Citizen of the Year Awards

For fifty years, Maria has been contributing to our community through a range of activities, particularly through her dedicated volunteering efforts at the Campania Club.

Whether in the kitchen (especially the zeppole), serving on the floor, or in any other number of ways, she has helped keep authentic traditions alive that help maintain some of the most celebrated aspects of modern multicultural South Australia.

While the Campania Club isn’t located in Campbelltown, sixteen years as the local MP has taught me that like some of our other Italian Clubs in neighbouring areas, Campbelltown residents are always heavily represented on the committee, amongst the volunteers and members, and the patrons as well. Perhaps it should be considered, for the purposes of these awards, in the way that a foreign embassy is considered to be the soil of its represented country!

Her voluntary service in our local area has also included regular support for the Italian Festas in particular, and more broadly the general work of the St Francis of Assisi parish at Newton. Many of the Festas celebrated here include community activities as well as religious observances and therefore help local children and young people of Italian heritage connect with that heritage and help the broader community gain an appreciation of the cultural traditions that come from the Campania region, and which have been so influential in our local community.

Maria’s service has benefited hundreds – perhaps thousands – of Campbelltown residents over the last fifty years, through the Campania Club!

Jordan exemplifies the highest ideals of citizenship through his extraordinary multi-decade commitment to community service spanning emergency response, youth development, and cultural preservation. His selfless dedication transcends ordinary volunteerism, representing a lifetime philosophy of service before self.

Setting Jordan apart is the remarkable breadth and depth of his contributions. Few individuals demonstrate such sustained excellence across diverse sectors—from life-saving emergency medical services to nurturing future leaders through youth organisations. His ability to mentor young people while simultaneously serving as a frontline first responder showcases exceptional character and time management skills that benefit the entire community.

Jordan's exceptional commitment to community service spans multiple decades and diverse organisations, demonstrating unwavering dedication to improving lives across all generations. Through his extensive volunteering with the Campbelltown St John Ambulance Cadet Division and Stradbroke Scouts, Jordan mentors young people, instilling essential life skills, leadership qualities, and strong civic values that shape them into responsible, community-minded citizens.

Lynette has embodied the very essence of leadership, advocacy, and community spirit. She has not only represented her peers with integrity but has also worked tirelessly to ensure that First Nations voices are heard, respected, and celebrated within our college community.

Lynette's contribution to First Nations Culture began as emerging in 2019, maturing proudly over 7 years at Charles Campbell College. Lynette united our senior group in 2025 by fulfilling a shared goal to walk and stay on country together, learning through 'doing' and 'being' the ways of the traditional ancestors. The 3-day camp to the Flinders Rangers was a first for the college and will remain a biannual event to inspire future First Nation Students to experience connection to land, culture and spirit.

Throughout the year, Lynette has taken on significant responsibilities—leading and advocating for senior First Nations students and working closely with the school’s ASETO and AET staff to coordinate regular yarning meetings that address important issues and priorities. Her ability to bring people together and create meaningful dialogue has strengthened connections and understanding across our school.

Lynette has a strong sense of identity and community, demonstrating with passion how proud she is to be an Aboriginal young person. Lynette has a deep connection to her culture through her father’s side, maintaining strong family links and kinship relationships with her extended family.