes hadn’t failed, I’d have missed the appointment completely.”

Phillip embraced every challenge, mastering industrial electronics, high voltage power generating and transmission systems and computer programming.

His expertise took him across South Australia, commissioning substations, maintaining gas turbines, and even flying to Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln for urgent repairs on their power stations.

His industry experience inspired him to advocate for training and development for young tradespeople.

He was instrumental in forming the Group Training Scheme in Mount Gambier, supporting apprentices to thrive in the workplace.

“I was sick of seeing young people mistreated. So, we started something that’s still going strong today,” he said.

Outside of work, Phillip poured his energy into volunteering. At Apollo Soccer Club, he assisted in transforming a bare block into a fully functioning sporting facility.

“I mowed stripes on the field like Wembley Stadium, the girls said, ‘What’s this?’ I told them, ‘That’s class!’”

He also volunteered at Attamurra Golf Club for many years, cutting fairways and greens for 15 years at dawn and in the rain installed all the electrical wiring and computer system for the automatic irrigation system.

“It was a huge job and I’ll never forget sitting in a trench wiring and fitting solenoid valves while ladies teed off above me, I just hoped they didn’t miss-hit,” he said. “Yes, one did and her ball landed in my box of seals alongside of me.”

Phillip has been part of the Lions Club of Gambier City for 48 years, serving as president, secretary, treasurer and public officer.

“The highlight was being zone and region chairman i.e. District Governor’s right hand man. You get to know all the clubs in the district and help wherever you’re needed,” he said.

He proudly represented Mount Gambier at national and district conventions and contributed thousands of hours to Lions projects.

His service earned him the James D Richardson Honour Award and Life Membership with Lions Club International.

“We serve, that’s our motto, you try to help wherever you can,” Phillip said.

He was also president of the Mount Gambier History Group from 2007 to 2023 and a life member. He is also a life member of the National Servicemen’s Lower SE Branch Association.

“I was the secretary from 2001 to today even though the group have decided not to carry on owing to health problems of most of the members, but we still get together on the local remembrance days,” Phillip said.

Despite his busy schedule, Phillip still found time for hobbies, including baseball, basketball, golf, table tennis and fishing. He also pursued his passion for aviation.

“I wanted to fly all my life,” he said.

He earned his pilot’s licence after years of study and recalls the thrill of taking off in a Cessna.

“The instructor said, ‘If you want to really test it, fill the tanks.’ So I did, and it flew like a dream, like driving a limousine in the sky.”

Health challenges eventually meant Phillip had to give up flying after heart bypass surgery.

“I didn’t want to take any risks. Flying demands full concentration and perfect health, and I knew it was time to step back.”

Although he can’t fly anymore, Phillip still enjoys aviation through flight simulators and building model planes.

“It’s not the same as being in the air, but it keeps the passion alive.”

Phillip’s selflessness shines brightest in his personal life.

He and his wife Maxine have been married for 62 years and have raised three children – Leanne, Simon and Brendan.

Today, his nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren remain a big part of his life.

“They know Pa will fix it. Whether it’s a pump or a power point, I’m there.”

Even serious health challenges haven’t slowed him down.

Diagnosed with melanoma in 2014, Phillip underwent surgeries, radiation and immunotherapy, but continued volunteering with his trademark humour.

“They put a mask on me for radiation, and I said, ‘You didn’t do it right the first time!’ We all had a laugh. You just keep going, that’s the way I’ve always been.”

His reaction to winning the Senior Citizen of the Year award was pure disbelief.

“I couldn’t believe it, it was my birthday, too, it couldn’t have happened on a better day.”

Young Citizen of the Year – Brydie Lewis

Twenty-year-old Brydie Lewis (pictured above), a proud Kaurna woman whose passion for culture, health, and community has touched lives across the Limestone Coast.

Brydie is dedicated to preserving and restoring traditional Aboriginal weaving practices, skills that are at risk of being lost.

She has brought weaving back into classrooms, women’s groups, and community events, creating spaces for connection and healing.

Brydie started a small business Bea’s Weaves in 2024 to create and sell artistic pieces that celebrate Aboriginal culture.

She has also been invited to contribute to the 2026 Stardust Identity – First Nations Women Artists Exhibition.

“Weaving can be interpreted in many different ways. It goes back a long time, you could weave if you were upset, processing trauma, or celebrating something happy. Passing that down and keeping it going is the biggest part. It’s good to bring it back,” Brydie said.

Her workshops have inspired students at Grant High School, where she led a collaborative piece for Multicultural Day, and she has worked with programs like South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy (SAASTA) to share cultural knowledge with younger generations.

“It’s amazing to see kids go home and tell their grandma how to weave because she’ll love it,” Brydie said. “That’s what it’s all about – connecting generations.”

Brydie’s creativity sparked an innovative health initiative at Pangula Mannamurna, where she worked on smoking cessation programs.

Her idea, ‘Busy Hands, Clean Lungs’, combined weaving with health education, offering a relaxed, culturally safe environment for conversations about quitting smoking.

“We wanted something that wasn’t just ‘you have to learn this today’. Weaving gave people a chance to relax, create, and yarn it out.”

She has also contributed to cancer support programs and countless community events, including NAIDOC Week, where she helped create a mixed-media collaborative artwork unveiled to celebrate culture and unity.

Brydie earned the Trainer of the Year title at NAIDOC Week in 2022, a highlight she still treasures.

“That was awesome. I loved getting that one, it was a big one for me, my favourite.”

Brydie’s leadership journey began at just 13 when she joined the Australian Air Force Cadets, a program she credits for building her confidence and skills.

