Kangaroo Island Council has announced its award winners and commendations for the 2023 Australia Day Awards.

Mayor Michael Pengilly says the winners exemplify what it means to go above and beyond for the community.

"The Australia Day Awards recognise the outstanding efforts made by people across the island," he says.

"They don't do it for the praise or for the recognition – they do it simply because it makes a difference for people in their communities.

"It is a pleasure to see so many great things happening in our community, and Council is delighted to recognise some of the special people behind the scenes." 

The award recipients are:

• Mos Howard - winner of the Citizen of the Year Award.
• American Rivers Meet and Greet event/American River Welcoming Committee – winner of the Event of the Year.
• Kingscote Silo Project/Advance Kingscote Progress Association – winner of the Project of the Year Award.
• ARTells a Story Art Gallery - Special commendation in the Project of the Year category.

The community will celebrate the award winners at the Australia Day ceremony on Thursday, 26 January.

Kangaroo Island Council will host the ceremony at Hope Cottage Museum from 10am to 11am.

"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 a year of many challenges," Mayor Pengilly says.

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

Citizen of the Year - Mos Howard 

Mos Howard was awarded Citizen of the Year for serving as a volunteer Ambulance Officer for more than ten years. 

He works up to 90 hours a week in the role and has helped scores of residents and visitors in their time of most need. 

Event of the Year – Community Meet and Greet /The American River Welcoming Committee

Held on 18 September 2022, the American River Meet and Greet event attracted more than 200 people with the aim of welcoming the approximately 30 new families now living at American River. 

It featured a performance by local band 36 South, a market stall made up of American River craft and products, and a display of vehicles owned by American River Classic Car enthusiasts. 

The committee also developed an American River Information Booklet, showcasing local businesses, activities, volunteering organisations and contacts for emergency services.

Project of the Year - Kingscote Silo Art Project /Advance Kingscote Progress Association 

The giant kangaroo and Glossy Black Cockatoos painted on the silos are a new iconic feature in the Kingscote township. 

This community project provides both social and economic benefits, creating a vibrant attraction for visitors to see, photograph and share on social media while extending the time tourists stay in Kingscote and spend money in local businesses.

Special commendation – Project of the Year – ARTells A Story 

A small group of American River volunteers received a special commendation for their efforts to establish an art gallery in the wake of the 2019/20 bushfires. 

Deputy Mayor Richard Cotterill, Carrie Higson and Steve and Kim Gutteridge set up the gallery to attract more visitors to the American River township while raising funds for community projects. 

The group has sold over $80,000 works of art, with $30,000 worth of commissioning fees going back into the community.