Making our city a great place to live

“EACH nominee has helped shape Mount Gambier into a place to call home.”

That was how City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin OAM encapsulated the 2026 honour roll of Citizen of the Year Awards at the January 26 community event at the Cave Gardens.

The Mount Gambier Lakes Rotary Club provided the traditional breakfast with proceeds headed to the coffers of the Royal Flying Doctor Service with the 48th Army Cadets Unit taking care of the flag raising ceremony with the backdrop of ‘We Are Australian’ from local talent Gabriel Strachan, followed by a crowd rendition of the national anthem.

But the centrepiece of the community event was the presentation of the Citizen of the Year Awards with Tracey Wanganeen (Citizen of the Year); Brydie Lewis (Young Citizen of the Year); Phillip McInnes (Senior Citizen of the Year) and Keith Seiler (Active Citizenship Award) all taking centre stage for their prolific community contributions, along with Emily Stankovic and Sue Watt representing the Community Event of the Year, Festival on the Green.

“We recognise and celebrate the remarkable individuals and groups who contribute so much to our lives,” Mayor Martin said. “(This) is an opportunity to recognise those who make Mount Gambier a stronger, kinder and more connected community.

“(People) who lead, who volunteer, who create opportunities for others and give their time and energy without seeking recognition. People who step forward to help, support, inspire and to make a difference.

“Positive change often begins with the actions of one person. Someone who sees a need and acts.”

Citizen of the Year Tracey Wanganeen was a humble and grateful recipient.

“Irt’s not the winning of an award that is the greatest honour, it’s being nominated,” she said in her acceptance speech. “I thank my family and friends for the many years of support and encouragement as I worked across regional South Australia.”

Honoured for her work in the mental health, suicide prevention and community wellbeing space, she had advice for the gathered crowd.

“The best thing we can so when we see someone struggling is be kind and understand how they see their situation, it’s their experience, without any judgement. To validate that someone is feeling what they are and you have heard how it is for them.

“We are all unique in our beliefs and values and they will (at times) clash with our inner circle and the wider community. Respecting those different values doesn’t lessen your own.

Tracey encouraged everyone to ‘contribute to a compassionate caring community’, acknowledging that January 26 was not a day of celebration for everyone.

“But it doesn’t take away from those here want to (celebrate).”

She also talked about having the courage to ask for help being a strength not a weakness.

“When we actively seek help, we break down the stigma for others to reach out for help.”

Twenty-year-old Brydie Lewis was awarded the Young Citizen of the Year, the proud Kaurna woman recognised for her passion for culture, health and community that has touched lives across the Limestone Coast.

“My goal is to use my art in a way to connect people,” Brydie said. “I enjoy helping people.”

Senior Citizen of the Year Phillip McInnes, the 85-year-old community stalwart whose lifetime of service reflects unwavering dedication and selflessness earned him the top gong, said he was ‘deeply honoured’ to receive the award.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this moment possible,” he said.

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

“The reason I started this all was at the time there wasn’t any options for my child,” Keith said. “I could see there was a need for a program similar to what have now got.

“To see athletes achieve their goals, whatever they may be, on the field or off.”

That sense of achievement keeping Keith motivated in his continual development of the Limestone All Abilities Sport program.

“We are like a family how, support and look after one another,” he said. “I’ll always find a way, there’s always an option, there is always a way to achieve the goals we set. The community of Mount Gambier has been behind us wholly and solely.”

The Community Event of the Year was awarded to Festival on the Green, a vibrant celebration of culture, connection and inclusion that drew more than 500 people to the Cave Garden in March last year.

It was supported by mental health services provider Skylight Mental Health, ac.care, the Migrant Resource Centre and local volunteers and was a multicultural showcase.

Skylight Mental Health community development officer Emily Stankovic and ac.care’s Sue Watt accepted the award on behalf of the organising committee.

Sue said it was great to be recognised for seeing the value of a community-led events in bringing people together.

“(Festival on the Green) had the simple but powerful purpose of bringing people together,” Emma said. “It was a free, multicultural celebration, welcoming local residents and migrant communities.”

Sue added it was more than just a fun day out.

“For many people, especially those with migrant backgrounds, it was a chance to feel part of their community and share their culture,” she said. “Inclusion isn’t just a word – it’s about creating spaces where everyone belongs. We look forward to continuing this work together.”