The District Council of Yankalilla is proud to announce the recipients of our 2025 Citizen of the Year Awards. These Awards acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of individuals and organisations that demonstrate leadership, initiative and a commitment to strengthening our community.
The Awards will be presented at our Australia Day Celebration at The Village Green, Normanville, on Sunday, 26 January, at 9am.
Congratulations to all our winners:
- Citizen of the Year Award – Ros Hutchinson
- Young Citizen of the Year Award – Eve Jansen
- Community Event of the Year Award – Shannons QMT Yankalilla Classic Motor Show (Yankalilla & Districts Lions Club)
- Active Citizenship Award – Carrickalinga Ratepayers Association for the Dark Sky Community
- Mayor’s Award - Louise Allstrom
Nominations for these awards are accepted year-round online – visit Citizen of the Year Awards | Yankalilla District Council for more information.
Citizen of the Year Award – Ros Hutchinson
Ros Hutchinson, a proud Myponga resident, has been named the 2025 Citizen of the Year in recognition of her lifelong dedication to community service and leadership.
Ros has contributed tirelessly to local sports, health and community organisations, leaving a lasting and positive impact on the Myponga area. A life member of both the Myponga Sellicks Tennis Club and the Myponga Netball Club, she has been an unwavering supporter of community sports, encouraging participation and volunteering countless hours to coaching and mentoring.
In her role as the Heart Foundation Walking Organiser for the region, Ros coordinates two weekly walks and multiple social events that bring together 50 registered members. These inclusive and welcoming activities not only promote fitness but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and the group's enjoyment is evident to anyone who crosses paths with these fluorescent walkers.
Ros’s dedication extends to her role as a Cancer Council Ambassador, where she organises Myponga’s annual Biggest Morning Tea, raising significant funds to support cancer research and services.
Ros has earned the respect and admiration of her community for her warmth, local knowledge and organisational skills. Her leadership strengthens community bonds, making her a true role model and a source of inspiration. Ros is not only a genuine and loyal friend but also a generous country woman and her unwavering dedication to the Myponga community exemplifies the values celebrated by the Citizen of the Year Award.
The District Council of Yankalilla congratulates Ros Hutchinson on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for her tireless efforts in creating a stronger, more connected community.
Young Citizen of the Year Award – Eve Jansen
Eve Jansen has been honoured as the 2025 Young Citizen of the Year, celebrating her dedication to community service, leadership and her role as an inspiring role model for young people in the district.
Eve’s passion for making a positive impact is evident through her many contributions. Her active involvement in the Youth Advisory Committee over several years highlights her dedication to planning and delivering events that benefit local young people. Recently, Eve’s passion for making a difference was showcased when she presented a deputation at Council, advocating for a cause she strongly believes in and demonstrating leadership amongst her peers.
In addition to her civic involvement, Eve is a dedicated volunteer with Surf Life Saving. Eve has taught nippers groups, assisted with the VACSWIM program and regularly undertakes beach patrols as a volunteer surf lifesaver. Her efforts to ensure the safety and enjoyment of beachgoers exemplify her selfless commitment to helping others.
Eve’s contributions extend to the local sporting community, where she plays both netball and football. A valued player in the women’s football league, Eve also volunteers her time to support boys’ football matches, demonstrating her dedication to fostering a strong and inclusive sports culture.
Through her leadership, involvement in community groups and volunteering efforts, Eve has set an excellent example of civic duty and leadership. She is a fabulous role model for younger generations, inspiring them to engage with and contribute to their communities.
The District Council of Yankalilla congratulates Eve Jansen on being named the 2025 Young Citizen of the Year and thanks her for her exceptional contributions to the local community.
Community Event of the Year Award – Shannons QMT Yankalilla Classic Motor Show
The Shannons QMT Yankalilla Classic Motor Show has been recognised as the 2025 Community Event of the Year, for its remarkable impact on the Yankalilla district and its contribution to fostering community spirit and connection.
Organised by the Yankalilla and District Lions Club and a team of passionate local volunteers, the Classic Motor Show has grown into a highly anticipated annual tradition. The event brings together car enthusiasts, families and community members of all ages to celebrate the beauty and nostalgia of classic cars while making a meaningful difference in the community.
