Citizen of the Year 2026 - Winners Announced
Celebrating Our Local Heroes
The District Council of Karoonda East Murray is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards, recognising outstanding individuals and events that make our community vibrant, resilient, and connected.
Citizen of the Year: Suzi Evans
Suzi Evans has transformed personal tragedy into meaningful action for the benefit of others. Following the loss of her son to suicide, Suzi wrote a book on grief and developed an approved training program ‘Workbench for the Mind’ aimed at raising awareness around mental health, suicide prevention and the tools individuals and communities can use to build resilience.
Supported by her husband Mick, Suzi has shared important messages well beyond the Karoonda East Murray Council area, reaching diverse audiences and creating open conversations around mental health and wellbeing. Her work has made significant impact within the community and across the broader region, demonstrating compassion, courage and a strong commitment to helping others.
Young Citizen of the Year: Eloise Baumgurtel
Eloise Baumgurtel is a proactive and highly engaged young leader who contributes extensively across many areas of the local community. She is a local lifeguard at the Karoonda Swimming Pool and has served as President of the Karoonda Area School Student Representative Council, as well as a student representative on the school’s Governing Council.
Eloise has also been Karoonda’s Rural Youth Ambassador, the only representative in the Mallee, and is the Presiding Member of Council’s Youth Advisory Committee. In addition to her leadership roles, she frequently volunteers her time to assist with local sporting programs. Eloise’s dedication, leadership and willingness to contribute make her a role model for young people across the district.
Community Event of the Year - St Johns Lutheran Church Karoonda Kick Off Ya Boots
In October 2025, St Johns Lutheran Church Karoonda coordinated the screening of the movie Kick Off Ya Boots at the Karoonda Institute. This special event was made possible through partnerships with the Karoonda Uniting Church, PIRSA, Uniting SA, Drought Response and ifarmwell.
Originally a theatre production performed in Loxton in 2021 and 2022, Kick Off Ya Boots returned with a sequel in 2024 following its success. Due to the overwhelming response, the production was professionally filmed, allowing the story to reach other rural communities in a movie format.
The film follows the Connor family as they navigate challenges including family succession, financial pressures and the everyday realities of farming life. Through their story, the movie provides valuable insights into managing stress, improving communication and maintaining positive wellbeing.
St Johns Lutheran Church Karoonda enhanced the event experience by providing take-home bags for all attendees, containing treats, conversation starter cards and flyers with contact information for various support organisations. Parish members also organised catering for the main meal and offered a generous selection of homemade desserts.
The event was a complete sell-out, with approximately 140 people in attendance. It was heartening to see such a wide range of community members come together, particularly those connected to the land, who found the themes of the movie especially relatable.
To support family participation, a creche was offered at the school gym, with 19 children cared for on the night. Ensuring the event was accessible.
Overall, Kick Off Ya Boot movie night was a resounding success, creating community connection, promoting wellbeing and providing meaningful support and encouragement within the rural community.
Award Presentation
Join the community to celebrate at the upcoming Australia Day event:
- When: Monday, 26 January 2026
- Where: Karoonda & Districts Bowling Club, Karoonda
- Time: 9am for BBQ breakfast, with the official award presentation to follow from 10am
- Click here for me information