The City of Victor Harbor has named the recipients of its 2024 Citizen of the Year Awards.

Citizen of the Year is Heather Wehr, in recognition of lasting contributions to community groups across the region.

These include the Lower Inman Valley CFS Brigade; the Woman’s Cancer Support Group; and the Victor Dragons dragon boat club.

She also founded a ukelele group, serves as a Justice of the Peace and on the committee of the Encounter Lakes Residents Group.

The award for Active Citizenship goes to Nedra Haines, in recognition of ongoing marine conservation efforts.

She is the coordinator of the Kangaroo Island/Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch, helps to monitor the endangered Little Penguin colony on Granite Island and is a local whale spotter. 

Nedra shares her passion for marine science and research through local community education programs and also volunteers at the Horse Tram merchandise shop and the Victor Harbor Visitor Centre.

Young Citizen of the Year is Sonya Walker, in recognition of active community involvement.

Sonya is a student leader at Victor Harbor High School, where she was recognised with its Australian Defence Forces Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award.

She has been involved in fundraising through Coast Trek and the World’s Greatest Shave and plays with local soccer and football clubs.

Community Event of the Year is the production of Gypsy, by The South Coast Choral and Arts Society, in recognition of a high calibre theatre production.

The musical production was presented in October and November 2023, the latest of more than 120 community productions staged by the not-for-profit organisation, investing thousands of dollars in local projects, fundraisers and scholarships.

Mayor Dr Moira Jenkins says the 2024 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 2024 Citizen of the Year Awards will be presented at the City of Victor Harbor’s Australia Day celebrations on Friday 26 January.

They will be held at the Soldiers Memorial Gardens in Victor Harbor, starting with a free barbecue breakfast from 8am, followed by a formal ceremony at 9am.

Full details of the City of Victor Harbor 2024 Citizen of the Year Awards can be viewed on its website.