Each year, the Lions Club uses proceeds from the event to fund community projects. This commitment to giving back not only strengthens the community but also inspires residents and visitors to actively participate in the betterment of their community.
The Yankalilla Classic Motor Show also plays a key role in boosting local tourism, attracting visitors from across the region and beyond. This influx of attendees significantly contributes to the local economy through increased spending at businesses and accommodation providers.
The event creates a festive and inclusive environment where people of all ages can come together. From the dazzling displays of vintage vehicles to live entertainment, food stalls featuring local vendors and interactive activities for children, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The event bridges generational gaps as older car enthusiasts share their stories and expertise with younger attendees, creating a sense of connection and shared appreciation.
The District Council of Yankalilla congratulates the organisers of the Shannons QMT Yankalilla Classic Motor Show for their outstanding efforts in creating an event that embodies the spirit of community and celebration. Their dedication and hard work have left a lasting impact, enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike and ensuring the continued growth and success of this beloved tradition.
Active Citizen of the Year Award – Carrickalinga Ratepayers Association for the Dark Sky Community
The District Council of Yankalilla is proud to recognise the Carrickalinga Ratepayers Association as the 2025 Active Citizen of the Year for their extraordinary achievement in securing Carrickalinga’s designation as Australia’s first International Dark Sky Community.
In May 2024, Carrickalinga earned global recognition as the first Dark Sky Community in Australia and the 47th worldwide, joining an exclusive group committed to preserving natural night skies. This outstanding achievement, the result of three years of tireless effort by Carrickalinga residents and visitors, was led by the Carrickalinga Ratepayers Association in collaboration with the District Council of Yankalilla.
The Carrickalinga Ratepayers Association spearheaded numerous initiatives as part of this effort, including:
- Establishing a sky quality metering program.
- Hosting community events such as the inspiring “Star Party.”
- Delivering educational presentations and materials to promote awareness of light pollution.
- Collaborating with the District Council of Yankalilla on community consultations, public lighting policies and compliance with DarkSky standards.
The efforts of the Carrickalinga Ratepayers Association extend beyond certification. The group continues to champion responsible lighting practices, minimise light pollution and engage the community in preserving the district’s natural night skies for future generations. They are also supporting other regional communities, such as Clayton Bay and Yorke Peninsula, in their Dark Sky aspirations.
The District Council of Yankalilla congratulates the Carrickalinga Ratepayers Association and the entire community for this outstanding accomplishment. Their leadership and dedication serve as an inspiration for communities across Australia and beyond, exemplifying the spirit of active citizenship and environmental stewardship.
Mayor’s Award - Louise Allstrom
The Mayor’s Award for 2025 is presented to Louise Allstrom, in recognition of her outstanding and long-standing contributions to the district.
Louise has dedicated much of her time and energy to enhancing the social fabric of the region. A former Yankalilla Councillor, including a period as Deputy Mayor, she has played a key role in local governance and advocating for the needs of the community. Her leadership extended beyond the Council, where she made significant contributions as the founding president of Normanville Traders, a vital group supporting local businesses, as well as through her volunteer work on the Yankalilla Area School Governing Council and Yankalilla Community Children’s Centre.
Louise’s commitment to community engagement extended to her successful operation of Hooked on Books in Normanville, where she ran a free book club for preschool children. This initiative sparked a love of reading in young children and provided a welcoming space for families to connect.
Her impact on the local community is particularly evident through volunteering with Meals on Wheels to her involvement in Club Fleurieu, where she serves as president. Under her leadership, Club Fleurieu has become a cornerstone of social life in the district, offering a wide range of activities that encourage participation and foster social connections. From Tai Chi, Rock & Roll, Scrabble and Mah Jong to quilting and mosaics, Louise helped create an inclusive environment where all ages could come together. Her tireless work has included organising regular events such as monthly lunches, BBQs, bingo nights, quiz nights and occasional bus trips that bring people together and help combat social isolation.
Her long-standing and diverse contributions to the community make Louise Allstrom a truly deserving recipient of the Mayor’s Award. Through her dedication and hard work, she has enriched the lives of many residents, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in the Yankalilla district. The District Council of Yankalilla congratulates Louise on this well-earned recognition and thanks her for her unwavering service to the community.