Australia Day
Australia Day falls on January 26th.
It's the day to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our great nation. It's the day for us to re-commit to making Australia an even better place for the future.
Australia Day is a day driven by communities, and the hundreds of celebrations held in each town, suburb or city are the foundation of its ongoing success. Australia Day is big. Over 780 local community celebrations take place on 26 January right across the nation.
Research undertaken by the National Australia Day Council in 2007 showed that about 27 per cent of Australians attend an organised, community event on Australia Day, while a further 26 per cent get together with family and friends with the explicit intention of celebrating Australia Day.
Each year the District Council of Robe holds a breakfast for the community at the Robe Institute.
Citizen of the Year Awards - 2027 Nominations
The District Council of Robe would like to invite nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards, for person(s)/groups who have made outstanding contributions to the community. The three categories are as follows:
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 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, 2026.
Community Event of the Year: This is presented to the person/group who has staged the most outstanding community event during the past year. To be eligible, the person or group must be Australian Citizens.
Nomination forms and guidelines for the awards are available in hard copy from the Council Office (3 Royal Circus, Robe) or using the link below.
Nominations close 27 November 2026.
District Council of Robe Australia Day Award Recipients
| Year | Citizen of the Year | Young Citizen of the Year | Community Event of the Year | Recognition of Service Award | Mayoral Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Kathleen Browne | ||||
| 1982 | Robert Powell | Susanne Mader | |||
| 1983 | Victor
Dawson & Reginald Hateley | ||||
| 1984 | Allan & Mary Dawson | Noel Hayes | |||
| 1985 | Carmel Dawson | Apex Club of Robe | |||
| 1986 | Dr Donald Jacobs | Brett Deane | |||
| 1987 | Rosalie Hateley | ||||
| 1988 | John Klingberg | ||||
| 1989 | Elaine Lawson | Lisa Kelsey | |||
| 1990 | Sandra Moore | ||||
| 1991 | Michael Quinlan-Watson | ||||
| 1992 | Clarrie Regnier | ||||
| 1993 | Not awarded | ||||
| 1994 | Verity Quinlan-Watson | ||||
| 1995 | David Burzacott | ||||
| 1996 | Leonard Domaschenz | ||||
| 1997 | Annie (Sue) Wright | ||||
| 1998 | Verne McLaren AM | ||||
| 1999 | Joy Bowyer | ||||
| 2000 | Hugh Koch | ||||
| 2001 | Bill Quinlan-Watson | Elise Lehmann | |||
| 2002 | Mary McInerney | ||||
| 2003 | Beryl Domaschenz | Amanda Klingberg | |||
| 2004 | Nathalie Ling | Horse Trek | |||
| 2005 | Andrew Smith | Kim Everett | Robe Primary School Fete | ||
| 2006 | Brian Hartwig | Nikita Wasson | Robe Village Fair | ||
| 2007 | Derek and Jan Hardy | ||||
| 2008 | Jenny Hayden | Elise Lehmann | Southern Ocean Art Prize | ||
| 2009 | Brian Kirkland | Stacey White | Mayoral Christmas Parade & Light Up Robe | ||
| 2010 | Ian Bruce | Cassandra Slaughter | Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Breakfast Fundraiser (Quilters by the Sea) | Allsorts Musical Group | |
| 2011 | Terry Johnson | Sam Thomas | Launch ' A Walk Through History' - National Trust SA: Robe Branch | Mrs Shirley Snook | |
| 2012 | Sue Scott | Jake Golding | Robe Primary School 125th Birthday Celebrations | Robe & Districts CFS | |
| 2013 | Dennis & Nesla Boundy | Teghan McMartin | Friends
of the Robe Library "Annual Book Sale" | John Hinge | David Stanhope
- Long Term Commitment to Community Service All for Nate Fund Raiser & Jan Cooke Charity Ride - Community Event Cape Jaffa Wines - Corporate Contribution to the Environment |
| 2014 | Helen
Lehmann & Michelle Everett | Robe Professional Fisherman's Ass. "Dinner of the Boats | Gary
Thomas – Commitment to Community Service Jim Smith – Contribution to the Environment Robe Surf Life Saving Club –Community Event: Australian Surfboat Rowers League Navy Surfboat Premiership | ||
| 2015 | Not Awarded | Robe Boat & Fishing Festival 2014 | Deb
Mackey – Commitment to Community Service David Buckingham – Contribution to the Environment Ben Bayliss – Youth Award Gasfield Free Community Robe Celebration Day - Community Event | ||
| 2016 | Peter & Susie Young | Robe RSL 2015 ANZAC Day Service & Gun Fire Breakfast & WW1 Memorabilia Display | Cath
Bell - Contribution to the Environment Kolby Gibbs - Youth Award Michael & Helen Slessar -Commitment to Community Service Robe Primary School Easter Fete -Community Event | ||
| 2017 | Peter Gillespie | Robe Barefoot Benefit Committee “Food for our Families” Cookbook | David
& Christine Senior – Commitment to Community Service Treasury Wine Estates – Contribution to the Environment Robe Home Brew & Craft Beer Festival – Community Event Grace Hooper – Youth Award | ||
| 2018 | Valma Jennings | Robe Lions Club - Australia Day Celebrations | Gus
Ferguson - Commitment to Community Service Kim Kelly - Commitment to Community Service Chinese Festival - Community Event Robe Primary School Class 4 & 5 -Contribution to the Environment & Youth Award | ||
| 2019 | Robe to Recovery Program | Robe Lions Club Jumbo’s Landing Redevelopment - Contribution to Local Tourism and the Environment | |||
| 2020 | Wendy Leopold | Isabelle Sneath | Robe Christmas Parade | Robe Beer Fest and Home Brew Competition | |
| 2021 | John Fenton & Emma Vasek | Lucy Smith | Bushfire Relief Concert | Robe Sandmasters | |
| 2022 | David Thomas | Robe to Recovery | Jeffrey & Heather Gibbons | ||
| 2023 | Dr David Senior | Madeline Wirth | 'Woman Who …' Event by Sonia Legoe | Rodney McMartin | |
| 2024 | Tracey Bainger | Ella Mackey | Tee off for Breast Cancer - Robe Golf Club | Kerrie Boyd | |
| 2025 | Not Awarded | Georgie Wirth | SA Rural Women's Gathering 2024 Robe Event | Richard White | |
| 2026 | Catherine Brewin | Lexy Hayes | Southern Ocean Art Prize | Kelly Burton |