Kangaroo Island's finest will be recognised on Australia Day for their exceptional contribution and outstanding service to the local community. 

There are joint winners of Citizen of the Year –- Kate Stanton and Bryon Buick; Event of the Year is the Parndana Show and Field Day 2023 (incorporating Remembrance Day); Project of the Year is the Governing Council for the Parndana Community Children’s Centre. 

Mayor Michael Pengilly has congratulated all award recipients.

"These awards recognise the exceptional contributions, hard work, and determination of individuals making a positive difference within the Kangaroo Island community. 

“This year was particularly challenging for Council to determine the award recipients, as there were unprecedented nominations received, all for high calibre worthy individuals and community events and projects,” he says. 

"On behalf of Council, I wish to extend my congratulations to all the award winners for their selfless contributions to the Kangaroo Island community in another year of challenges. 

"I would also like to congratulate all of the other nominees who were recognised by the community and thank them for their commitment and valued work in the community."

While issues from the 2019/2020 bushfires and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic linger, Mayor Pengilly says that community spirit and support is alive and well, with new energy, enthusiasm and commitment evident in the excellent nominations received. 

"Kangaroo Island is a proud community, and this year's award winners and nominees are very much at the heart of what makes Kangaroo Island such a wonderful place to call home," he says. 

Kate Stanton was awarded joint Citizen of the Year for her work in the re-build and re-opening of the Stokes Bay Community Hall. 

While dealing with her own losses and emotional toll, Kate has for the past three years attended meetings and communicated with contractors to achieve the re-build of the

Stokes Bay Hall for community enjoyment and connection. Her hard work was rewarded on 25 November when the hall officially re-opened. 

She has been involved in community strengthening projects for many years, including 42 years involvement with the Parndana Show and in the preservation of the Parndana Museum. 

Bryon Buick was awarded joint Citizen of the Year for his dedication to the amenity of the Penneshaw township. 

His is a familiar face in the township of Penneshaw, frequently seen volunteering hours every week watering, mulching, planting and weeding the garden beds of the town, in rain, hail or shine. 

Known as a 'local legend' across the island, his efforts in Penneshaw are recognised and loved by the Kangaroo Island community and visitors. 

Parndana Show & Field Day 2023 has been named Event of the Year, incorporating Remembrance Day as part of the program for the day. 

The event was attended by more than 1200 people with celebrations and activities paused to recognise those that had served Australia at 11am and the show officially opened by 100 year old soldier settler, Dudley Roberts, who recalls attending the inaugural show in 1957. 

The Parndana Community Children’s Centre and its Governing Council have been recognised as the Project of the Year. 

This project will provide a service to families in need across the centre and western end of the Island and provide generational benefit for families. 

Kangaroo Island Council will host an Australia Day Ceremony at Hope Cottage Museum from 10am to 11am on 26 January, followed by a morning tea. 

As part of these celebrations, winners of the Citizen, Event and Community Project of the Year Awards will be formally recognised and receive Certificates commemorating their service and achievements.