Citizen awards and ceremonies

Citizen of the Year Award: Lindsay Holmes (Joint winner)

Lindsay’s impact over the past year has been nothing short of remarkable. He was the driving force behind the creation of the Bowden Brompton Repair Café, a fantastic initiative that brings people together to repair, recycle, and learn new skills. His leadership has been pivotal in turning this idea into a reality, and through his hard work, the Repair Café has saved over 400 kg of goods from landfill, all while fostering a sense of community and sustainability.

But Lindsay’s contributions span far beyond just this. For over 45 years, he has been a pillar of the Bowden, Brompton, and Hindmarsh communities. Whether as a member of the Hindmarsh Council in the 1980s, or through his leadership in the Hindmarsh Residents Association Community Archive Group, Lindsay has always been at the forefront of efforts to improve our local area. He’s helped rebuild housing, develop services, and nurture a deep sense of community.

At the 19 On Green Community Centre, Lindsay has played a key role in fostering creative and constructive activities, including woodworking workshops, and he continues to be a guiding presence for many local programs. His contributions, both formal and informal, have enriched countless lives, and his genuine, caring personality inspires and uplifts everyone around him.

Lindsay’s humility, generosity, and dedication to listening and helping others—especially those from diverse backgrounds—are qualities that set him apart as a true leader. His calm, steadying influence has not only helped local groups with governance and conflict resolution but has also extended to Aboriginal communities across Australia, where he works to support autonomy and self-determination.

In every capacity, Lindsay has been a beacon of positive change, and his tireless work has made a profound impact on all of us. Lindsay's legacy will continue to inspire us all for years to come.

Citizen of the Year Award: Marion Kilsby (Joint winner)

Marion's advocacy for our community is unwavering. From successfully campaigning for improvements to local resources and services to securing upgrades for our beloved reserves, she has tirelessly worked to improve the quality of life and aesthetics in our area. Her vision for cleaner, greener, and healthier spaces has transformed not just our streets, but our collective sense of pride in where we live.

But Marion’s efforts don’t stop at meetings or proposals. Time and again, she can be found with her husband Trevor, out on the streets, armed with a leaf blower, lawn mower, and a spade, turning her plans into action. Her energy and enthusiasm seem endless as she leads the charge to make our community more vibrant, more sustainable, and more beautiful.

Marion's impact extends far beyond landscaping. She is a true community builder, bringing together neighbours to collaborate, to plant, and to care for their environment. Her efforts, such as the transformation of Henley Beach’s verges and reserves, have created spaces that not only benefit our physical surroundings but also our collective well-being. The addition of water fountains, safer playgrounds, and the reduction of speed limits have made our neighbourhood safer, greener, and more enjoyable for everyone.

And then there was the wonderful festive touch she added to our community in 2023—decorating the Norfolk pine trees along Military Road with red fabric and bows. This simple act of kindness brought joy to so many, and the social media posts were filled with smiles and thanks for her generosity.

Marion is also a skilled gardener and environmental advocate, often found planting and educating others on the importance of native plants and sustainable practices. Through her Facebook group, Henley Beach Greening, she shares her knowledge, inspires others to join in, and provides updates on the work she is doing to make our surroundings more beautiful and sustainable.

In everything she does, Marion exudes humility, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to making Charles Sturt a better place. She balances her own family, her business, and her volunteer work with grace, and her selfless contributions have truly made our community a better place for all.

Young Citizen of the Year Award: Caroline Kearney

Caroline’s remarkable contributions to our community reflect not only her dedication but also her strong sense of leadership, service, and commitment to enhancing the lives of those around her.

Caroline’s leadership as Club Captain of the Grange Surf Life Saving Club has been nothing short of exceptional. She has shown incredible initiative in organising and motivating club members, ensuring that safety at our beaches remains a top priority. Through her guidance and mentorship, Caroline has fostered future leaders within the club, ensuring that the next generation of lifesavers is well-trained and ready to serve the community.

Her role as a beach patroller further exemplifies her commitment to the safety and well-being of beachgoers. Caroline’s proactive approach to beach safety, paired with her quick thinking in emergency situations, has undoubtedly saved lives and created a safer environment for families and visitors alike. Her vigilance and dedication have become a cornerstone of the club’s success.

As a paramedic, Caroline’s courage and skill in high-pressure situations continue to inspire those around her. Her ability to respond with composure, compassion, and expertise in life-threatening situations showcases the very best qualities of a first responder. Caroline’s work on the frontlines has not only saved lives but has also contributed to the peace of mind and security of the Charles Sturt community.

