This award recognises individuals for either of the following:

• Contribution to the community
  Significant individual voluntary contribution to our local community over the past 12 months and/or outstanding service to our local community over a number of years. This contribution may be given to, but not limited to, groups such as sporting clubs, community groups, churches and schools.
• Sporting achievements
  Outstanding individual sporting achievements over the past 12 months, or over a number of years.

Eligibility criteria

Contribution to the community

• Award nominees must be Australian citizens as required by the Australia Day Council of South Australia Inc.
• All residents of City of Tea Tree Gully are eligible for nomination for this award and consideration will also be given to non-residents who have made a significant voluntary contribution to the City of Tea Tree Gully community.
• Unsuccessful nominees may be re-nominated in subsequent years.
• Sitting state and federal politicians and current vice-regal officers are not eligible for this award.
• Retired politicians and vice-regal officers will be considered for this award if the work detailed in their nomination is in addition to their official duties.
• Recipients of this award may only receive this award on subsequent occasions if their nomination relates to additional voluntary contributions not covered in their previous nomination.
• Award recipients will be selected at the discretion of Council. If nominations for this award are deemed unsuitable, Council reserves the right not to select an award recipient.

Sporting achievements

• Award nominees must be Australian citizens.
• All residents of City of Tea Tree Gully are eligible for nomination for this award regardless of where their sport is based.
• Non-residents are eligible for nomination for this award if they participate in sport based predominantly in the City of Tea Tree Gully area.
• Unsuccessful nominees may be re-nominated in subsequent years.
• Recipients of this award may only receive this award on subsequent occasions if their nomination relates to sporting achievements not covered in their previous nomination.
• Award recipients will be selected at the discretion of Council. If nominations for this award are deemed unsuitable, Council reserves the right not to select an award recipient.

This award recognises community groups and sporting clubs for either of the following:

• Contribution to the community
  Significant and beneficial voluntary contribution to our local community over the past 12 months and/or outstanding service to our local community over a number of years
• Sporting achievements
  Outstanding group sporting achievements over the past 12 months or over a number of years.

Eligibility criteria

Contribution to the community

• Groups nominated for this award need to be based within the City of Tea Tree Gully or have made a substantial voluntary contribution to the community of the City of Tea Tree Gully.
• Unsuccessful nominees may be re-nominated in subsequent years.
• Recipients of this award may only receive this award on subsequent occasions if their nomination relates to additional voluntary contributions to the community not covered in their previous nomination.
• The community group must be a not-for-profit organisation.
• Award recipients will be selected at the discretion of Council. If nominations for this award are deemed unsuitable, Council reserves the right not to select an award recipient.

Sporting achievements

• Groups nominated for this award need to be based within City of Tea Tree Gully.
• Unsuccessful nominees may be re-nominated in subsequent years.
• Recipients of this award may only receive this award on subsequent occasions if their nomination relates to sporting achievements not covered in their previous nomination.
• Award recipients will be selected at the discretion of Council. If nominations for this award are deemed unsuitable, Council reserves the right not to select an award recipient.

What is the Australia Day Awards?

Each year, Council celebrates the achievements and contributions of outstanding community members and groups through the City of Tea Tree Gully Australia Day Awards program.

Who should be nominated?

An individual or a group making an extraordinary contribution to the community, providing outstanding service over a number of years, or both.

Who can submit a nomination?

Anyone can submit a nomination.

How do I nominate a person or group?

Nominations must be submitted electronically via the official City of Tea Tree Gully Australia Day Awards form on Council’s website.

Can I nominate myself?

No. Self-nominations are not accepted.

Can I nominate someone who has been nominated before?

Yes, unsuccessful nominees may be re-nominated in subsequent years.

When do nominations close?

Nominations close on 30 of October 2026.

How are winners selected?

Council’s Elected Members will consider all eligible nominees based on the selection criteria. They will shortlist nominees, and Council will select a single award recipient for each award category.

Can I attend the Awards Ceremony?

The Australia Day Awards are open for all to attend. Shortlisted nominees will be invited to attend City of Tea Tree Gully Australia Day Citizenship and Awards ceremony.

Does the nominee need to be a resident of the City of Tea Tree Gully?

No. Nominees are not required to be residents of the City of Tea Tree Gully. However, nominations should demonstrate how the individual, group or sporting club has positively impacted the City of Tea Tree Gully community.

What are the judges looking for?

The assessment panel considers factors such as:

• contribution to the community
• leadership and innovation
• the impact and scope of achievements
• length of service
• voluntary community involvement
• personal and professional achievements
• future positive impact on the community.

2026 winners

City of Tea Tree Gully 2026 Outstanding Citizen of the Year - Noelle Wallis

Noelle Wallis is a passionate community leader and the Director of Pathway Community Centre in Modbury North. She mobilises a dedicated team of volunteers to deliver over 150 food relief packages to those doing it tough and spearheaded the opening of the Pathway Wellbeing Centre, offering holistic care and support to clients.

Her tireless advocacy and commitment shine through challenges, from replacing essential food vans to navigating renovations and financial hurdles with wisdom and patience. Noelle’s impact extends beyond Pathway - she previously served as a school chaplain at The Heights School, walking alongside students through difficult times, arranging meals, attending funerals, and facilitating programs that left a lasting mark on the school community.

Driven by kindness and a deep sense of purpose, Noelle goes above and beyond every day to benefit those in need in our local community.

City of Tea Tree Gully 2026 Outstanding Community Group of the Year - Jubilee Way Parkrun

Jubilee Way Parkrun, established in 2018, is a welcoming, community-driven event held at 8am every Saturday. It offers a free, timed, weekly opportunity to explore the beautiful Wynn Vale Dam.

Starting at the Jubilee Community Centre, the 5km ‘out and back’ route is open to participants of all ages and abilities, with dogs and prams welcome. The event fosters inclusivity, with a signed turnaround point at 2.5km. As a volunteer-managed initiative, Parkrun encourages participants to give back by volunteering.