Australia Day Celebrations and Community Breakfast
On Sunday, 26 January 2025 a vibrant crowd of around 500 gathered at the picturesque Jarrett Gardens to enjoy Renmark Paringa Council's annual Australia Day Community Breakfast. The event, organised by Council, was a celebration of local spirit, community pride, and the recognition of outstanding individuals and initiatives.
The morning kicked off with a delightful breakfast cooked by the Renmark Rotary Club, served by elected members and staff offering a delicious start to the day. Guests were treated to entertainment from local talent William Heuzenroeder, setting the perfect tone for the morning’s celebrations.
A highlight of the morning was the presentation of the 2025 Renmark Paringa Australia Day Awards, recognising the achievements and contributions of several members of the community.
2025 Renmark Paringa Australia Day Award winners were:
Citizen of the Year – Alan Eckermann
Award for Young Citizen of the Year Award – Angus Leesue
Award for Active Citizenship – Neil Martinson
Community Event of the Year – Power Up Paringa Open Day
A special moment was the Citizenship Ceremony, where a new citizen was officially welcomed into the community. The ceremony was followed by an inspiring Australia Day message from Callum and Lauren Benda, owners of Arrosto Coffee which resonated with all in attendance.
Renmark Paringa Mayor expressed heartfelt gratitude for the success of the event, stating:
“Council’s Australia Day Community Breakfast was a fantastic morning enjoyed by around 500 people. It was heartwarming to see so many members of our community enjoying a morning of good food and great company, and to witness the honouring of our Citizen of the Year winners and welcoming a new citizen.”
A big thank you was extended to all those who helped support and organise the event, making it another memorable and successful celebration for the community.
Renmark Paringa continues to thrive as a place where community spirit is celebrated, and where local are recognised for their dedication to building a better future for everyone.
About Citizen of the Year Awards
Each year Renmark Paringa Council acknowledges and celebrates extraordinary individuals and groups that demonstrates exceptional service within the community.
The Citizen of the Year Awards are proudly presented by the Australia Day Council of South Australia and administered by local Councils. The Awards acknowledge the unsung heroes of our community who through their contributions make our state a better place. These individuals and organisations offer outstanding service each day and enable our communities to be stronger as a result of their tireless efforts.
Outstanding contribution and community service includes areas such as; education, health, fundraising, charitable and voluntary services, business, sport, arts, the environment, or any other area that contributes to the advancement and well-being of a community.
If you know someone making a real difference, nominate them for the Citizen of the Year Awards.
Citizen of the Year
This is presented to someone making an extraordinary contribution to the community and may recognise outstanding service over a number of years.
To be eligible, the person must be an Australian Citizen.
Young Citizen of the Year
This is presented to a young emerging leader who is making a real difference in their community..
To be eligible, the person must be an Australian Citizen aged over 16 years and under 30 years of age on January 26, 2025.
Community Event of the Year
This is presented to the person or group who has staged the most outstanding event for their community.
To be eligible, the person or group must be Australian Citizens.
Award for Active Citizenship
This is presented to a person or group delivering outstanding work on an event or project for the community during the past calendar year.
The person or group need not be Australian Citizens.
Procedure
Each local Council in South Australia seek nominations in their local Council area, with the award recipients typically announced at the Council’s Australia Day celebrations. Nominate someone who makes a real difference in your community and give them the opportunity to be rewarded and recognised for their important contribution. Councils can forward the details of their Award recipients to the Australia Day Council of South Australia to go in the running for the 2025 State Awards, presented by the Governor of South Australia.
For more information about the awards and the criteria visit here.
All nominations received before the cut-off date are provided by the Renmark Paringa Council Grants, Sponsorship and Awards committee for consideration.
