MEDIA RELEASE
Date: 7 January 2026
Australia Day celebrations across Clare & Gilbert Valleys
Australia Day celebrations and community awards across Clare & Gilbert Valleys
Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council will host Australia Day celebrations across the district on Monday 26 January 2026, inviting residents and visitors to celebrate community, service and Australian values.
Events will be held in Clare, Saddleworth and Riverton, each offering a welcoming start to the day with community-led activities and a shared BBQ breakfast.
The Australia Day celebration in Clare will be at Melrose Park, Phoenix Avenue.
Festivities will begin with a barbecue breakfast from 8.30am to 9.30am, available for a gold coin donation.
The formal Australia Day Ceremony will commence at 9.30am, featuring entertainment from the Clare Concert Band and a special address from Australia Day Ambassador, The Hon Rev Dr Lynn Arnold AO.
The Clare event will include a Citizenship Ceremony and the presentation of the Citizen of the Year Awards, recognising individuals and groups whose service and leadership have made a significant contribution to community life.
The Citizen of the Year for the Northern Area, Trevor Mace, is recognised for his contribution to community infrastructure, sport and service organisations, including improvements to the Riesling Trail and long-standing service with the Lions Club of Clare District.
Young Citizen of the Year, Sharna Juett, is acknowledged for her leadership within the South Australian Country Shows movement and service with the Country Fire Service, contributing to youth leadership and emergency services.
The Community Event of the Year Award recognises the RFDS Melbourne Cup Lunch, organised by the Royal Flying Doctor Service Clare Support Group, which raised $17,000 for vital medical and emergency services.
The Award for Active Citizenship will be presented to Elaine and Charlie van Dijk for decades of environmental volunteer work across the Clare Valley.
The Volunteer of the Year Award is awarded to Tina Maynard, whose service spans community spaces, emergency services, wellbeing support and sport, including leadership within the Country Fire Service.
In Riverton, celebrations will be held at the Riverton Recreation Ground on Oxford Terrace from 8.30am, with the presentation of the Citizen of the Year Award for the Southern District to Roz Rowett.
Roz is recognised for more than 50 years of service across faith, education, wellbeing, aged care and community life throughout the Gilbert Valley.
Known for her quiet leadership, generosity, and consistency, Roz’s lifelong service has strengthened community wellbeing and a strong sense of belonging throughout the southern district.
In Saddleworth, the community will host an Australia Day event at the Saddleworth Recreation Ground on Marrabel Road, commencing with a BBQ breakfast from 8.30am.
Contact: David Stobbe, Chief Executive Officer
Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council
4 Gleeson St, Clare, 5453
Email: admin@cgvc.sa.gov.au
Phone: 08 88426400