Citizen of the Year Award winners announced!
While Backyard BBQ was unable to run due to the heat, Council continued ahead with its Citizen of the Year Awards at Walkerville Town Hall on Australia Day.
From colourful Stobie pole artworks that bring local streets to life, to elite sporting achievements, community events and tireless service to veterans, the 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards celebrated the people who make Walkerville extraordinary.
Council received nominations across four categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Community Event of the Year and Active Citizenship.
The winner of the Citizen of the Year Award was Richard Trotman-Dickenson AM for his dedicated professionalism, precision and deep respect for the community and its veterans through his ongoing work as Master of Ceremonies for the ANZAC Day Dawn Service and Remembrance Day Service.
Richard is heavily involved with the Walkerville RSL sub-branch as Vice President, where he provides personal support and advocacy to local returned service personnel and their families.
The winner of the Young Citizen of the Year Award was Sasha Hardin for her commitment as a local athlete, performing at the top level in basketball and football for her age group, including her second successive NBL1 and SANFL seasons with the North Adelaide Rockets and North Adelaide Roosters.
The winner of the Active Citizenship Award was Travis Cox for his extraordinary passion and community spirit, showcased through his voluntary public art installations in Walkerville. His works have not only enhanced the Township streetscapes, but also sparked conversation, connection and joy across the community.
Deeply influenced by the people and places around him, Travis draws his inspiration for designs directly from the community, ensuring each of the 18 Stobie poles located in the Township are a reflection of Walkerville.
The Community Event of the Year was given to the inaugural Walkerville Big Freeze, delivered by the Walkerville Football Club Committee. This grassroots community fundraiser supported FightMND, raising awareness and over $13k in funding for motor neurone disease.
Council also wishes to congratulate the shortlisted nominees, Nawal Usmani, for Young Citizen of the Year, and Lidija Šimkuté-Pocius, for Citizen of the Year.
