Congratulations To Our 2026 Citizen of the Year Recipients

Citizen of the Year Award: Andrew Plastow

Andrew is an educator and community leader who has made a significant contribution to education and community wellbeing in the City of Charles Sturt. A proud Kamilaroi man and Head of College at Ngutu College, Andrew has dedicated many years to improving outcomes for children and young people through inclusive, culturally informed education.

After 15 years as Principal of Alberton Primary School, Andrew founded Ngutu College in Woodville North in 2021. The independent, not-for-profit K–12 school now supports almost 300 students, with nearly half identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and has become a valued community asset.

Under Andrew’s leadership, the College has introduced innovative programs supporting learning, wellbeing and family engagement, and continues to strengthen connections across the local community.

Andrew’s leadership, commitment to equity and service to others make him a highly deserving recipient of the 2026 Citizen of the Year Award.

Young Citizen of the Year Award: Cordelia Stott Smith (joint recipient)

Cordelia Stott Smith is an outstanding young leader whose professionalism and commitment to youth empowerment have had a significant impact across South Australia. Through the South Australian Youth Forum, Cordelia leads the 14–18 branch, supporting more than 25 young people and ensuring their voices are heard on issues including mental health, civics education and period poverty.

In 2025, she played a pivotal role in the Open Youth Workshops, coordinating the event, facilitating discussions and synthesising insights that informed SAYF’s Annual Reports. She has also led youth-informed policy submissions, contributed to research with Flinders University, and helped mobilise the Walk a Mile campaign for Hutt Street Centre, raising thousands of dollars for community support.

Cordelia has achieved all this while completing full-time Year 12 studies. Recognised with SAYF’s ‘Connecting Communities’ award in 2024, she exemplifies inclusive, youth-led leadership and is a highly deserving recipient of the 2026 Young Citizen of the Year Award.

Young Citizen of the Year Award: Domenic Monteleone (joint recipient)

Domenic Monteleone is an inspiring young leader whose dedication and community spirit have revitalised the Croydon Cougars Soccer & Social Club. At just 21, he took on the presidency when the club was struggling and, entirely as a volunteer, rebuilt it into a thriving organisation supporting over 100 local players across five teams.

His leadership focuses on inclusion, wellbeing and community pride, creating a welcoming culture for players, families and local residents. In 2024, the men’s team earned promotion to First Division, reflecting the positive environment he has nurtured.

Domenic has worked tirelessly to ensure the club’s sustainability, organising fundraisers, securing sponsorships and volunteering across coaching, logistics and events. Beyond sport, he has developed digital tools to enhance accessibility and led projects to improve local facilities, improving safety and connection for residents.

Through his compassion, determination and service, Domenic has turned a struggling club into a source of pride for West Croydon and the City of Charles Sturt. He is a highly deserving recipient of the 2026 Young Citizen of the Year Award.

Senior Citizen of the Year Award: Cheryl Jaeschke

For more than 34 years, Cheryl has been a dedicated advocate, artist and community leader whose voluntary work has greatly enhanced the liveability and character of Bowden, Brompton and surrounding suburbs.

As Coordinator of Hindmarsh Greening for over seven years, Cheryl has provided strong community leadership, advocating for greener, safer and more attractive public spaces. Her contribution has helped shape key Council projects, including works in Hawker Street, Gibson Street, Market Place and the Ovingham Overpass area, while supporting the protection of local heritage and community art.

Cheryl has also played a leading role in the creation of the mosaic stobie pole artworks that are now a distinctive feature of the area. Through mentoring and collaboration, she has empowered residents across multiple suburbs to take part in community-led public art.

In 2024, she coordinated the Bowden Bird Walk as part of the SALA Festival — a public art trail that strengthened community connection and local pride.

Through her long-standing commitment, leadership and service, Cheryl has made a significant and lasting contribution to the City of Charles Sturt and is a highly deserving recipient of the 2026 Senior Citizen of the Year Award.

Community Event / Group of the Year: St Clair Community Events

St Clair Community Events is a volunteer-run association that has grown the St Clair Carols by Candlelight into one of the most loved community events in the western suburbs.

Originally established in 2018, the group formally formed an association in 2024 to ensure the long-term success of the Carols. Led by a committee of six and supported by more than 30 volunteers, they work year-round to deliver a free, inclusive and accessible event for the community.

Through extensive fundraising and partnerships, the association has helped grow attendance from around 150 people in the early years to more than 2,000 attendees in 2025. The Carols celebrate the diversity of the local area, featuring multicultural performers, school groups, local bands and more than 20 market stalls supporting local businesses and creatives.

Most importantly, the event provides a welcoming space for families, seniors and residents who may otherwise experience social isolation, fostering connection, belonging and community pride.

Through their dedication and volunteer leadership, St Clair Community Events has created a signature community event and is a highly deserving recipient of the 2026 Community Event of the Year Award.