Alexandrina Council has announced the recipients of its 2026 Australia Day Awards, which will be celebrated  at official ceremonies in Strathalbyn at 9am and in Goolwa at 11am on Monday 26 January.

These awards publicly honour those who serve the community and make Alexandrina a better place:

Goolwa & Surrounds

Citizen of the Year 2026 goes to Kate Waldmann of Port Elliot, who will be recognised for her service to the Port Elliot National Trust, to the preservation of local historic records, the Navigator Book Club, the Hotham Uniting Church, and the Horseshoe Hub. 

Young Citizen of the Year 2026 is Django Westmoreland, from Currency Creek, recognising his dedication to conservation volunteering and environmental education and leadership with BirdLife Australia and the Green Adelaide Youth Environment Council, as well as his involvement with the Nature Festival, Coral Street Art Centre, Wild Earth Oceanea and Investigator College’s Sustainable Futures Day.

Community Event of the Year 2026 will be awarded to the Rotary Club of Goolwa Carp-A-Thon, held at Bristow Smith Reserve in Goolwa on 4 October. 

An Active Citizenship Award for 2026 goes to Diana Keach of Goolwa, recognising her volunteer service transforming Rotary Centenary Park at Goolwa Beach into a tranquil community space. 

The Mayor’s Community Service Award for 2026 will be awarded to Tooperang War Memorial Hall Inc for its February Extravaganza Outdoor Concert, featuring two bands.

Strathalbyn & Surrounds

Citizen of the Year 2026 will not be awarded this year as the intended recipient unfortunately did not meet the Australian citizenship criteria set down by the Australia Day Council, which was not known by the person who submitted the nomination.

Young Citizen of the Year 2026 goes to Isaac McInness, recognising his contribution to the Eastern Fleurieu School, Scouts, sport and the wider community despite his visual impairment and complex medical conditions. 

Community Event of the Year 2026 will be awarded to the Strath Rodeo, presented by the Lower Lakes Stockman’s Challenge & Bush Festival, with a sell-out attendance of 3,600 adults and children in its third year of operation, raising funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Alexandrina Council will award two Active Citizenship Awards for 2026 for Strathalbyn and Surrounds.

One goes  to Langhorne Creek Hub ‘Community Morning Tea’ Coordinators and Bakers for its monthly gathering for older members of the community, providing social connection and cohesion. The group also organises about 50 Christmas boxes.

The other goes to Paul McLoughlin for his contribution in the voluntary role of Chairman and Manager of Gilbert's Motor Museum and to the business and tourism sector in Strathalbyn as co-owner of All In Good Time Antiques and his role on the Strathalbyn Tourism Association Executive Committee. 

The Mayor’s Community Service Award for 2026 goes to the Strathalbyn Strikers Adelaide Hills Junior Football Carnival, a weekend event involving 14 clubs, over 100 individual teams, and around 1,000 players. 

On behalf of Alexandrina Council, Mayor Keith Parkes extends his congratulations to all award recipients.

“We are fortunate to have so many volunteers who serve our community in such a wide variety of ways—from preserving our local history, to caring for our environment, transforming local parks, running community fishing competitions and morning teas, and supporting local groups through major events.

“Every one of these contributions helps make our region such a liveable, green and connected place,” he says.

“It is inspiring to hear what our award-winners have contributed to our region. I would encourage our community to attend our Australia Day events in Strathalbyn and Goolwa so you can personally extend a warm thank you and congratulations to those who will receive an Australia Day Award.”

Strathalbyn Strikers Presidents Nick Brook Paul McLoughlin Kate Waldmann Diane Keach

Django Westmoreland Isaac Mcinnes