Seaside volunteers in the spotlight

THE District Council of Robe celebrated Australia Day and used the community breakfast as a chance to honour its 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards.

2026 award recipients:

Citizen of the Year – Cathy Brewin

Young Citizen of the Year – Lexy Hayes

Community Event of the Year – Southern Ocean Art Prize

Mayoral Award – Kelly Burton

Mayor Lisa Ruffell said all the award winners should be incredibly proud of their achievements and the difference they make to the town.

“We also extend our warmest congratulations to Keith Smith, who officially became an Australian Citizen at today’s ceremony,” Mayor Ruffell said. “A special milestone to celebrate on Australia Day.”

Peter Cahalan, the Australia Day Council of South Australia Ambassador, was also part of te celebrations.

“We sincerely appreciate him taking the time to be part of Robe’s celebrations,” Mayor Ruffell said. “We also extend a huge thank you to the Robe Lions Club and their wonderful volunteers for providing the community breakfast and for their ongoing support of this annual event.”

This event was proudly supported by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council – Australia Day 2026 Community Event Grant Program.

“Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the event a meaningful and memorable occasion for our community,” Mayor Ruffell said.