2025 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Nominations for 2025 Awards closed on 15 November 2024.
Each year, South Australia celebrates the achievements and contributions of outstanding members of their communities through the Citizen of the Year Awards. These individuals demonstrate extraordinary service every day within our communities so often invisible to most of us. This contribution builds the social and cultural fabric of our society, making a significant difference to the people of our state. The Citizen of the Year Awards program is proudly conducted by the Australia Day Council of South Australia in partnership with 68 Councils across our state. The Citizen of the Year Awards provide everyone with the opportunity to recognise any community member who makes them proud.
The Citizen of the Year Awards, Young Citizen of the Year Award, Community Event of the Year Award and Award for Active Citizenship are presented annually to local citizens and community organisations who have made outstanding contributions to the South Australian community. The Awards are provided by the Australia Day Council of South Australia (ADCSA) and are administered by Local Government Authorities throughout the State on behalf of the Council.
South Australia Citizen of the Year 2025 Recipients
Citizen of the Year 2025 – Recipient
Christopher Mailley (Naracoorte Lucindale Council)
Senior Constable Christopher Mailley has made a profound impact in the fight against domestic violence by founding the Upper Southeast Domestic Abuse Program. Through community donations and fundraising, the initiative provides emergency financial support for victims, offering services such as accommodation, transport, and relocation assistance. Christopher’s work extends to preventative measures, including a youth respectful relationship program, ensuring a safer future for his community.
Young Citizen of the Year 2025 – Recipient
Layla Bovell (City of Onkaparinga)
As a dedicated member of the South Australian Youth Forum (SAYF), Layla Bovell is committed to youth advocacy and policy change. She co-authored the 2023 SAYF Annual Report and worked on the 2024 SAYF Annual Report, influencing youth initiatives at state and global levels, including formulating recommendations that were later presented at the United Nations Summit of the Future. Layla is also a leader in period justice initiatives, working to break down menstruation stigma and ensure period equity for young people.
Award for Active Citizenship 2025 – Recipient
Mayor Neil Martinson (Renmark Paringa Council)
Neil retired 2 years ago after an impressive 38 years in local government, Mayor Neil Martinson has left an indelible mark on the Renmark Paringa community. From his leadership in local sports leagues to serving as a Justice of the Peace and organising the Renmark Christmas Pageant, Neil has steadfastly advocated for community wellbeing, always approaching challenges with fairness and compassion.
Award for Active Citizenship 2025 – Commendation
Giuseppe Geracitano (City of Charles Sturt)
Pink and Blue Swim/Walk/Run (City of Charles Sturt)
Originally launched in 2013 as the Pink Swim, this annual event has evolved to support both breast and prostate cancer awareness. Managed entirely by volunteers at West Beach Surf Lifesaving Club, the event has grown to include a walk and run, engaging over 1,300 participants in 2024. Since its inception, it has raised more than $630,000 for cancer research and care.
Community Event of the Year 2025 – Recipient
2024 Blackwood Reconciliation Walk (City of Mitcham)
Held during National Reconciliation Week, the Blackwood Reconciliation Walk is a vital event for fostering community reflection and action. The 2024 walk marked 100 years since the first removal of children to Colebrook Training Home, with attendees hearing from former residents and learning about ongoing reconciliation efforts. The event, supported by local schools, service clubs, and community groups, remains a powerful step toward truth-telling and healing.
Community Event of the Year 2025 – Commendation
Barmera Theatre Gallery/Yarn Bombers (Berri Barmera Council)
The brain child of Barmera Theatre Gallery Group member, Shirley Lord, the Barmera Main Street Yarn bombing project brought colour, life, fun, whimsy and wonder to the Riverland community during its month as an official SALA event on display during the whole of August 2024. The Barmera Theatre Gallery Group spent a year meticulously planning the event, recruiting, coordinating, liaising with, guiding and encouraging a small army of volunteers, old and young from across the Riverland. Over many months they produced knitted, crocheted and sewn squares, flags, banners, toys, pompoms, flowers and other yarn art decorations. The group drew up plans, measuring the fixtures to which the yarn art would be attached via specially made plastic frames. They also ran workshops on a range of crafts.
