Citizen of the Year Awards

2026 Citizen of the Year – Meningie: Isobell Koolmatrie

Isobell Koolmatrie has made an incredible difference to the Meningie and Murray Bridge communities and the Ngarrindjeri Nation through her leadership and passion for cultural education. As former Chairperson of the Ngarrindjeri Lands and Progress Aboriginal Corporation, she helped strengthen local governance and celebrate cultural pride. Isobell mentors First Nations youth through Headspace, creating a safe space for guidance and resilience, and teaches cultural programs at Meningie Area School that encourage respect and reconciliation. A proud Ngarrindjeri woman, Isobell brings people together across generations and cultures, inspiring pride, unity, and wellbeing. Her dedication makes her a truly deserving Citizen of the Year.

Pictured: Supporting photo of Isobell Koolmatrie for 2026 Citizen of the Year Nomination Taken Sept 2025

2026 Citizen of the Year – Tailem Bend: Donald (Don) Green

Don Green has spent his 83 years enriching Tailem Bend through service, humour, and unwavering community spirit. A founding member of the Tailem Bend History Group, Don has preserved the town’s heritage by documenting its railway history, creating a historical walking trail, and leading the “Monday Memories” group at the Tailem Bend Community Library. His current project (researching past Australia Day award recipients) reflects his passion for honouring local achievements.

Beyond history, Don has supported countless community events, including health and wellbeing initiatives, parades, and cabarets, often working quietly behind the scenes. He has delivered Meals on Wheels for over 20 years, assisted during floods, and volunteered for school committees and fundraising efforts. Known for his creativity and humour, Don founded the “Grog and Grub Club” and “Dodgy Don Tours,” fostering laughter and connection. Always ready to lend a hand or share a coffee, Don embodies the heart of Tailem Bend: building pride, resilience, and unity.

Pictured: Left to right - Cr. Brenton Qualmann receiving instructions from Don Green at Tailem Bend Christmas Pageant

2026 Community Project of the Year: Meningie Area School’s Enterprise Expo

The Enterprise Expo showcases months of planning and preparation by students and teachers, to their fellow students, families and community. Held annually a few weeks before the Adelaide Show, the Expo invites the community to explore and purchase handmade products and food from student-run stalls, where students learn essential skills in packaging, pricing, marketing, and customer service. Each class presents their projects, and students lead a parade of animals they have trained, including goats, sheep, and steers. Visitors can also tour the school’s gardens, hen yard, and aquaculture shed. The Expo fosters pride, confidence, and practical skills, while strengthening connection and celebrating student achievements.

2026 Community Project of the Year: Rural Women’s Circles at Coonalpyn

Launched in 2025, the Rural Women’s Circles program was designed to empower women in the Coonalpyn region by fostering resilience, connection, and shared learning. Delivered as a series of sessions throughout the year, the program attracted 69 participants from across the district, with an average of 25–30 women per session. Each gathering explored topics relevant to rural women’s lives, creating a safe, mindful space for conversation and support. Participants reported feeling seen, heard, and inspired after attending.

2026 Community Event of the Year: Coonalpyn Agricultural & Horticultural Society’s 80th Show

The 80th Coonalpyn Show was a milestone celebration of tradition and community, attracting over 1,000 attendees and achieving a record-breaking 1,600 competition entries. Months of planning by dedicated volunteers ensured a day filled with entertainment, local food stalls, and activities that highlighted the talents of residents and visitors. Families of past executives and patrons from the very first show returned to celebrate, reinforcing the event’s deep roots in local history. With mental health and cancer awareness initiatives, school ‘Decathlon’ competitions, and widespread media coverage, the event delivered lasting benefits by strengthening community pride, connection, and wellbeing across generations

2026 Community Event of the Year: Tintinara Lions Club’s Community Market, Wool Show & Auction

This annual event brought together 700–800 people from Tintinara and surrounding regions for a day of connection, fun, and support during challenging times of drought. Months of planning by volunteers ensured a vibrant program featuring free children’s entertainment, a bustling market, an expanded Wool Show, and a well-attended auction. The event provided financial relief for families, showcased local farming efforts, and created a welcoming space for neighbours to reconnect and share conversations. With overwhelmingly positive feedback from stallholders, volunteers, and attendees, the event reflected a sustained commitment to community wellbeing, an ongoing effort that strengthens resilience far beyond a single day.