Australia Day in South Australia

Name: Australia Day in South Australia
Address: Office 18, 240 Currie Street, Adelaide, SA, 5000, AU
Telephone: +61882123999
Price range: Not Applicable

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Australia Day in South Australia

ADCSA is an independent, non-profit, membership based organisation.

We acknowledge our past, recognise our inspirational people and communities, embrace and encourage diversity and inclusion for all Australians.

25/09/2025

The Citizen of the Year Awards celebrate South Australians whose service and leadership strengthen our communities. 👉 Nominations for 2026 are now open: https://bit.ly/COTYA

2025 Young Citizen of the Year, Layla Bovell, is a youth advocate whose leadership is influencing policy in South Australia and beyond. As a member of the South Australian Youth Forum, she has championed period justice, jointly led the Share the Dignity campaign, which provides period products to those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, or poverty, and co-authored a Period Pride video that has reached over 4,500 views.

Layla’s work also extends to addressing youth loneliness, gender inequality and promoting healthy relationships, with her contributions shaping the statewide Youth Action Plan 2024–27. Her dedication highlights the power of youth voices in driving meaningful change.

Thank you to our partners LGA South Australia, Sarah Constructions, MGA Insurance Group, Community Bridging Services (CBS) Inc., Flinders University and Community Business Bureau (CBB).

Photo credits: asb Creative Photography, Share the Dignity and freepik

24/09/2025

Domestic and family violence significantly contributes to homelessness and community harm in South Australia, requiring a united effort for change.

2025 Citizen of the Year Award recipient Senior Constable Christopher Malley’s unwavering commitment to supporting domestic violence survivors has established life-changing support programs for those experiencing abuse. His dedication to investigation, intervention and support has given vulnerable individuals a voice and a pathway to safety.

👉Nominations for the 2026 program are now open at https://bit.ly/COTYA.

The Upper Southeast Domestic Abuse Program, established through community donations and fundraising, offers emergency financial assistance for victims, including help with accommodation, transport, and relocation. The initiative also features preventative measures, such as a youth respectful relationship program, aimed at creating a safer future for families.

Thank you to our partners LGA South Australia, Sarah Constructions Pty Ltd, MGA Insurance Group, Community Bridging Services (CBS) Inc., Flinders University and Community Business Bureau - CBB.

23/09/2025

Collaboration with strategic partners like ASC Pty Ltd enables us to magnify leadership and drive progress across sectors of national importance.

Our recent Inspiring South Australian Women: Impacting the World and Beyond – Women in Defence event, supported by ASC, showcased nationally and internationally significant leaders who are redefining equity in STEM careers, defence, innovation, space and policy.

ASC is Australia’s submarine company. It built the nation’s Collins Class submarines, sustains them, and is delivering the fleet’s Life of Type Extension, extending each submarine’s operational life by a decade.

ASC also plays a leading role in training Royal Australian Navy submariners and has been selected by the Australian Government to sustain and jointly build conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines in Australia.

As a business, ASC recognises the importance of diversity and the significant benefits that women bring to its operations. It is committed to continuing to improve gender representation and was proud to partner with the Australia Day Council of South Australia to highlight some of our trailblazing women in defence.

18/09/2025

Every day, South Australians strengthen their communities through service, leadership and generosity. The Citizen of the Year Awards celebrate these often unseen but deeply impactful efforts. Nominate here https://australiadaysa.com.au/citizen-of-the-year-awards-program/

This year’s recipients include:
Citizen of the Year
Senior Constable Christopher Mailley (Naracoorte Lucindale Council)
Founder of the Upper Southeast Domestic Abuse Program, providing emergency support, safe accommodation and youth education.

Young Citizen of the Year
Layla Bovell (City of Onkaparinga)
Youth advocate influencing state and global policy through the South Australian Youth Forum, championing period justice initiatives.

Community Event of the Year
Pink and Blue Swim/Walk/Run (City of Charles Sturt).
Volunteer-led event raising $630,000+ for cancer research and awareness.

Community Event of the Year
Blackwood Reconciliation Walk (City of Mitcham)
Held during National Reconciliation Week, the walk fosters community reflection and action.

