Nominate a local hero

CITY of Mount Gambier is calling for nominations for the 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards, which honour the unsung heroes who make our community a better place to live.

Mayor Lynette Martin OAM said if you know someone, an individual, group, organisation, or event, that has made a genuine and lasting impact in our community, nominate them for a Citizen of the Year Award.

“These awards are about recognising the quiet achievers and everyday champions who help make Mount Gambier a vibrant, caring and resilient city,” Mayor Martin said.

“Acknowledging and celebrating our outstanding community members is a cornerstone of our Australia Day Breakfast event. It’s a moment to pause, reflect and express our gratitude to those who give their time, energy and heart to others. Their contributions often go unseen, but they are deeply felt, and they deserve to be recognised.”

Outstanding contributions may span across education, health, fundraising, charitable and voluntary services, business, sport, arts, the environment, or any other area that promotes community advancement and wellbeing.

City of Mount Gambier acting manager library and community development Sally Mann said the Citizen of the Year Awards provide a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and groups who enhance the wellbeing of the community.

“Many quietly volunteer their time and energy – this is our chance to say thank you,” Ms Mann said.

Nominations are open for the following categories:

Young Citizen of the Year – under 30 years of age on 26 January 2026

Citizen of the Year – 30 years of age or older on 26 January 2026

Senior Citizen of the Year – 55 years of age or older on 26 January 2026

Community Event of the Year – for events staged during 2025

Active Citizenship Award – recognizes and rewards individuals or groups for their significant contributions and service to their local community through active involvement and leadership

The Awards will be presented to the recipients at the City of Mount Gambier Australia Day Breakfast and Citizen of the Year Awards event to be held at the Cave Garden/Thugi on Monday 26 January 2026.

“Nominating someone is a powerful way to acknowledge their dedication and inspire others to contribute. Celebrating our community champions is a highlight of the Australia Day event,” Mayor Martin said.

Submit your nomination online at www.citizenoftheyear.com.au/nominate by 5:00pm Sunday 16 November 2025. Alternatively, nominations marked ‘Citizen of Year 2026’ can be posted to: City of Mount Gambier, PO Box 56, Mount Gambier SA 5290 or emailed to: [email protected]

Nomination forms and guidelines can be downloaded below and are available at the Civic Centre, Mount Gambier Library, or online at www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au

For further enquiries, please contact Council on (08) 8721 2555.