\u201cEACH nominee has helped shape Mount Gambier into a place to call home.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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 \u2018We Are Australian\u2019 from local talent Gabriel Strachan, followed by a crowd rendition of the national anthem.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe recognise and celebrate the remarkable individuals and groups who contribute so much to our lives,\u201d Mayor Martin said. \u201c(This) is an opportunity to recognise those who make Mount Gambier a stronger, kinder and more connected community.<\/p>\n
\u201c(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.<\/p>\n
\u201cPositive change often begins with the actions of one person. Someone who sees a need and acts.\u201d<\/p>\n
Citizen of the Year Tracey Wanganeen was a humble and grateful recipient.<\/p>\n
\u201cIrt\u2019s not the winning of an award that is the greatest honour, it\u2019s being nominated,\u201d she said in her acceptance speech. \u201cI thank my family and friends for the many years of support and encouragement as I worked across regional South Australia.\u201d<\/p>\n
Honoured for her work in the mental health, suicide prevention and community wellbeing space, she had advice for the gathered crowd.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe best thing we can so when we see someone struggling is be kind and understand how they see their situation, it\u2019s their experience, without any judgement. To validate that someone is feeling what they are and you have heard how it is for them.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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\u2019t lessen your own.<\/p>\n
Tracey encouraged everyone to \u2018contribute to a compassionate caring community\u2019, acknowledging that January 26 was not a day of celebration for everyone.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut it doesn\u2019t take away from those here want to (celebrate).\u201d<\/p>\n
She also talked about having the courage to ask for help being a strength not a weakness.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we actively seek help, we break down the stigma for others to reach out for help.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy goal is to use my art in a way to connect people,\u201d Brydie said. \u201cI enjoy helping people.\u201d<\/p>\n
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 \u2018deeply honoured\u2019 to receive the award.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this moment possible,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Active Citizenship Award winner Keith Seiler has spent more than a decade transforming opportunities for people with disabilities in the Limestone Coast region.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe reason I started this all was at the time there wasn\u2019t any options for my child,\u201d Keith said. \u201cI could see there was a need for a program similar to what have now got.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo see athletes achieve their goals, whatever they may be, on the field or off.\u201d<\/p>\n
That sense of achievement keeping Keith motivated in his continual development of the Limestone All Abilities Sport program.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are like a family how, support and look after one another,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll always find a way, there\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Skylight Mental Health community development officer Emily Stankovic and ac.care\u2019s Sue Watt accepted the award on behalf of the organising committee.<\/p>\n
Sue said it was great to be recognised for seeing the value of a community-led events in bringing people together.<\/p>\n
\u201c(Festival on the Green) had the simple but powerful purpose of bringing people together,\u201d Emma said. \u201cIt was a free, multicultural celebration, welcoming local residents and migrant communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sue added it was more than just a fun day out.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor many people, especially those with migrant backgrounds, it was a chance to feel part of their community and share their culture,\u201d she said. \u201cInclusion isn\u2019t just a word \u2013 it\u2019s about creating spaces where everyone belongs. We look forward to continuing this work together.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\u201cEACH nominee has helped shape Mount Gambier into a place to call home.\u201d 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 […]<\/p>\n