In addition to her outstanding contributions to lifesaving and emergency services, Caroline’s leadership and academic achievements at St. Michael’s College have set a shining example for young people in our community. As a House Captain, Caroline balanced her studies with her extensive community involvement, and her role as a mentor to younger students continues to inspire them to take active roles in their own communities.

Caroline’s dedication to community engagement goes beyond her formal roles. She has organised beach clean-ups, safety workshops, and initiatives that promote environmental awareness, further fostering a spirit of community and responsibility. Her ability to balance multiple roles while excelling in each one is a true testament to her commitment to making a difference.

Caroline’s impact on the City of Charles Sturt is felt in many ways: from enhancing community safety to inspiring youth leadership, and from increasing community engagement to fostering a positive image of our city. She embodies the values of service, responsibility, and resilience, and she continues to set a powerful example for others to follow.

Senior Citizen of the Year Award: Giuseppe Geracitano

Giuseppe’s, or Joe’s, dedication lifetime of dedication has profoundly shaped not only the Italian community in South Australia but also the broader multicultural landscape.

Over the past decades, Giuseppe has been a tireless advocate for the Italian language and culture, actively promoting its inclusion in Adelaide’s schools through the Italian Education Movement and the South Australian Teachers of Italian. His efforts have laid the foundation for countless children to connect with their heritage while fostering greater intercultural understanding in our community.

His influence extends far beyond education. As a founding member of the Co-Ordinating Italian Committee, he worked to create essential welfare programs for Italian immigrants, providing support through social welfare initiatives, language resources, and fundraising efforts, including for earthquake relief in Italy.

Giuseppe’s played an instrumental in reactivating the Italian Festival in 1980, a milestone that led to the creation of the Italian Carnevale Festival—a vibrant annual celebration of Italian heritage and multiculturalism.

Giuseppe's work in preserving the history of Italian immigrants has also been groundbreaking. Through the establishment of the Italian History Society of South Australia, he has worked to ensure that the stories, struggles, and contributions of Italian immigrants are documented and remembered. His “A Trunk Full of Dreams and a Suitcase Full of Memories” project is a testament to his commitment to preserving this rich legacy for future generations.

For his tireless service, Giuseppe has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious South Australia Governor’s Multicultural Award. This recognition speaks to his decades of work in education, welfare, and cultural preservation, underscoring his profound impact on both the Italian community and the broader South Australian multicultural sector.

Giuseppe's legacy is one of kindness, leadership, and a deep commitment to building a more inclusive and connected society. A well-deserved recognition of his lifetime of service, and we are all incredibly grateful for everything Giuseppe has achieved.

Community Event / Group of the Year: West Beach Surf Life Saving Club

Pink and Blue Swim/Run/Walk—an event that has not only raised substantial funds for breast and prostate cancer research but also brought together our community in a powerful and meaningful way.

Since its inception in 2013, the Pink and Blue event has grown exponentially, evolving from a small gathering of passionate supporters to a vibrant, inclusive celebration of health, wellness, and community spirit. Organised by the West Beach Surf Life Saving Club and run entirely by volunteers, this event has become a cornerstone of our local community.

In 2024, over 1300 participants took part in the Swim, Run, and Walk activities, spanning various fitness levels and even welcoming four-legged friends to join in. The event’s diversity and accessibility ensure that people of all ages and abilities can participate, making it truly inclusive. But it’s not just about the physical activities—it’s about fostering a sense of togetherness. The day is filled with music, entertainment, and community engagement, making it a memorable and joyful occasion for all involved.

What makes this event so special is the cause it supports. Every dollar raised—100% of ticket proceeds—goes towards funding life-saving research and care for both breast and prostate cancer. Over the years, this incredible event has raised more than $630,000, directly supporting research projects, clinical trials, and essential patient care initiatives such as the Pink & Blue Nurse at St. Andrew’s Hospital.

The Pink and Blue Swim/Run/Walk is more than just a fundraising event—it’s a community-building opportunity. It strengthens local pride, fosters unity, and supports a cause that resonates deeply with so many of us. With the dedication of the volunteers, the energy of the participants, and the unwavering support of the West Beach Surf Life Saving Club, this event continues to grow year after year.

Not only does the event have a direct impact on cancer research, but it also enhances the profile of the City of Charles Sturt, attracting participants and visitors from across the region. The event’s success has brought attention to our local area, providing a boost to local businesses and highlighting Charles Sturt as a hub of community engagement, health, and wellness.

Test

asdasd