Australia Day Awards & Celebrations
Citizen of the Year Awards
Each year Renmark Paringa Council acknowledges and celebrates extraordinary individuals and groups that demonstrates exceptional service within the community.
The Citizen of the Year Awards are proudly presented by the Australia Day Council of South Australia and administered by local Councils. The Awards acknowledge and celebrate extraordinary individuals and groups of our community who through their contributions make our state a better place. These individuals and organisations offer outstanding service each day and enable our communities to be stronger as a result of their tireless efforts.
Outstanding contribution and community service includes areas such as; education, health, fundraising, charitable and voluntary services, business, sport, arts, the environment, or any other area that contributes to the advancement and well-being of a community.
If you know someone making a real difference, nominate them for the Citizen of the Year Awards.
How to Nominate
Do you know someone who makes your community a better place?
The Awards do not allow self-nomination therefore, it may be your nomination that see your fellow community member or event with the recognition they deserve.
Nominations for the 2027 Awards will open on 1 October 2026 and close 20 November 2026. General guidance on how to complete a nomination is listed below.
You can nominate someone by:
Online - Nominations are encouraged to be submitted online through the Australia Day Council of South Australia's website. *Top tip: prepare your answers in a separate document first, then copy and paste them into the online form, as the system doesn’t save your progress and requires you to complete and submit in one go.
Email - simply download the nomination form and email the completed form and any supporting material to council (email details on the form).
Download a hardcopy nomination form - 2027
Hard copy - pick up a hard copy nomination form between 1 October and 20 November 2026 at Council’s office or the Renmark Paringa Public Library. Once complete, return via post to PO Box 730 Renmark SA 5341 or in-person to Renmark Paringa Civic Centre, 61 Eighteenth Street, Renmark.
Award Categories
There are four award categories to nominate and celebrate the outstanding contribution made by individuals or groups to their local community. More information on the below award categories as well as the eligibility criteria, can be found on the Australia Day Council of South Australia's website.
- Citizen of the Year
This is presented to someone making an extraordinary contribution to the community and may recognise outstanding service over a number of years. - Young Citizen of the Year
This is presented to a young emerging leader who is making a difference in their community. To be eligible, the person must be aged over 16 years and under 30 years of age on that day the award is presented. - Active Citizenship Award
This is presented to a person or group delivering outstanding work on an event or project for the community during the past calendar year. - Community Event of the Year
This is presented to the person or group who has staged the most outstanding event for their community.
To be eligible, all nominees must be Australian Citizens and either reside in or conduct their activity in the Council area. Category winners from last year cannot be re-nominated for the same category this year.
All nominations received before the cut-off date are provided to the Renmark Paringa Council Grants, Sponsorship and Awards committee for consideration.
Need guidance or have questions about nominating? Reach out below.
| Name | Renmark Paringa Council, Community Development Officer |
|---|---|
| Phone | 08 8580 3000 |
| connect@rpc.sa.gov.au |
Congratulations to Renmark Paringa Council 2026 Award Winners:
| 2026 Awards | Recipient |
|---|---|
| Citizen of the Year | Harry ter Bogt |
| Award for Young Citizen of the Year (joint winners) | Kayleigh Stevens and Riley Broad |
| Award for Active Citizenship | Scott Jenke |
| Community Event of the Year | Renmark North Cricket Club Pink Stumps Day 2025 |
Australia Day Celebrations
Each year on 26 January, Council invites the community to come together for a free Australia Day Breakfast in Renmark. This popular annual event provides an opportunity to celebrate our national day, come together over breakfast, and recognise the outstanding contributions of community members.
As part of the proceedings, Council presents the annual Australia Day Awards, acknowledging the achievements and service of local individuals and groups. Recipients are formally recognised on the day and their names are added to the Honour Board proudly displayed at the Council Civic Centre.
In addition to the awards, Citizenship Ceremonies may also be held at this celebration, marking a very special occasion for new citizens and their families.