Volunteers in the spotlight

The District Council of Grant is pleased to announce the 2025 Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award recipients.

A number of high-quality nominations were received for a range of groups and individuals demonstrating outstanding contributions including, but not limited to, long standing community group committee members and volunteers, young business owners, fundraisers, and regional sporting events coordinated by volunteers.

The 2025 Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award winners comprise:

• Citizen of the Year: Jacqui Doloughan – a committed and valued volunteer of the Kongorong community;

• Young Citizen of the Year: Jazmin Bingham – a Youth Minister’s Advisory Council representative;

• Community Event of the Year: Donovans Easter Market – a beloved annual community event; and

• Active Citizenship Award: Southern Ocean Care Committee – a passionate environmental advocacy group.

District Council of Grant Mayor Kylie Boston said the Awards highlight the passion of our local communities and how every action, large or small, can make a significant impact.

“The Australia Day Citizen of the Year Awards are a reminder that everyone has the potential to create positive change to make our community stronger and more connected,” Mayor Boston said. “It is important that our community members are celebrated for their commitment over the past year and in most cases over many years of service.

“We are extremely proud of all the individuals and groups who have been nominated, and I hope the celebration of these community members inspires others to contribute positively to the District Council of Grant.”

All winners will be awarded at a private event on Australia Day Sunday, January 26. Nominees will also be invited to attend the event and be presented a certificate.

Official proceedings from the event will be livestreamed via the District Council of Grant Facebook page.

Citizen of the Year: Jacqui Doloughan

For over fourteen years, Jacqui has been a dedicated volunteer and an integral part of the Kongorong community serving as the Secretary of the Kongorong Sportsmen’s Club, and Committee Member and Canteen Manager for the Southeast Field and Game Association.

As part of her commitment to the Kongorong Sportsmen’s Club, Jacqui was instrumental in organising the Mid South East Football and Netball League Grand Final held at the Kongorong sporting ground in 2024. Jacqui’s additional selfless efforts have also been highlighted as she regularly leads dinner efforts at the Club, operates the Club’s bar facilities and ensures the safety of club members by driving them home after events.

Beyond her official duties, Jacqui encourages interactions between young and old volunteers by taking the time to mentor young people by teaching them valuable skills like handling a till, managing money, and serving customers. By doing so, Jacqui encourages a culture of teamwork and supporting the spirit of country sport.

Deservingly, Jacqui was awarded Kongorong Sportsmen’s Club’s ‘Club Person of the Year’ in 2021 and is now presented as the District Council of Grant’s 2025 Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award winner.

Young Citizen of the Year: Jazmin Bingham

Jazmin is a passionate young person who focusses her energy on advocating for the preservation of the natural environment and understanding local concerns of the community.

As a member of the Youth Minister’s Advisory Council, Jazmin represents the views of young people within the community by sharing ideas and experiences to shape strategies and youth policy in South Australia. Jazmin also empowers others to take action through her role as a Group Leader and facilitator of the Mount Gambier Australian Youth Climate Coalition fighting for climate justice.

Jazmin has continued to demonstrate exceptional leadership through other volunteering efforts including with the Youth Environmental Council where she assisted raising awareness of endangered Red-Tailed Black Cockatoos through regional communities.

In recognition of Jazmin’s environmental work, she recently received the prestigious Muriel Matters Award at Parliament House and is now awarded the District Council of Grant’s 2025 Young Citizen of the Year Award.

Community Event of the Year: Donovans Easter Market

For 27 years, the Donovans Recreational Advisory Committee has hosted its annual Easter Sunday Market, a valued community event that continues to grow in popularity.

The Easter Sunday Market is a family-friendly day filled with entertainment for all ages. In 2024, the event attracted approximately 3,500 visitors to the small town with 64 stalls on offer and a pop-up art exhibition showcasing over 60 pieces of local artwork. Other highlights of the 2024 market included an athletics display, an exciting Easter egg hunt, and horse and cart rides.

Following the successful 2024 event, funds raised from food sales were reinvested back into the local community supporting a wide range of initiatives. Organised by the Donovans Recreational Advisory Committee, the proceeds helped fund activities such as catering for a local cricket match, upgrading the community’s Post Office box, providing a free catered Christmas lunch, and hosting regular Friday night community get-togethers at the Donovans Community Hall.

The Easter Sunday Market has become a well-known and highly anticipated event in the district and brings together local community members as well as attracting visitors from interstate making the Donovans Easter Market the deserving winner of the District Council of Grant’s 2025 Community Event of the Year.

Active Citizenship Award: Southern Ocean Care Committee

The Southern Ocean Care Committee have been described as demonstrating active citizenship through their respectful approach to advocacy, and dedication to both environmental and community causes.

In 2024, the volunteer Committee formed to passionately back local community and fishing industry in opposing the Federal Government’s offshore wind turbine development proposal off the Port MacDonnell coastline, in the effort to protect the district’s pristine coastline, marine life, fishing industry, and tourism.

Members of the Committee worked tirelessly to inform and engage the community, emphasising the importance of united action. Their efforts included distributing flyers and organising media opportunities, and over just four weeks, the group gathered approximately 4,500 signatures on a petition later presented to Federal Government representatives.

The Southern Ocean Care Committee’s collaborative efforts not only brought attention to a critical local issue but also inspired the community to stand together in protecting the region’s unique natural assets for future generations, making the Committee the appropriate winner of the District Council of Grant’s 2025 Active Citizenship Award.