Community Event of the Year – Commendation
Barmera Theatre Gallery/Yarn Bombers (Berri Barmera Council).
A vibrant project that transformed Barmera’s main street with yarn art, celebrating creativity, connection and community pride.

Award for Active Citizenship
Mayor Neil Martinson (Renmark Paringa Council)
Celebrated for 38 years of service and advocacy for community wellbeing.

Award for Active Citizenship – Commendation
Giuseppe Geracitano (City of Charles Sturt)
Recognised for decades of leadership in multicultural education, culture and community welfare.

The program is supported by LGA South Australia, Sarah Constructions, MGA Insurance Group, Community Bridging Services (CBS) Inc., Flinders University and Community Business Bureau (CBB).

12/09/2025

In a world that demands bold leadership and innovative solutions, the Inspiring South Australian Women’s Award highlights the work of regional leaders, changemakers and rising stars who challenge the status quo, break barriers and defy stereotypes.

The 2025 Inspiring South Australian Women's Award - Emerging Leader Andriana Petrakis is a trailblazer in the world of tennis, demonstrating exceptional skill and resilience as an athlete and mentor. Andriana has overcome challenges associated with autism to become an elite athlete and mentor. Now an assistant coach with Tennis SA, Andriana encourages young people with intellectual disabilities to engage in sports, build confidence and develop skills.

Visit https://australiadaysa.com.au/inspiring-south-australian-womens-award-2/ to nominate an incredible woman like Andriana, leading change.

The award is supported by The Hon. Katrine Hildyard MP, Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, and the Office for Women, which honours women making exceptional contributions across various fields.

10/09/2025

Nominations are now open for the 2026 MELC Award. https://australiadaysa.com.au/award-for-leadership-in-languages-and-cultures-2/

Marzila Osmani knows what it means to rebuild and believe in change. Her journey from seeking safety in Australia to becoming a powerful advocate for women and youth is inspiring. Mazila shares her story in our latest blog, showing us how young leaders can create lasting change. https://australiadaysa.com.au/resilience-and-leadership-2025-melc-award-recipient/

The Award is provided by the Minister for Education, Training and Skills, The Honourable Blair Boyer MP, through the Multicultural Education and Languages Committee (MELC) and administered by the Australia Day Council of South Australia.

05/09/2025

Last night, we had the extraordinary privilege of hearing from women whose careers represent the culmination of years, often decades, of dedication, determination, advocacy, and innovation. Each of them has faced not only the challenges inherent in their industries but also the unprecedented shifts shaping our world today.

The Inspiring Women: Impacting the World and Beyond – Women in Defence event provided an opportunity to pause, listen, and learn from those not only succeeding but also reshaping how we define leadership itself.

These women have stepped into complex roles, shaping policy with clarity and purpose, leading teams, building sovereign capability, and opening doors for others. Their journeys remind us that leadership is about courage, innovation, and making a lasting impact.

The evening commenced with a special message from Colonel (Ret'd) Pam Melroy (US Fighter Pilot, Astronaut, NASA leader), followed by an opening address by Minister for the Office of Women, Katrine Hildyard MP, highlighting the importance of gender equality in the workforce.

We thank our panellists, Dr Catherine Grace, Jessica Pisani, Dr Sarah Cannard, Dr Susan Neuhaus AM CSC, and Sumen Rai, visionary leaders advancing space policy, sovereign capability, inclusive engagement, defence health, and aerospace innovation through bold, cross-sector collaboration.

While Libby Day and Justine Greig PSM were unable to attend due to work commitments, we acknowledge their enduring leadership.

Sincere thanks to MC Deb Tribe, Julie Cooper FAICD, for her skilled facilitation and to our valued partners, the Government of South Australia Office for Women, ASC, Deloitte and Haigh's Chocolates.

Nominations for the 2026 Awards are now open. Please help us celebrate the women shaping South Australia’s future. https://inspiringsawomen.com.au/nominate/

03/09/2025

We are delighted to announce that ASC and Deloitte are proud sponsors of Inspiring South Australian Women: Impacting the World and Beyond – Women in Defence. Learn more here https://bit.ly/ISAW_Event

This event brings together extraordinary women driving change across defence, space, innovation, medicine, and public policy.

Thank you, ASC and Deloitte, for their support in spotlighting women shaping Australia’s defence sector and careers in STEM related industries.

