Desmond Schirmer has been named the City of Victor Harbor 2026 Citizen of the Year for his lifelong service and volunteering in the region.

Two awards were made for Active Citizenship; one to the South Coast Chamber Orchestra and one to Anthony Rowland.

Young Citizen of the Year is Jake Baalman, while Community Event of the Year is the Victor Harbor Half Marathon. 

At 90 years old, Des Schirmer has dedicated more than seven decades to volunteering in the Victor Harbor community, contributing to organisations such as St John Ambulance, the Southern Fleurieu Community Nursing Service, the Victor Harbor Sea Rescue Squadron, the Southern Community Transport Scheme, APEX Club of Victor Harbor and the Rotary Club of Encounter Bay.

He has also served on hospital and community boards, taught first aid, assisted in road accidents and remains active in Rotary initiatives, planting trees as part of a revegetation program and maintaining his fitness with regular swimming.

The South Coast Chamber Orchestra, led by Emily Down, Andrea Dunkley and Wendy Dyson, brings classical and contemporary music to local audiences and actively supports the community by raising funds and awareness for local groups and projects.

Anthony Rowland has been a leading advocate for the local environment and marine life, raising the alarm on the Harmful Algal Bloom affecting the coast by alerting authorities, collecting water samples, documenting the impact on marine life. And keeping the community informed.

Jake Baalmann supports older residents in the Victor Harbor community as a volunteer with the Caring Neighbourhood Program, Southern Communities Transport Scheme, and the ADRA Op Shop.

He helps elders with outings, medical appointments and technology challenges, bridging the digital divide with patience and kindness. 

The Victor Harbor Half Marathon, organised by Great Southern Runs and Matt Evans, is an inclusive, family-friendly event catering to runners and walkers of all abilities.

City of Victor Harbor Mayor Dr Moira Jenkins says the 2026 Citizen of the Year award winners were selected from a pool of high calibre nominees.

“This is an extremely exciting time every year, because it’s an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary efforts of people in our region. We are fortunate to have so many generous volunteers who share their time and knowledge as active citizens,” she says.

“This year’s winners are truly inspiring. I’m impressed by the time and energy that these individuals have given to their community.”

The 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards will be formally presented at the City of Victor Harbor’s Australia Day Celebrations on Monday,26 January at the Soldiers Memorial Gardens on Flinders Parade. 

There will be a free community breakfast barbecue from 8am, followed by a formal ceremony at 9am.