The Australia Day Council of South Australia (ADCSA) is an independent, non-profit, membership-based association.

We acknowledge our past, recognise our inspirational people and communities, embrace and encourage diversity and inclusion for all Australians.

About Us

Attitudes to Australia Day are changing.

We are listening to all views about not just the day, but what Australia is now and will be in the future. We are part of that conversation and will work with others to help facilitate it.

The Australia Day Council of South Australia was established by the South Australian Government in 1981 following the formation of the National Australia Day Council in 1979.

With the approach of the Australian Bicentenary in 1988, the Australia Day Council of SA was tasked with delivering quality, creative, innovative and diverse community events and being the custodian of sharing and enhancing Australian identity and culture.

Recognise inspiring people and communities

Place reconciliation at the centre

Celebrate diversity and unity

Stakeholders

Good governance and financial sustainability

Vice-Regal Patron

Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC

Governor of South Australia

The Australia Day Council of South Australia is grateful to Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, for patronage and dedication to our vision.

Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC was born and grew up in South Australia.

She studied economics at the University of Adelaide and, while there, became the first female captain of the boat club in its 103-year history and went on to join the Commonwealth Department of Foreign Affairs in 1985. Her Excellency worked in Hong Kong during the early years of China’s reform and opening, headed the Australian Commerce and Industry Office in Taipei and later served as Australia’s Ambassador to China. Earlier in her career, she served twice in the Australian High Commission in London.

In 2016, Her Excellency was appointed head of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, pursuing Australia’s interests as world powers shifted and the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. She also led the department through a period of cultural change, encouraging more women into senior ranks.

She has also been International Adviser to the Prime Minister and Chief of Staff to the Foreign Minister and Defence Minister.

In June 2021, Her Excellency was made a Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to public administration through the advancement of Australia’s diplomatic, trade and cultural interests, particularly with the People’s Republic of China and the Indo-Pacific region, to innovative foreign policy development and high level program delivery, and as the 36th Governor appointed in South Australia. 

She is also a Dame of Grace of the Order of St John and patron of some 100 organisations in her own right and a further 52 jointly with her husband, Rod.

Her Excellency is a Fellow of both the Institute of Public Administration of Australia and the Australian Institute of International Affairs. She holds Honorary Doctorates from the University of Adelaide and the Australian National University.

Meet our Ambassadors

Clancy Luscombe

Professional Swimmer

Clancy was proud to represent his country at the 2022 Junior World Open Water Championships in the Seychelles and the 2023 Youth Commonwealth Games in Trinidad and Tobago

Nicki Brunton

Youth Advocate and founder of The Patchwork Parent

Nicki is a passionate advocate for families and teens, using her lived experience of childhood trauma and parenting challenges to support others.

Dr Victoria Cox

Medical doctor, PhD researcher, community health advocate, and record-breaking open water swimmer.

Victoria successfully co-authored a submission to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to include ivermectin as a first-line treatment for scabies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia

Sophie Thomson

Community-focused advocate, media professional, and environmental leader.

Sophie Thomson’s infectious enthusiasm continues to inspire countless people of all ages to put their green thumbs to good use – for the sake of the environment, their families’ enjoyment, and their own wellbeing.

Daljeet Bakshi

Journalist, media professional and community leader

Daljeet Bakshi is an accredited journalist, media professional and community leader with over a decade of experience in guiding organizations to effectively engage with their target audiences, convey key messages, and enhance operational efficiency.

Ranielson Santana

Inclusion Advocate & Community Leader

Ranielson Santana’s journey from Recife, Brazil to Australia exemplifies resilience and dedication. Arriving in 2018 as an international student with English as his third language, Ranielson faced significant challenges.
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Board Members

Michelle Cox

Chairperson

Dr Heather Holmes-Ross

Deputy Chairperson

Des Quirk

Treasurer

Cav Antonietta Cocchiaro OAM

Board Member

Dana Wortley MP

Board Member

Rajendra Pandey

Board Member

Gillian Lewis

Board Member

Anna Cheung

Board Member

Cr Jing Li

Board Member

Prof Jennifer McKay AM

Board Member

Catherine Herrmann

Board Member

Dr Mehmet Aslan

Board Member

Our Team

Jan Chorley

Chief Executive Officer

Richard Seidel

Senior Events and Communications Manager

Gwen Gaff

GM Strategic Partnerships

Michelle Chaplin

Partnerships Manager

Suzanne Malbut

Awards and Alumni Coordinator

Zuzana Jursova

Operations and Program Coordinator

Michael Collett

Finance Coordinator

Ruby Liew

Merchandise and Finance Assistant

Vanessa Salamone

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Julie Kerr

Ambassador Program Lead

Donna Crosbie

Executive & Board Support

Asher Testo

Administration Assistant

Our Corporate Members

Our Funding Partners

Our Network

ADCSA is part of the Australia Day National Network.

ADCSA is part of the Australia Day National Network, which also includes the National Australia Day Council, other state and territory Australia Day organisations, and hundreds of local councils and committees.

The Australia Day Council of South Australia is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the organisation’s membership who commit to voluntary two-year terms. 

Corporate Documents

The Australia Day Council of South Australia’s Annual Review provides information about our achievements and impact and how we worked towards our vision in the 2023/2024 financial year.

You can download and read the Australia Day Council of South Australia Annual Review 2023 – 2024.

Policy NumberTitle of Policy
1Work Health and Safety
2Incident Report and Investigation
3Risk Management
4Feedback and Complaints
5Personal Grievance
6Workplace Bullying
7Code of Conduct
8Acceptance of Gifts and Benefits
9Sponsorship and Donations
10Volunteer Policy
11Finance Policy
12Delegation of Authority – Board
13Information Technology
14Privacy and Confidentiality Policy and Form
15Anti Discrimination and EEO
16Social Media
17Evaluation and Continuous Improvement
18Staff Training and Development
19Parental Leave
20Delegation of Authority – Chief Executive Officer
21Environmental Sustainability
22Procurement Policy
23Conflict of Interest
24

Honorary Life Membership and Certificate of Appreciation

If you have any questions regarding the policies and procedures of the Australia Day Council of South Australia, please contact us at adcsa@adcsa.com.au.