🎟 Last day to register: https://bit.ly/ISAW_Event

29/08/2025

Do you know an inspiring female leader making a difference? Nominate them today! https://australiadaysa.com.au/inspiring-south-australian-womens-award-2/

This year’s Inspiring South Australian Women’s Award recipients highlight extraordinary leadership and impact. April Lawrie, the inaugural Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, was honoured for her decades of advocacy driving systemic reform to improve the rights, wellbeing and opportunities of Aboriginal children. Ella Stratton, founder of the HAS Foundation, received a commendation for raising over $1.3 million to support families of children with life-limiting illnesses. Joanna Wells was commended for her tireless advocacy to protect South Australia’s urban forest. Emerging Leaders Hayley Frazer, author and advocate for inclusive education, and Andriana Petrakis, an internationally ranked tennis player, were recognised for inspiring young people through creativity, resilience and inclusion.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Awards. Please help us celebrate the women who are shaping South Australia’s future by putting forward a leader who inspires you. https://australiadaysa.com.au/inspiring-south-australian-womens-award-2/

The award is supported by The Hon. Katrine Hildyard MP, Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, and the Office for Women, which honours women who make exceptional contributions across various fields.

27/08/2025

As Deputy Secretary of Defence People, Justine Greig is responsible for people strategy, policy development and service delivery to support the 100,000-strong integrated Australian Defence Force and the Defence Australian Public Service workforce. This includes leadership of the Defence’s overarching culture, mental health and wellbeing strategies.

Hear from Justine and other leading women transforming Defence at Inspiring Women: Impacting the World and Beyond – Women in Defence. 🎟 https://bit.ly/ISAW_Event

Justine was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2023 for outstanding leadership in Defence people policy. She also co-led the Defence Strategic Review to form a diarchy in leading the Defence People Group and workplace reforms.

The Defence People Group (DPG) prioritises people and delivers high-quality human resource outcomes across the Defence employment cycle, from strategy and policy development to implementation and service delivery.

We express our appreciation to the Government of South Australia Office for Women, ASC and Deloitte for their support.

25/08/2025

“You’re braver than you think you are.” – Sam Bloom.

That message of courage set the tone at the Inspiring Australians Student Summit at Riverbanks College, where more than 400 students heard from three remarkable Australians; Sam Bloom (World Para Surfing champion and author), His Excellency, Dr Richard Harris SC OAM, Governor’s Deputy (Australian of the Year 2019 and Thai cave rescue diver), and Amber Brock-Fabel (2025 SA Young Australian of the Year).

Together, they shared lessons on resilience, trust, teamwork, and the power of youth voice. Dr Harris reflected on calm thinking under pressure and preparation, while Amber, whose passion is in youth empowerment, encouraged students to use their voices for change.

“Anything is possible when you find your inner grit and determination. Dr Richard Harris SC OAM

You can learn more about the program and key moments in our blog. https://australiadaysa.com.au/resilience-in-action/

With thanks to the Department for Education, South Australia, Flinders University, Sarah Constructions and Credit Union SA.

13/08/2025

The Inspiring South Australian Women’s Award honours those creating meaningful change in our communities. Jointly coordinated by the Australia Day Council of South Australia and the Office for Women, the award recognises visionary leadership, resilience and impact. https://australiadaysa.com.au/inspiring-south-australian-womens-award-2/

April Lawrie, 2025 recipient, is a proud Mirning and Kokatha woman and South Australia’s inaugural Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, with over two decades of leadership in Aboriginal health, education, justice and child protection. Emerging Leader Hayley Frazer, is an author, artist, and advocate for inclusive education. Fellow Emerging Leader Adriana Petrakis is an internationally ranked tennis player who shares her skills and experiences with other young people with autism and intellectual disabilities.

These women remind us of the strength and creativity shaping a more inclusive South Australia.

These women remind us of the strength and creativity shaping a more inclusive South Australia. Nomination here https://australiadaysa.com.au/inspiring-south-australian-womens-award-2/

The Awards Program is supported by the SA Government Women's Information Service.

Address

Office 18, 240 Currie Street
Adelaide, SA
5000

Telephone

+61882123999

Website

https://australiadaysa.com.au/

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