Welcome back to another edition of Award-winning Onkaparinga – our bi-monthly column celebrating the latest Onkaparinga-based state, national and international award-winners.
This month’s instalment includes prize-winning pizza, excellent exhibitions and a graffiti-removing great – let’s get stuck in!
Community champions
Huntfield Heights’ Stacey Woods took out both the Carers SA Carer Achievement Award, and the SkyCity Adelaide Community Choice Award, in the South Australian Community Achievement Awards.
Stacey has been the full-time carer for her 4 neurodiverse children for more than a decade and she overcame her own acquired brain injury and vision impairment. Stacey has volunteered across major community initiatives, and has helped carers access services and navigate complex systems through her compassion, practical support and ability to empower others.
Hub Gymnastics volunteers have also been recognised, with 2 winners crowned at the 2025 Gymnastics SA Annual Awards. President Marie Moran was named Club Volunteer of the Year, and Karen Bradley won Volunteer of the Year for Gymnastics for All.
“We are very proud of your commitment and dedication over 10+ years,” the club said.
McLaren Vale RSL President, Brian McNamara, was presented with an RSL Life Membership award by RSL South Australia CEO Mrs Tara Belton in March.
Tara said, “it was an absolute honour and privilege to award Brian the esteemed RSL Life Member award on behalf of our national league. As his citation stated, such a worthy recipient with many years of supporting McLaren Vale RSL and its greater veteran community. His great limerick creating doesn’t go unnoticed either.”
Best in the business
The reviews for McLaren Vale luxury holiday home business, Vale 194, couldn’t get much better, with its 9.8 rating earning it a Booking.com Traveller Review Award 2026.
“A huge thank you goes to everyone who stayed with us in McLaren Vale as these awards come directly from guest reviews,” owners of the Main Road self-contained holiday accommodation said.
“We’re incredibly thankful that guests have regarded Vale 194 so highly, and we’re committed to continually refining what we offer with each stay.”
Jungle in Willunga Garden Centre was named best boutique garden centre in SA at the Nursery & Garden Industry South Australia – Awards of Excellence. Not only that, the centre’s Ellie Krainz also was named Young Leader of the Year!
Meanwhile, Aberfoyle Park is now home to the best – and fastest – Domino’s Pizza in the country!
State of the art
Two art exhibitions held at Port Noarlunga’s Sauerbier House during the Adelaide Fringe were named back-to-back 2026 Adelaide Fringe Award Winners.
Local artist Alan Cook took his award during week 3 of the festival for his exhibition, Building and Construction Terrains, while Callum Docherty’s exhibition, Site Seeing Site, won an award during week 4, recognising both the important artworks and Sauerbier House’s exceptional contribution to the Fringe down south.
Council recognition
One of the City of Onkaparinga’s longest-serving council volunteers, Yvonne Blackwell, was presented with the Premier’s Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Volunteer Service.
Yvonne has dedicated more than 30 years to keeping local areas including Morphett Vale, Hackham, Aldinga and Seaford graffiti-free.
Yvonne’s tireless efforts over the decades have helped ensure Onkaparinga’s communities remain clean, welcoming and inviting for residents and visitors alike. With data and community feedback demonstrating that graffiti vandalism is less prevalent thanks to the commitment of volunteers such as Yvonne.
Council staff, Darryn Moyle, Trevor Ashenden and Phil Jeffery were also recently presented with Certificates of Appreciation for their leadership and commitment to community safety in partnership with Southern District Police.
Have an award win to submit?
Eligibility
For inclusion in the column, all of the following criteria must be met:
- Businesses, organisations, groups or individuals located in the City of Onkaparinga
- Winners of state, national or international awards in their chosen field
- Award received up to two months before submission.
Submission
Email to onow@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au
Please include:
- Your name and contact details
- Name and (if known) contact details of the winner
- Name and details of the award
- If available, web links to the award
- If available, high-resolution images.
Pictured
Graffiti-removal extraordinaire, Yvonne Blackwell, with her Premier's Certificate.