“I didn’t speak to anybody when I was younger, I was just in my shell. Cadets definitely helped develop skills to work with others, take on leadership roles, and organise events. It gave me the foundation for everything I do now.”

In 2021, she was awarded the Flight Lieutenant Squadron Contribution award for her work in the Air Force Cadets.

Despite her achievements, Brydie remains humble and passionate about encouraging other young people to find their voice.

“You feel a lot of pressure after school to have it all figured out, but you have so much time. Try new things, put yourself out there, and be yourself. Push yourself to try things, be yourself,” she said.

Brydie plans to begin nursing studies next year through TAFE, inspired by her mum’s career and her own desire to make a difference.

When Brydie received the call about her award, she admits she was stunned.

“I was just shocked. It’s been a while since I actually got recognised for something, so it’s really nice.”

She credits her community for helping her achieve so much at a young age.

“I couldn’t have done any of this without the support of the community. Every workshop, every event, every idea has been shaped by the people around me.”

Community Event of the Year – Festival on the Green

The Community Event of the Year award will be awarded to Festival on the Green, a vibrant celebration of culture, connection and inclusion that drew more than 500 people to Cave Garden/Thugi on Saturday, March 25, last year.

Festival on the Green (represented by committee members Emily Stankovic (Skylight Mental Health) & Sue Watt (ac.care)) was born from a simple idea – a community breakfast – but quickly evolved into something bigger and more inclusive.

With support from mental health services provider Skylight Mental Health, ac.care, the Migrant Resource Centre and local volunteers, the event transformed into a multicultural showcase.

It included six food trucks, cultural performances and free activities such as henna art and bracelet-making.

Every attendee received a free meal ticket and a gift bag, ensuring no cost barriers for families.

Skylight Mental Health Community Development Officer Emily Stankovic said the team wanted to create an event that truly reflected the diversity of the Limestone Coast.

“We asked ourselves, how can we make this bigger and better? How do we create something that feels welcoming for everyone? The answer was a festival that celebrates culture, food and connection,” Emily said.

“Seeing families relax on picnic rugs, enjoying performances and sharing meals was incredible. The feedback we received was that people felt included, and that’s exactly what we hoped for.”

ac.care’s Sue Watt highlighted the deeper impact of the event.

“It wasn’t just a fun day out,” Sue said. “For many people, especially those from migrant backgrounds, this was a chance to feel part of the community. Some told us they wouldn’t have been able to attend without the free food and activities. That really reinforced why these events matter. Inclusion isn’t just a word – it’s about creating spaces where everyone belongs.

The festival also sparked ongoing connections. Partnerships formed on the day led to initiatives like an adult migrant swimming program in Naracoorte, helping new residents feel more confident and connected.

“That’s the ripple effect of events like this, it opens doors and builds trust,” Emily said.

Delivered with $15,000 in flexible funding and countless volunteer hours, Festival on the Green showcased what collaboration can achieve. Organisers are hopeful similar events can continue, with interest already expressed by community members and service providers.

Active Citizenship Award – Keith Seiler

Active Citizenship Award winner Keith Seiler has spent more than a decade transforming opportunities for people with disabilities in the Limestone Coast region.

His journey began in 2010 when, as a parent involved in soccer committees, he helped organise regional games for athletes with disabilities.

Those early events included matches, evening meals, and even a torch run, creating a sense of celebration and belonging. When the program stalled, Keith refused to let it fade. In 2017, starting from scratch, he rebuilt the initiative with nothing but determination.

“We had zero, no uniforms, no equipment, nothing,” Keith said. “Our first fundraiser was selling cookie dough so we could buy soccer balls.”

From those humble beginnings, Keith created Limestone All Abilities Sport, which now has its own bus, uniforms, and equipment, making the group fully self-sufficient.

“We can set up a soccer pitch anywhere. Poles, tents, marquees, barbecues, we’ve got it all,” he said proudly.

His efforts have grown the Limestone Cup into the only country competition for athletes with disabilities. What started with three or four teams, will expand to two divisions and up to ten teams from South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales in 2026.

“That’s never happened here, the opportunities are phenomenal.”

Keith’s commitment goes far beyond organising games. He secures sponsorships so players pay only a token amount for travel and accommodation.

“It can cost $2,000 for a weekend in Adelaide,” he said. “I work hard to make sure cost isn’t a barrier. I can’t stop because it’s so encouraging to see the guys shine in their own fashion.”

His creativity keeps training fresh, including boot camps with tires and ropes, skill-testing games and corporate events where businesses and emergency services join athletes on the field.

“It’s about inclusion, no one’s excluded,” Keith said. “It doesn’t matter where you come from or what background you’ve got. Just get in and have a go.

The impact is life-changing. Keith shares stories of athletes traveling interstate, one becoming an international competitor, and others improving their health and confidence.

“Doctors have told parents their kids are fitter than ever. That’s what this is about, giving them opportunities they’d never have otherwise.”

He described the camaraderie that develops as like a family.

“Last year when our bus broke down after state games, the athletes looked after each other. They shine when it matters.”

Keith’s vision for the future is ambitious. He plans to formalise the group as a not-for-profit, expand outreach to schools across the region, and join a disability soccer league if sponsorship allows. He has already drafted platinum sponsorship packages offering naming rights and branding opportunities.

“I’ve never accepted no,” he said, recalling how he found creative solutions when faced with obstacles. “At one point we weren’t allowed to put sponsors on uniforms, so I said fine, we’ll put them on jackets. There’s always a way.”

Keith remains driven and says the reward is seeing others achieve their best.

“Seeing the guys on the field having fun. It doesn’t matter what shape they’re in, they want to play, and why shouldn’t they?” Keith said. “We focus on ability, not disability. Everyone deserves the chance to shine.”