Community legends crowned at Citizen of the Year Awards

The City of Marion recently held its Citizen of the Year awards to recognise those who have made outstanding contributions to the community in 2024.

Hundreds gathered at the Marion Cultural Centre Plaza on Friday 24 January for a twilight awards ceremony.

The event kicked-off with around 60 new residents receiving their Australian Citizenship in a special ceremony conducted by Mayor of Marion Mayor Kris Hanna.

Awards were then presented across four Citizen of the Year Award categories after council received 19 quality nominations.

The winners were:

Citizen of the Year – Samantha Kerr

Samantha created the Friends of Sturt River Landcare Group approximately 14 years ago. She and some
neighbours decided that they could do something about greening along the Sturt River and created a community led, not-for-profit organisation that works in partnership with City of Marion and City of Holdfast Bay. Since then, the group has adopted 10 sites along Sturt River creating new native biozones,
planting and maintaining over 122,000 plants, with a growing database of 700+ volunteers.

Samantha organises working bees, ensures the tools and safety equipment are ready for volunteers, and undertakes a site reconnaissance and risk assessment before every session. Samantha is extremely good at attracting new and younger members, which is usually the biggest issue for conservation groups. She has become an integral conservationist in our community.

Young Citizen of the Year – Taj Ward

Hallett Cove resident Taj is an active member of Seacliff Surf Life Saving Club. He is often seen patrolling the beach at Seacliff and providing assistance to beach goers when required. It is in the pool rescue discipline where his skills shine the brightest. Alongside Fletcher Luscombe he recently became World Champions at the International Life Saving Champions. They have broken the world record twice in the pool rescue line through. While the world titles and world records for line throw are standout achievements, it is the knowledge he has passed onto the younger generation that doesn't go unnoticed. He has developed the skills of the younger members in this discipline, never hesitating to provide support and assistance where required. There is no doubt his guidance has led to safety

Sports team of the Year – Plympton Flyers Little Athletics Club

Plympton Flyers Little Athletics Club has been part of the community since its establishment in 1984, proudly celebrating 40 years in 2024. Plympton Flyers has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, increasing from 82 members in the 2016/17 season to 290 members in 2024/25.

The club is dedicated to providing a fun, supportive and inclusive environment for young athletes and their families. The club’s commitment to fostering inclusivity is evident in its diverse membership.

The club was recognised as the Little Athletics Australia Centre of the Year in 2023, promoting its status as one of the top athletics clubs in the nation.

Community Event of the Year – Holi Festival - Adelaide Nepal Inc.

Adelaide Nepal Incorporated are a fantastic community organisation who contribute through so many different ways. The Holi Festival is one of the great celebrations of their culture and traditions that brings people together from all over Adelaide. Hosted and run by the organisation, the event attracts an astounding 7000 attendees per year. It is full of rich and vibrant colours, celebrating the heritage of Nepalese culture. However, it really is an event for everyone as many members from diverse communities come along to celebrate.

The event is an extension of the great contributions Adelaide Nepal has made to the City of Marion. With a large contingent of Nepalese people living in our local community, the organisation has provided vital support networks for those people. Since its establishment in 2016, the organisation has provided essential services such as accommodation assistance, employment support, and guidance for new immigrants.

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