As we reflect across this year, our Board and Team are immensely proud of what has been achieved over the course of 2023 some highlights include –
- We were incredibly proud to hear that two of South Australia’s Australian of the Year recipients were proclaimed on 25 January 2023 in Canberra by the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia as National Australian of the Year recipients for 2023. The 2023 Australian of the Year body image activist, director, writer, and speaker Taryn Brumfitt. The 2023 Young Australian of the Year – Australian Socceroo and co-founder of Barefoot Boots Awer Mabil. This national recognition is an outstanding outcome for our state.
- Australia Day 2023 was an opportunity to reflect on how we can continue to deepen our connection to nature and belonging to Country. Thank you to the 33,000 people who attended the immersive and visually engaging Aus Lights on the River across 25 and 26 January 2023. Thank you also to the 3,200people who attended Mourning in the Morning Smoking Ceremony on 26 January2023.
- It was a privilege to deliver The Uluru Statement from the Heart – A Deeper Understanding featuring keynote speaker Noel Pearson in May 2023. This was an extraordinary evening of inspiration as up to 1000 people gathered at the Adelaide Town Hall. It was an honour to have Noel Pearson, grace us with his profound wisdom and impassioned words.
- ADCSA was honoured to present another incredible Australian of the Year Luncheon in June to a diverse audience of over 500 people at the Adelaide Convention Centre. This unforgettable experience featured South Australia’s very own Taryn Brumfitt, 2023 Australian of the Year. Accompanied by Amar Singh, Australia’s Local Hero 2023 and included a compelling panel discussion comprising of Paul Vasileff, Young Australian of the Year 2017, Sandra Miller, SA State Recipient Senior Australian of the Year 2023 and Christine Robertson OAM, SA State Recipient Local Hero 2023 and MC Jess Adamson.
- In September we had the pleasure of hosting the Inspiring Women of South Australia: Impacting our World – Issue of our Time event. The Scott theatre was packed with participants eager to hear the stories of these exceptional women. The women we had the privilege of listening to have a culmination of many years of dedication, hard work, advocacy and grit to face the challenges in their respective industries.
- ADCSA was excited to proclaim on 1 November at the 2024 Australian of the Year for South Australia presentation evening; Tim Jarvis AM 2024 SA Australian of the Year, Sister Meredith Evans 2024 SA Senior Australian of the Year, Tiahni Adamson 2024 SA Young Australian of the Year and Rachel Zaltron OAM 2024 South Australia’s Local Hero.
- We feel immensely grateful to the South Australian community for your nominations across our five award programs and for the generous support and commitment from our sponsors, corporate partners, and members. Without the support of each of you and your organisations our work would not have the impact and reach that we are so keen to fully realise. We will continue to amplify the stories of Australians at their best.
- We welcome our new Chair Ms Michelle Cox (who had been previously Deputy Chair). We are immensely grateful to Michelle for taking on the role. The board has two Deputy Chairs, Mr Rob Stobbe, formerly CEO of SA Power Networks and Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross City of Mitcham. Our sincere thanks also go to our former Chair Peter Tsokas who capably oversaw our governance.
Our organisation is dependent on volunteers who are the lifeblood of ADCSA, and we are immensely grateful for their generous contribution of time and energy. Our team’s extraordinary resilience enabled the illumination of our story to be expressed through our inspiring leaders and showcasing our communities in our State.
Jan Chorley, Chief Executive Officer
