Australia Day Council of South Australia

26/08/2026

Languages connect us. Let’s celebrate those leading the way! 🌏💬

Nominations are now open for the Award for Leadership in Languages and Cultures!

Do you know an inspiring young South Australian who speaks more than one language, celebrates cultural diversity and uses their voice to bring people together?

We want to hear about them!

The Award for Leadership in Languages and Cultures recognises young people who demonstrate a commitment to languages, intercultural understanding and advocating for a multilingual and culturally diverse Australia.

There are two award categories:

🎓 Secondary School Student
For a student demonstrating a strong commitment to languages and cultures and encouraging others to embrace linguistic and cultural diversity.

🌏 Young Person 24 Years & Under
For a young person, no longer at school, who is using their multilingual and intercultural skills and community leadership to make a difference.

Individuals, schools and organisations can nominate, so if someone immediately comes to mind, give them the recognition they deserve! 🙌

🏆 Award recipients will be recognised at an Awards Ceremony at Government House in February 2027.

The Award is provided by the Minister for Education, Training and Skills, the Honourable Lucy Hood MP, through the Multicultural Education and Languages Committee (MELC) and administered by ADCSA.

Nominate now 👉
https://australiadaysa.com.au/award-for-leadership-in-languages-and-cultures-2/

21/08/2026

Connecting SA’s Young Community Leaders 🤝

What happens when you bring together more than 80 young leaders from communities across South Australia?

You get honest conversations, fresh perspectives, new connections and plenty of ideas about the future of our state.

From Port Augusta to Victor Harbor and communities in between, Young Citizen of the Year recipients came together for our 2026 Young Citizens Leadership Forum to share their experiences, discuss the issues that matter to them and connect with other young people already making a difference in their communities.

Nedd Brockmann, 2026 Young Australian of the Year, and Julie Inman Grant PSM, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, joined the conversation, sharing their perspectives on leadership, resilience, embracing challenge and having the confidence to take action.

Importantly, the conversation didn’t stop there. Our young leaders worked together to consider how they could take what they had learnt and give it back to their own communities, turning the ideas, connections and inspiration from the forum into meaningful local action.

The afternoon then moved to Government House, where our young leaders were welcomed by Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, for a special reception celebrating their contribution and achievements.

It was a fitting end to a day centered on young people having a voice, learning from one another and recognising the role they can play in shaping communities right across South Australia.

We also extend our sincere thanks to our valued sponsors Local Government Association of South Australia and MGA Insurance Group for supporting this important initiative, and to every young leader who travelled from across the state to be part of the day.

21/08/2026

Big Ideas. Bright Futures. 💡

Over 500 students from across southern Adelaide and the Fleurieu Peninsula gathered at Aldinga Payinthi College for our Activating Youth Student Summit - an inspiring event focused on ambition, leadership and the power of choice.

Students heard from an incredible line up of speakers including Nedd Brockmann, 2026 Young Australian of the Year, Chelsea Randall, Amber Brock Fabel and Noah Yang, sharing stories of leadership, resilience, backing yourself and turning ideas into action.

Students also explored diverse career pathways through the Pathways Hub, presented by Flinders University, where they learned about tertiary study options, including Flinders’ innovative ‘Earn While you Learn’ degree apprenticeships. Hickinbotham Group showcased rewarding career opportunities across trades, apprenticeships and construction 🎓

The core takeaway for our young leaders? Your future is defined by the choices you make and the possibilities you choose to pursue. You are never too young to back yourself and drive change.

Thank you to Aldinga Payinthi College for hosting, our incredible speakers, participating schools, and our partners, the Department for Education, South Australia, Flinders University and Hickinbotham, for empowering the next generation.

A special thank you also to Jess Adamson for expertly MCing the summit and bringing such warmth and energy to both sessions.

21/08/2026

Leading Through Change

ADCSA CEO Jan Chorley welcomed more than 100 CEOs, Board Chairs and leaders from South Australia’s NGO sector to our Annual NGO Luncheon for an afternoon of important conversation, connection and shared ideas.

We were privileged to hear from Julie Inman Grant PSM, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, who shared her insights into the rapidly evolving digital landscape and the challenges and responsibilities facing leaders and organisations today.

A key takeaway from Julie was that as our digital world continues to evolve, strong leadership must evolve with it. Organisations have an important role to play in creating safer, more respectful online environments and ensuring people remain at the centre of how we respond to technological change.

Julie was joined by Nedd Brockmann, 2026 Young Australian of the Year, who brought his own perspective on resilience, leadership and using your platform to create meaningful change.

Thank you to Julie and Nedd for sharing their invaluable insights, and a special thank you to Ali Clarke for expertly MCing the luncheon and bringing warmth and energy to the conversation. We also extend our thanks to Amora Adelaide for hosting us, and to everyone who joined us for such an engaging and thought provoking afternoon.

17/08/2026

Thank you to our Patron, the Governor of South Australia, for hosting this reception with incredible young changemakers from across SA - an inspiring afternoon filled with hope, connection and a shared commitment to creating a brighter future for our state.

31/07/2026

28/07/2026

Every Australian of the Year began with one person taking the time to tell their story.

If someone has inspired you, led your community, supported others or made Australia better in their own way...

Recognise them today!

See Them.
Hear Them.
Nominate Them.

Nominations close this Friday 31 July
https://australianoftheyear.org.au/

Australian of the Year Awards

28/07/2026

Some people change lives without ever asking for recognition.

Now is your chance to make sure they're seen.

🏆 Nominations for the 2027 Australian of the Year Awards close 31 July.

Nominate someone who's making a difference:
https://australianoftheyear.org.au/

Australian of the Year Awards

27/07/2026

⏰ 5 days left to celebrate an inspiring Australian!

Behind every nomination is a story of kindness, courage, leadership and community impact.

The 2027 Australian of the Year Awards celebrate Australians who go above and beyond to create positive change and make a difference in the lives of others.

Who in your community deserves to be recognised? Take a moment to share their story and nominate someone extraordinary before nominations close on 31 July.

🏆 Nominate today: https://australianoftheyear.org.au/

Australian of the Year Awards