2026 Australia Day Awards announced
Published on 27 January 2026
The City of Onkaparinga’s annual Australia Day Awards were presented at the Hopgood Theatre yesterday, recognising the local individuals and groups who have made an outstanding contribution to the community during the year.
The awards were presented by City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were AM, assisted by South Australia’s Australian of the Year 2014 Dr Felicity-Ann Lewis OAM. Seventy-eight new citizens from 26 countries were also welcomed during the council's annual Australia Day citizenship ceremony.
Dive in below to learn more about the worthy recipients and how they’ve made Onkaparinga a better place. Nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards will open in September, so make sure to nominate if you know a local legend deserving of the recognition!
Citizen of the Year – Kay Wickes
For more than 5 decades, Kay has demonstrated an exceptional level of service, commitment and community leadership. Kay joined the newly formed Aldinga Meals on Wheels branch in 1974 and she’s the only remaining original volunteer – a remarkable achievement earned through 51 years of continuous service.
Kay voluntarily leads the branch’s fundraising, coordinating the effort required to provide approximately 400 Christmas gifts to clients every year. Kay’s longevity and effort have been recognised through her 50-year Service Badge and an Australian Government Volunteer Award.
Simultaneously, Kay also served as an active firefighting volunteer for 27 years with the Sellicks CFS. She became the first active female firefighter at the brigade and the first woman elected to the rank of lieutenant. In doing so, Kay was a strong advocate for inclusion. She actively encouraged women to join the CFS and supported locals and volunteers with low literacy to complete their written assessments Her CFS service was formally acknowledged with the National Medal in 1989 for long and diligent service.
Kay has also contributed to various other community organisations. Her willingness to serve across multiple organisations, her trailblazing achievements, her role in supporting vulnerable residents, and her consistent record of going far beyond what could reasonably be expected, make her an outstanding recipient for the Citizen of the Year Award.
Young Citizen of the Year – Callum Barrott-Walsh
Callum is no stranger to these awards, having also been awarded the Young Citizen of the Year in 2020. His sustained leadership and commitment to the community deserved further recognition here. What impresses about Callum is not only the breadth of his involvement, but the heart, humility and consistency with which he shows up. Callum invests his time into projects that strengthen community connections, support vulnerable people, and create meaningful opportunities for others.
Callum founded the Step by Step walking group to promote wellbeing, social connection and community belonging, and it has brought together more than 100 people, offering a supportive and welcoming space for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Callum has been a longstanding volunteer with Vinnies, where he plays a key role coordinating the Southern Adelaide Christmas Appeal. He also serves with the Lions Club, regularly assisting with community events, fundraising activities and service projects.
Recently, Callum coordinated the Southern Community Christmas Carols at South Adeliade Football Club, attracting thousands of people. He also plays a pivotal role in preserving tradition and remembrance through his leadership of the ANZAC Youth Vigil in the South.
These are just a few examples of how Callum has made an extraordinary contribution to the community through his leadership, compassion and dedication.
Community Event of the Year – Anzac Day Dawn Service, Morphett Vale and Districts Sub-Branch of the Returned Servicemen’s League
Another 2-time award recipient, The Morphett Vale and Districts Sub-Branch of Returned Servicemen’s League will have conducted a service of remembrance and acknowledgment by way of a Dawn Service on 25 April – Anzac Day – for 100 years.
The Dawn Service, at the Morphett Vale Eternal Flame Memorial Garden and Walkway on the corner of Flaxmill and South Roads, attracted around 16,000 people in 2025 and calls on more than 500 hours of service to facilitate.
The service is a true collaboration of community spirit, with Morphett Vale and Districts Sub-Branch members reaching out to many neighbouring community groups for support. The service is run with care, respect and a real sense of community pride – bringing people of all ages together to honour our veterans and keep the Anzac spirit alive.
Sportsperson of the Year – Alison Heinrich
Alison has been involved with pistol shooting for 14 years through involvement with club, state and national teams. She’s currently striving for Olympic selection and won the nationals in 2025. Alison also has some highly competitive results internationally, ranking 44th at the 25m pistol Women at the World Championships in Cairo, and 29th at the World Cup in Ningbo, China. She’s currently ranked 70th in the world.
Outside of competing, Alison promotes the sport at local and national level, empowering women to participate in associated community events.
Alison was returning from competing at several competitions overseas, so her award will be presented at a separate ceremony later in the year.
Little Hero of the Year – Kail Johnson
Kail displays a level of respect, resilience, empathy and resourcefulness of somebody much beyond his years. Throughout winter, he gives up his own time to help run the BBQ and assist with setting up and packing down at the local footy club. When summer rolls around, he does the same for the cricket club.
He volunteers hours supporting younger players, lending a hand to the seniors and cheering on anyone who needs encouragement. His presence is steady, reliable and genuinely valued.
At school, Kail supports other students to uphold their values, often stepping in to help during break times or offering a hand to staff without ever being asked. He notices when someone needs help, and he acts. His quiet leadership, his willingness to help anyone and his consistency in doing the right thing set an example for students and adults alike.