A neighbour making a huge difference to her local community, a young champion for marginalised voices, a quiet achiever supporting men's mental health, and an event that makes our community healthier and happier have been recognised in the annual City of Adelaide Citizen of the Year awards.
Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith today presented the awards at Adelaide Town Hall following a citizenship ceremony to welcome 40 conferees from 20 different countries.
Our community within Adelaide and North Adelaide is full of people and groups who have gone above and beyond to make a difference. Each year the Citizen of the Year Awards recognise people and groups who continue to make a positive difference in the local community.
The 2026 award winners are:
- 2026 Citizen of the Year - Sarah Ladewig-Jones
- 2026 Young Citizen of the Year - Evan Johnson
- 2026 Community Event of the Year - Nantu Wama parkrun
- 2026 Active Citizen of the Year - James Davidson
Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith said city resident Sarah Ladewig-Jones was awarded 2026 Citizen of the Year in recognition of the many important roles she plays in her local neighbourhood.
"Whether it be hosting Neighbour Day, raising funds for Gilles Street Primary School or contributing to the Walyu Yarta Community Garden, Sarah is the kind of neighbour we would all love to have," said the Lord Mayor.
"Sarah contributes to her community in so many ways, even bringing people together to create a street library for the benefit of all locals. We thank Sarah and congratulate her for being named our
2026 Citizen of the Year.
"I also congratulate our other award winners in Evan Johnson, James Davidson and everyone involved in Nantu Wama parkrun."
City of Adelaide's Access and Inclusion Advisory Panel Chair Evan Johnson was nominated for the key role he plays in shaping positive access and inclusion outcomes across the city.
Nantu Wama is so much more than just a run and was nominated due to the way the event welcomes participants and fosters building friendships along with fitness.
James Davidson was nominated due to leading two impactful initiatives that support men's mental health as well as improving physical fitness.
In addition to welcoming conferees today, Council will also welcome 84 conferees tomorrow from 34 different countries.
2026 Citizen of the Year - Sarah Ladewig-Jones
Sarah fills many roles in her local community and has hosted Neighbour Day events for residents of Hals Place/Weil St over the past couple of years. She has also been a leader of the Parents group of Giles Street Primary School and was instrumental in the huge success of the recent celebrations of the 125th anniversary of the school. Sarah also is an active member of the Walyu Yarta Community Garden and regularly assists the garden by liaising with Gilles Street Primary School to bring students to the garden and also designing promotional flyers to promote holiday working bees in the garden.
2026 Young Citizen of the Year - Evan Johnson
Evan Johnson has made extensive and meaningful contributions to the disability, neurodivergent, queer, and student communities through professional practice, advocacy, leadership, and volunteer work. Evan's civic contribution is strongly demonstrated through his work with the City of Adelaide's Access and Inclusion Advisory Panel. As an Individual Panel Member-and now Chair for the 2025 calendar year- Evan plays a key role in shaping access and inclusion outcomes across the city. He provides informed, evidence-based, and lived-experience driven advice on projects, policies, and strategies, ensuring that decisions reflect the needs of disabled, neurodivergent, and LGBTQIA+ communities. His leadership strengthens the Panel's capacity to deliver meaningful and equitable change for residents and visitors alike.
2026 Community Event of the Year - Nantu Wama parkrun
Nantu Wama parkrun is a free, weekly timed 5km event held every Saturday at 8am. Participants run, walk or volunteer at the event. The event is encouraging local residents to participate to improve their health and fitness. After the event participants meet at a local cafe for breakfast and coffee and to socialise. It's so much more than just a 5km run.
2026 Active Citizen of the Year - James Davidson
James has significantly enriched the wellbeing of the Adelaide community through his leadership in two impactful initiatives. At the Minor Works Building Community Centre, he established and facilitates the Adelaide region's Good Better Best Men's Sharing Circle-a safe, welcoming space where men meet weekly to share experiences, build trust, and support each other's mental health. This group has created a vital network for men, many of whom previously felt isolated. In addition, James launched Let's Walk & Talk, a free weekly walking group that brings community members together to connect while improving their physical fitness. This initiative promotes social inclusion, reduces loneliness, and fosters positive conversations that enhance community connectedness.
