Reflecting on this year’s accomplishments fills me with immense pride in what we have achieved together. Our values, embedded in the shared promise of our nation, remain the cornerstone of our organisation.
We celebrated remarkable individuals who embody our commitment to positive change. Our award recipients are everyday heroes who have overcome significant challenges and profoundly impacted their communities, exemplifying our mission to improve our world, nation, and communities.
I am particularly proud to highlight some of the year’s most successful initiatives:
Australian of the Year Awards
In January, we honoured South Australians of the Year, including Tim Jarvis AM, Sister Meredith Evans, Tiahni Adamson, and Rachel Zaltron OAM. These distinguished individuals have used their platforms to advance important causes and foster growth, driving positive change.
The 2025 South Australian Australian of the Year recipients, announced in July, include Professor Leah Bromfield, Charles Jackson OAM, Amber Brock-Fabel, and Sobia and Irfan Hashmi for their impactful contributions to child welfare, Indigenous support, youth empowerment, and rural healthcare.
Aus Lights on the River Program
This program highlighted our nation’s diversity and commitment to inclusion, ensuring everyone feels valued and respected. It featured the Mourning in the Morning smoking ceremony, and the Respecting Country Parade, emphasising our dedication to cultural inclusivity. These events reflect our commitment to cultural and environmental stewardship.
Awards Programs
In February, we celebrated extraordinary stories of selflessness at the Inspiring South Australian Women’s Award, Citizen of the Year Award, and the Award for Leadership in Languages and Cultures. Congratulations to all recipients, including a renowned gardening advocate, a dedicated community leader from Hackham West, and a student from Unley High School who was recognised for his leadership in languages and cultures.
Australian of the Year Luncheon
In partnership with the Cancer Council SA, we raised vital funds to support groundbreaking cancer research led by Professors Georgina Long AO and Richard Scolyer AO, the 2024 Australians of the Year. We greatly value our partnership with SAHMRI and Flinders University for this event.
Inspiring Australian Student Summits
Our new series of Summits engaged students from disadvantaged areas with state and national leaders, fostering aspirational leadership, active citizenship, and future learning pathways.
During the second summit, we explored key issues like inclusion, sustainability, climate action, and youth leadership, fostering inspiration and practical pathways for positive change.
Annual NGO Luncheon
In partnership with St John Ambulance over 100 nonprofit leaders gathered at the annual NGO Luncheon. Senator Penny Wong emphasised the importance of collaboration, resilience, and shared purpose in fostering stronger, more connected communities.
Young Australian of the Year – Emma McKeon
Emma McKeon, Young Australian of the Year, inspired communities by sharing her journey to becoming Australia’s greatest Olympian, emphasising achievable goals, maintaining balance, and building strong support networks.
I also wish to acknowledge our Board and extend a special thanks for their dedicated leadership over the year.
We sincerely thank our members, corporate partners and sponsors. Without your invaluable support we would not have the impact that we work so hard to achieve.
We work with many First Nations leaders who so generously provide their time, wisdom and wise counsel to ensure that Frist Nations voices are at the centre of all that we do.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organisation, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for their ongoing support to our work across the year.
Our funding partners continue to ensure that they back our work and initiatives through the provision of financial assistance to our organisation.
To our dedicated team, your tireless efforts ensure the success of our events and programs year after year. Thank you for embodying the values that make our organisation exceptional.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and we look forward to another year of making a meaningful impact together.
Jan Chorley
Chief Executive Office
