Courtney Blacker named Murray Bridge’s citizen of the year

A volunteer who has won more than $3 million worth of grant funding for local sporting clubs has been named Murray Bridge’s citizen of the year on Australia Day 2025.

Courtney Blacker and four other award recipients were honoured at a breakfast at Edwards Square on Sunday morning.

Ms Blacker received two nominations for the top award after a massive year as the grants officer for both the Murraylands Gymnastics Academy and Mypolonga’s combined sporting clubs.

She spearheaded the gymnasts’ campaign to find a new home after their Thomas Street gym was flooded in December 2023, a push which helped the academy win a $1.5 million federal grant towards a new building on Murray Bridge’s east side late last year.

She also led efforts to win two separate half-million-dollar grants for the Tigers, who will get new change rooms and an extra netball court during the next year or so thanks to the state government and a community fundraising campaign.

Not a bad bit of volunteer work for someone who was already flat chat managing a public relations firm.

“A volunteer coach, committee member and all-around inspiration, Courtney’s selfless efforts have left a lasting impact on local sporting clubs, particularly by creating opportunities for women and girls,” Murray Bridge council CEO Heather Barclay said.

“Her tireless work and passion have brought smiles to countless children and families across the Murraylands.”

However, Ms Blacker credited the people around her for those successes, including the academy’s Jemma Tilley and Bianca Girdler and Mypo’s Joel Eckermann and Jason Stewart, among others.

“The best outcome for me will be when the facilities are built, when kids are in there jumping around and having fun, and when women can finally have showers at Mypo,” she said.

She regretted not getting a chance to make a speech on the morning, as she had hoped to take the opportunity to push for a change to the date of Australia Day.

It wasn’t right to celebrate our national day on January 26, the anniversary of British colonisation and a painful day for many Indigenous Australians, she said.

“I love this region and the country we live in, but I believe we should all get to celebrate it,” she said.

She had considered boycotting Sunday’s ceremony, but relented after a friend encouraged her to use the event as a platform instead.

Youth leader named young citizen of the year

Meanwhile, the winner of Murray Bridge’s young citizen of the year award was Jess Deane, a member of the city’s youth council, youth action committee, community advisory committee and Murray Bridge Players and Singers.

She played a central role in the launch of the council’s annual Kick Start Loans program, which offers interest-free loans to entrepreneurs under the age of 25.

She had also helped organise movie and trivia nights and youth forums, Ms Barclay said, and was a passionate advocate for youth and the arts.

Band leader, volunteer driver both earn active citizenship awards

Award judges were so impressed by the two nominees for Murray Bridge’s active citizenship award, which recognises community service, that they couldn’t split them.

One of the two recipients was Les Smith, “a dedicated leader and active performer” as chairman of the Murray Bridge Community Concert Band.

Under his leadership over the past five years, the band has celebrated its 125^th anniversary, begun staging an annual Murray Bridge Band Festival and started performing more often, at up to 20 events per years.

Band members have also benefited from new uniforms, instruments and even arrangements, with vocalists introduced to the ensemble at times.

The other award recipient was Ross Anderson, a volunteer with Murray Bridge’s Community Care program who drives older locals to medical appointments, shops and social activities.

“Ross’ reliability, flexibility and compassionate nature have made him a trusted and respected volunteer,” Ms Barclay said.

“He goes above and beyond, including driving accessible buses to help residents with unique needs, such as enabling a couple to shop together weekly.

“His contributions have significantly improved access to essential services and strengthened community bonds.”

Reclaim the Night wins event of the year

It might have been a little sparsely attended, but a Reclaim the Night event still made an important statement about women’s rights last November – that’s why it was named Murray Bridge’s event of the year on Sunday morning.

The Haven and its coordinator, Helen Mattick, accepted the award for the contributions the event made to inclusion, advocacy and community understanding.

Last year’s Reclaim the Night event was the first to be held locally since 2019.

“Through this impactful initiative, The Haven has played a vital role in creating a safer and more inclusive environment in the Murraylands, inspiring positive change and empowering future generations,” Ms Barclay said.

Thirty-one new Australians sworn in

Finally, the breakfast event included a citizenship ceremony for 31 new Australians.

From all the lands on Earth they came: the Phillipines, Pakistan, Thailand, India, Vietnam, Scotland, Bangladesh and Azerbaijan.

Dressed to the nines, they stood and pledged their allegiance before accepting little flags and gift bags from Mayor Wayne Thorley.

That was what the day was all about, guest speaker and Australia Day ambassador Daljeet Bakshi said.

“For me, the power of Australia Day lies in the celebration of the multicultural fabric that connects this country (and makes it) so special,” he said.

“Australia Day is not just a commemoration of the past, but a celebration of the present and vision for the future.

“It’s about acknowledging the history of this land, its Indigenous peoples and the diverse communities that now call this place home.

“It’s a day to reflect on how far we have come as a nation, and how much more we can achieve when we stand together, respecting each other’s differences, supporting one another and striving to make Australia a better place for everyone.”

Mr Thorley congratulated all the new citizens and award winners.

“I couldn’t be more proud of these exemplary individuals who play a pivotal role in enriching our vibrant and thriving community,” he said.

“We honour their exceptional talents, hard work and values … true local legends.”

• See more photos: Social photos: Australia Day 2025