Gill Golding

South Australia's Citizen of the Year 2024

Gill is an inspirational leader who feels the pulse of her community in Hackham West and the hardship it faces as a low socio-economic area ranking in the top 3 percentile of disadvantaged suburbs nationally, with significant levels of disadvantage across a myriad of social indicators.

Gill is comfortable working on strategies, advocating to Government Ministers, MPs and Councillors or working on complex funding agreements. Equally you will find her packing food parcels, organising raffle items or manning a stall at a community event. Her can-do attitude and willingness to get involved and make a difference rubs off and inspires others to do the same,

For six years Gill held the position of Chairperson of the Hackham West Community Centre Board of Management, leading the strategic and operational activity of the Centre through some tough and turbulent times.

Each year Hackham West Community Centre delivers 22 programs tackling disadvantage to over 10,000 people. Its programs and events build a sense of community connection and cohesiveness, seeking to achieve equality and equity for the people of Hackham West.

Gill has also been a member of the Hackham West Children’s Centre Governing Council, the Christies Beach High School Governing Council, People Matters Hackham West (PMHW) for over 13 years and the Central North East District Reference Group. Through these connections, Gill has made a significant impact on her community.