At the Australia Day Backyard BBQ on Sunday, 26 January 2025, Town of Walkerville unveiled the winners of the Citizen of the Year Awards for the Township.
Council received nominations in four categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Community Event of the Year and Active Citizenship.
Mayor Melissa Jones said on the day that these Awards were important, as they "reward and recognise individuals and organisations that have made a noteworthy contribution during the year and given outstanding service to their local community".
Citizen of the Year Award winner:
Gregory Brian Crawford AM for dedicated service in the medical field and to improving the wellbeing of communities. Mr Crawford has been a resident of Town of Walkerville for 33 years.
He has made significant contributions through community support, musical events as an organ player, and involvement with the Adelaide Primary Health Care Network, local government and the Hospital Research Foundation.
His efforts have supported various mental health initiatives, the installation of defibrillators and other primary healthcare programs focused on enhancing the overall wellbeing of our community.
Since 1980, Mr Crawford has worked as a medical practitioner in metropolitan and regional South Australia and overseas, including the United Kingdom. His passion is in palliative care, and he has held senior specialist positions and Board appointments to date.
As a Professor of Palliative Medicine for the University of Adelaide, he is currently involved in the Walkerville community through the Social Prescribing Project, focusing on connecting the community with health and care solutions. Once the project progresses beyond the pilot stage, it has the potential to be implemented nationally and internationally.
He has received several awards from the health and academic community, including invitations to Government House to acknowledge his contributions and has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.
Young Citizen of the Year Award winner:
Indya Dodd for dedicated volunteer, advocacy and leadership in the Town of Walkerville, specifically in community health, youth development and social awareness.
She has volunteered over 150 hours for St John Ambulance, ensuring safety and wellbeing at public events. This includes ANZAC Day at the Walkerville RSL and Walkervillage Christmas Fair. As part of her volunteering at St John Ambulance, she also mentors youth members.
Through the Ronald McDonald House hospitality cart program, Indya has provided support and companionship to families at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
Additionally, Ms Dodd has undertaken advocacy work for eating disorder awareness in South Australia, resulting in meaningful discussions on the topic with CEO of the Butterfly Foundation and SA Minister for Health, Mark Butler.
Ms Dodd has also supported local government by participating in promotional activities for Town of Walkerville.
Community Event of the Year winner:
The Walkerville Energy and Environment Forum for bringing together community groups to collaborate on creating a free event for residents of Town of Walkerville.
The event provided presentations on nature, climate and renewables, along with stalls from local community groups.
The Forum aimed to give national and international challenges in the environmental and energy space a community-level significance.
Further, it gave a spotlight to the importance of partnerships between three tiers of government and community organisations.
As part of the event, Walkerville Rotary gave away 400 native plants and over 50 plants to the local preschool for the children to take home.
Active Citizenship Award winner:
Raymond Dohnt for his dedication to the Walkerville Bridge Club. Raymond goes above and beyond for the local club, including encouraging and tutoring new players.
Each week he sets up the room and games, and gives lessons before the play begins for up to 100 players.
The beginner’s program has increased under his tutorship and encouragement. He helps out whenever he is asked - and even when he isn’t asked.
Recently, he was awarded Life Membership to the SA Bridge Association for his tireless efforts to the game and Club.
*Mr Dohnt was unable to attend the Backyard BBQ event.
A special mention to other nominees: Thisagi Jayasekara and the Walkerville Knitting Group.
