Kai Martin named Murray Bridge’s citizen of the year for 2026
The ultramarathon runner is one of five locals honoured with Australia Day awards this year.
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Ultramarathon runner and anti-violence campaigner Kai Martin has been named Murray Bridge’s citizen of the year on Australia Day 2026.
Already something of a community hero, he raised more than $67,000 for domestic violence prevention initiatives last year by running the length of the Lavender Federation Trail – a distance of 324 kilometres – in less than three days.
Event MC and council CEO Heather Barclay praised him for his courage, passion and commitment, for uniting his community and transforming difficult discussions into meaningful action.
Mr Martin is already fundraising ahead of his next epic adventure: running 500km in five days at Sturt Reserve this February.
“Really, this award is for Murray Bridge,” he said.
“We got to see what happens when a community comes together.
“I just ran – you guys are the ones that donated and supported me.”
He also thanked his partner, family and support crew.
Four other awards were also given out on Monday as around 200 people gathered for an Australia Day breakfast at Edwards Square.
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Anti-violence campaigner is young citizen of the year
Murray Bridge’s young citizen of the year is someone who has been following in Mr Martin’s footsteps.
High school student Neko Schoenau raised more than $2000 for the Zahra Foundation, a charity which helps women and children escape abusive relationships, by staging a walk and bike ride in November.
He had taken a school project and turning it into a selfless and powerful act of advocacy, Ms Barclay said.
In reply, Neko said he hoped to continue to advocate for the elimination of domestic violence in Murray Bridge.
An honourable mention was given to another young citizen: Said Balhaddad, whose quick thinking helped put out a fire in Murray Bridge.
Bridge Bricks Expo named community event of the year
The winners of a community event of the year award were the organisers of the Bridge Bricks Expo.
Members of the Rotary Club of Mobilong have put the event together at Murray Bridge High School for each of the past two years, giving budding engineers and sculptors a chance to show off their creations and bringing master builders to exhibit their works.
It was great that the event encouraged creativity and participation by people of all ages and had brought people from around South Australia to Murray Bridge, Ms Barclay said.
Bronwyn Heard accepted the award on behalf of the Rotary Club, and gave a heads-up that this year’s expo would be held on the third weekend in August with an emergency services theme.
Murraylands Animal Welfare Watch’s annual Paws Walk at Sturt Reserve was commended in the same category; Ruby Eckermann accepted a certificate.
Rod Harris and Jiron Blacket receive their awards from Wayne Thorley. Photos: Peri Strathearn.
RSL president and CFS captain honoured
Finally, Murray Bridge RSL president Rod Harris and CFS captain Jiron Blacket were both honoured as active citizens of the year.
As well as presiding over Murray Bridge’s Anzac Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies for the past six years, Mr Harris spearheaded efforts to upgrade the city’s Sturt Reserve war memorial, including with a pathway of honour which opened last year.
He also played a part in organising a 50th anniversary parade through Murray Bridge for veterans of the Vietnam War, in which he served with the Royal Australian Regiment.
Beyond the RSL, he is also involved with Legacy, the Murray Bridge hospital board and the Jervois Bowling Club.
Mr Harris said he was “humbled and surprised” to have been recognised, and thanked the community and his wife for their support.
Mr Blacket has captained Murray Bridge’s Country Fire Service brigade for the past 13 years.
In that role, he has led the brigade in responding to hundreds of local emergencies, including major fires at Rockleigh in 2014 and Yumali in 2020.
He has also helped the CFS with major incidents elsewhere around South Australia and the nation, and mentored numerous less experienced volunteers.
In accepting the award, he thanked his partner and kids for their unwavering support through the odd hours he had needed to keep; and his friends, workmates and fellow volunteer firefighters for helping him become a better leader.
Mayor Wayne Thorley congratulated everyone who had received an award or been nominated.
“It is an honour to recognise these outstanding individuals who make such a meaningful difference to our community,” he said.
“Their dedication, generosity and commitment help shape the spirit of Murray Bridge, and we are proud to celebrate the people whose everyday actions strengthen our city and inspire others.”
New citizens celebrate with friends and family as the crowd watches on. Photos: Peri Strathearn.
New Australians make their pledges of citizenship
The other speaker at the event was Australia Day ambassador Stella Braund, an advocate for mental health support, a first-generation Australian and a survivor of childhood domestic violence and sexual assault.
She encouraged everyone to persevere, whatever their circumstances.
“Your circumstances are not your destiny,” she said.
“Where we begin does not determine where we can go.
“The challenges we face do not define the limits of what is possible – persistence, connection and perseverance do.”
As if to drive home the point, 33 people who had travelled from across the world to make their homes in the Murray Bridge district took their pledges and officially became Australian citizens.
They had come from all over: India, Kenya, Malaysia, the Philippines, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.
Mr Thorley received their pledges on behalf of the nation, while state MP Adrian Pederick also bid them welcome.
The mayor also congratulated two Order of Australia Medal recipients with local ties: former Murray Bridge Racing Club chairman Reg Nolan and country shows volunteer Rex Liebelt.
