2025 CITIZEN & EVENT OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The Northern Areas Council is proud to announce the recipients of the prestigious Citizen of the Year Awards for 2025. These awards celebrate individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to the community through outstanding service, leadership, and dedication.
This year’s winners are:
Citizen of the Year Award
Ben Van Boekel
Recognised for his remarkable contributions to the community, Ben has made a significant impact through his advocacy for mental health, his role as the organiser of the Caltowie Chilled Out ‘n’ Fired Up Music Festival, and his active involvement in the local progress association and Apex Club. He has also served as a football coach, CFS volunteer, business owner, martial arts instructor and mentor. Driven by a clear vision, Ben’s efforts are dedicated to uniting the community in support of mental health, aiming to break the stigma surrounding discussions on depression, anxiety, and suicide.
Event of the Year
Caltowie Chilled Out and Fired Up Festival (COFU)
Caltowie Chilled Out 'n' Fired Up Music Festival is a unique and growing event located in rural South Australia. Since its inception in 2019, the festival has garnered acclaim and was recognised as a finalist in the 2023 SA Music Awards for Best Major Festival. The festival aims to provide a fantastic day out in rural SA for people of all ages and to raise funds and awareness for mental health initiatives in regional South Australia.
Young Citizen of the Year
Jake Slade
Jake passionately promoted physical activity in the community and volunteers his time for a range of outdoor activities. Since arriving in Jamestown in 2021 to begin his teaching career at the Jamestown Community School, Jake very quickly started to get involved in the local community, with a focus on engaging people to focus on wellness with sport and recreation.
Award for Active Citizenship
Roger Hunt
Roger actively volunteers for a number of events and activities in Stone Hut and surrounding communities. Roger was a long standing volunteer for the local development committee, ran the local Food and Wine Festival, and he built and paved many items in Stone Hut. He has also been part of the Mount Remarkable National Park group for 27 years and has done a lot of work with trail and local attraction maintenance. He never asks for recognition, however his tireless efforts are appreciated by all.
Mayor Scarman, who will present the awards during the January Australia Day Event, praised the winners for their unwavering commitment to making Northern Areas a better place.
"These awardees embody the very best of our community. Their dedication and actions inspire us all to do more, give more, and care more. We are grateful for their remarkable contributions,"
“The Citizen of the Year Awards are part of our commitment to recognising and celebrating the selfless acts that strengthen the bonds of our community and we are very lucky to have such fantastic, dedicated community members.” said Mayor Scarman.
Media Release courtesy of Northern Areas Council, Published 13th December 2024