2025 Citizen of the Year award winners

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Margaret Vincent

Margaret Vincent is a community leader and quiet achiever, whose volunteer work has had a profound impact on the Nairne and Mount Barker regions. She devotes two days a week volunteering at St Vincent de Paul in Mt Barker and is an active Meals on Wheels deliverer. Margaret also plays a key role in the production and distribution of the Nairne News, ensuring the local community stays informed.

As a committed member of several local organisations, Margaret contributes significantly to the Soldiers Memorial Hall in Nairne, where she organises the Nifty Fifties – a social and friendship group for older citizens that meets fortnightly. Her commitment to the Nifty Fifties group helps retired citizens stay active and engaged, bringing a sense of belonging and joy in the Nairne community. She is also a committee member and working participant of the Nairne and Districts Residents Association, helping to coordinate important community events, including the much-loved Nairne Christmas Carols.

Margaret’s efforts for the Carols are extraordinary – she coordinates with the Mount Barker District Council, liaises with donors, and arranges over 400 gift bags for children attending the event. She even fills, stamps, and cuts out the pictures that adorn the bags, personally distributing them to excited children on the day.

Margaret’s passion for community service extends to her involvement in the local Resilience Group, which prepares for emergencies such as bushfires. Whether running quiz nights, assisting with historical group projects, or planning various local events, Margaret consistently improves the lives of those around her. Her kindness, hard work, and generosity continue to inspire all who have the privilege of working with her.

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Deanna Wallis

Deanna Wallis exemplifies exceptional citizenship through her active involvement in community initiatives and volunteer efforts. Her dedication and tireless work have significantly improved the quality of life for residents in our community.

Deanna has led and contributed to a variety of local projects, including spearheading the annual charity fundraiser, and conducting educational workshops on environmental conservation. Her leadership and vision have inspired others to take action, with her proactive approach making a tangible difference in the lives of many. Her commitment to wellbeing is evident in her organisation of the Embrace Kids excursion at Wallis Cinemas, a school event designed to celebrate body diversity, promote positive body image, and address mental and emotional health by combating negative media messaging.

Deanna’s passion for supporting mental health stems from her own experiences and those of her family. As a champion for community wellbeing, she transformed Wallis Cinemas into "Noah’s Ark" during the Cudlee Creek and Cherry Gardens fires, opening the cinema doors to shelter both people and their animals.

A standout advocate for change in South Australia, Deanna is also a fierce voice for individuals with endometriosis having battled the condition since she was 16 years old. She remains deeply committed to raising awareness about endometriosis, advocating for better support, and sharing her journey to inspire others.

Deanna’s passion for her community, her advocacy for important causes, and her dedication to improving the lives of others make her a truly deserving winner for this award.

AWARD FOR ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP
Dianna Stasiuk

Dianna Stasiuk’s dedication, boundless energy, and leadership have been the driving force behind the remarkable accomplishments of the Brukunga Community Association (BCA) and the wider Brukunga community. Since the Association's reformation, Dianna has worked tirelessly to revitalize the BCA and lead a series of initiatives that have brought significant improvements to the town.

One of Dianna’s standout achievements was organising the Celebrating 70 Years of Brukunga - Place of Firestone event, which united more than 200 residents, past and present, in a celebration of Brukunga’s rich history.

Beyond preserving Brukunga’s past, Dianna has been a steadfast advocate for the community’s present and future. She played a pivotal role in organising a telecommunications forum that brought together government representatives and service providers to address the need for improved digital connectivity. Her leadership was instrumental in the approval of the Mount Barker District Council Digital Connectivity Plan, which will bring much-needed service improvements to Brukunga and surrounding areas.

In addition to her advocacy work, Dianna’s hands-on contributions to community projects have further enriched Brukunga. She is an active member of the Brukunga Community Garden Sub-Committee and a regular participant in the weekly gardening group. Dianna’s artistic talents have also shone through her involvement in the Skateboard Art Murals at the Brukunga Playground. These colourful, community-driven artworks have transformed the area into a lively and inspiring space for residents and visitors alike.

Her contributions extend beyond Brukunga, as she represents the town through her involvement with the Nairne Districts Residents Association and supports neighbouring organisations by volunteering at events such as the Nairne Christmas Carols and local rodeos.

Dianna Stasiuk exemplifies the spirit of active citizenship. Through her leadership, creativity, and commitment, she has left an indelible mark on Brukunga, making it a more connected and inclusive place to live. Her dedication to preserving the town's history, advocating for its future, and engaging with its people makes her a truly deserving winner of this award.

COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR - JOINT WINNERS

Celebrating 70 Years of Brukunga

The Brukunga Community Association Inc. has been instrumental in bringing the Brukunga community together, celebrating its rich history, and preserving its heritage for future generations. The Celebrating 70 Years of Brukunga - Place of Firestone event is a shining example of the Association’s dedication to fostering a sense of unity and pride among residents. Welcoming over 200 current and former residents, the event offered a unique opportunity to reflect on and honour Brukunga’s past. With extensive research and careful preservation of historical records, the Association brought the town’s stories to life, strengthening community bonds while safeguarding its heritage.

Through this significant community event, the Brukunga Community Association Inc. has honored the town’s past while nurturing a strong community spirit in the present. The Association’s efforts ensure that Brukunga’s history remains a source of pride and inspiration, uniting the community and preserving its legacy for years to come.

Mount Barker Christmas Pageant

The Mount Barker Christmas Pageant, the second largest in South Australia, has been a beloved tradition for the past 43 years, bringing together the community in a joyful celebration of the Christmas season. Last year, the pageant featured 88 floats and involved 1,700 participants, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere for all to enjoy.

With schools, community groups, and businesses decorating floats, and local sporting clubs, bands, and dancers entertaining the crowd along the route, the event spreads joy from the oval to the main street of Mount Barker. The pageant is a wonderful demonstration of community spirit, where children and adults alike come together to share in the fun and festive cheer.

The Mount Barker Christmas Pageant continues to create a sense of unity, bringing joy, love, and good tidings to all who participate or attend. This cherished event embodies the heart of Christmas, providing lasting memories for the entire community.