- Media Release
The District Council of Grant is delighted to announce the 2026 Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award recipients.
A number of high-quality nominations were received for a range of groups and individuals demonstrating outstanding contributions including, but not limited to, long standing community group committee members and volunteers, local business owners and community events coordinated by volunteers.
The 2026 Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award winners comprise:
- Citizen of the Year: Cary Jennings - a long-standing community volunteer across local motorsport and BMX;
- Young Citizen of the Year: Jackson Richards – a dedicated emergency services volunteer and youth leader;
- Community Event of the Year: Port MacDonnell Anzac Day Services - community-led event bringing people together to honour veterans and celebrate ANZAC traditions; and
- Active Citizenship Award: Generations In Jazz Tuesday Volunteer Team - a passionate group whose year-round efforts are critical to a major event’s success.
District Council of Grant Mayor Kylie Boston said the Awards highlight the dedication and generosity of people across the community and how even small acts can create meaningful change.
“The Australia Day Citizen of the Year Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise those who go above and beyond to strengthen our community. It is important that our community members are celebrated for their commitment over the past year and in most cases over many years of service,” Mayor Boston said.
“We are so proud to celebrate our community members efforts and hope their examples encourages others to get involved and make a positive difference in the District Council of Grant.”
Following careful consideration, all winners will be awarded at a private sit-down lunch event on Australia Day Monday 26 January 2026. Nominees will also be invited to attend the event and be presented a certificate. This format ensures a comfortable atmosphere where stories are shared, speeches are heard and connections are strengthened. By bringing together nominees, their families, community leaders and dignitaries Council shines a light on the volunteers and everyday heroes who help shape the community.
During the 2026 event, attendees will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the overall experience which will help shape future events and ensure the heart of the celebration continues to recognise those who make a real difference across the district.
Official proceedings from the event will be livestreamed via the District Council of Grant Facebook page.
MORE ABOUT THE DISTRICT COUNCIL OF GRANT’S AUSTRLIA DAY CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS
Citizen of the Year: Cary Jennings
Cary has been a driving force in the Mount Gambier and district sporting community for over 50 years, dedicating decades to both motorsport and Bicycle Motocross (BMX). As president of the Borderline Speedway for more than 20 years, he has played a key role in running internationally recognised events, state titles and regional competitions that attract thousands of visitors each year and are broadcast globally. A former competitor himself, Cary has also supported his sons’ national racing careers and is a highly respected BMX official, volunteering at all levels and officiating at world titles in Europe.
Balancing these commitments alongside running his own business, Cary’s dedication and generosity is exceptional. His continuous leadership and decades of service to sport and the broader community makes him an integral part of the district. For his selfless service and support for community events, Cary is the deserving recipient of the 2026 Australia Day Citizen of the Year award.
Young Citizen of the Year: Jackson Richards
Jackson is an exceptional young leader whose dedication to volunteering for emergency services sets him apart. As a member of the Yahl Country Fire Service (CFS), he has been recently promoted to Senior Fireman and responded to 44 call-outs in the last financial year alone which demonstrates his commitment and reliability. Outside his frontline work, Jackson serves on the CFS Youth Advisory Council for the Lower South East which involves regular trips to Adelaide to provide input and support for youth engagement initiatives.
In addition to his CFS contributions, Jackson volunteers with the Mount Gambier State Emergency Service (SES), volunteering his time and energy whenever the community needs him. His selflessness and passion for helping others makes Jackson a role model and a truly deserving recipient of the 2026 Young Citizen of the Year award.
Community Event of the Year: Port MacDonnell Anzac Day Services
The Port MacDonnell Anzac Day Service continues to be a standout community event thanks to the dedication of local volunteers who ensure the tradition is upheld every year. The service brings together a range of community groups, combining professional ceremony practices with opportunities for younger generations and other community members to participate.
The 2025 service saw Reverend Dr Murray Earl conduct the service with contributions from the Port MacDonnell Netball Club serving over 400 breakfast meals for attendees, Allendale East Area School students, Country Fire Service cadets and the 48 Army Cadet Unit, among others. Featured was also a young bugler from the Air Force Cadets, music from the Mount Gambier Highland Pipe Band and a flyover by a local pilot.
Over 700 people attended the 2025 event with an increased number of wreaths laid by dignitaries, veterans and families. The Port MacDonnell ANZAC Day Service accurately demonstrates community spirit, collaboration and respect for history making it a deserving recipient of the 2026 Community Event of the Year award.
Active Citizenship Award: Generations In Jazz Tuesday Volunteer Team
The Generations in Jazz Tuesday Volunteer Team is the quiet force behind one the region’s most iconic events. Meeting weekly throughout the year and increasing their commitment in the lead-up to the festival, the team play a vital role in preparing infrastructure, logistics and community engagement. From assembling staging and signage to coordinating equipment and ensuring the grounds are ready, their work is the backbone of the festival’s success. Beyond their practical contributions, the team embodies community pride and generosity, supporting young musicians and helping the district shine on a national stage.
Their dedication extends to major event projects, like the setting up the Pavilion Precinct, where their hands-on involvement throughout the entire process ensures it is ready to host performers and audiences to the highest standard. Through their passion and undoubted commitment, the Tuesday Volunteer Team continues to strengthen the festival and district’s legacy, making them a deserving recipient of the 2026 Active Citizenship award.