A former mayor of Murray Bridge has been honoured for his transformational leadership on Australia Day 2023.

Brenton Lewis was named the city’s citizen of the year at Edwards Square on Thursday morning, adding to the accolades he received on his retirement last year.

His 2014 election slogan – “proud, safe, progressive” – became a mantra which guided Murray Bridge through an eight-year period of change for the better.

He oversaw the redevelopment of prominent public spaces such as Adelaide Road and Sturt Reserve; the launch of the Make It Yours campaign to encourage new residents; and championed local business, multiculturalism and community safety.

Mr Lewis thanked everyone who had helped him and the council achieve “a hell of a lot” during his two terms in office.

He was now enjoying retirement with his wife Kathy, he said – “one day a rooster, the next day a feather duster”.

There were three other nominees for the award:

• Annette Korzeba, for her dedication to community safety and campaigning against domestic violence

• Bronwyn Heard, for her community service through local service clubs

• Peri Strathearn, author of this post, for his commitment to local news

Mayor Wayne Thorley said had been delighted to see a range of deserving candidates nominated for each of four Australia Day awards this year.

“I felt extremely proud to be able to present these awards,” he said.

“We are very lucky to live where we do, and even luckier to know that we have people like this in our communities serving as inspiration and building a brighter future for us all.”

Scroll down to find out more about the other winners.

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