The City of Mount Gambier is pleased to announce the 2025 Citizen of the Year recipients. Citizen of the Year will be awarded to Trudi Shelton, Senior Citizen of the Year will be presented to Rodney Summers, Young Citizen of the Year will be awarded to Brad Hann, the Community Event of the Year will be presented to the Mount Gambier Family Truck Show and the Active Citizenship Award will be given to Mount Gambier Breast Cancer Awareness Group. Awardees will be formally acknowledged at the Australia Day Breakfast and Awards event at the Cave Garden/Thugi on Sunday 26 January 2025.
The awards celebrate the contributions of individuals and community groups who go above and beyond for the community.“This year we recognise some outstanding community members who so generously provide their time, resources and goodwill to benefit others,” City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin OAM said.
Mount Gambier woman Trudi Shelton, founder of local charity Four Reasons Why, is a dedicated community advocate committed to supporting those in need. Her efforts include providing winter clothing, food, household essentials and hygiene items, as well as providing refurbished whitegoods for victims of domestic violence who are leaving emergency accommodation and starting over. Trudi also organises fuel vouchers and assistance with sports membership fees to make a meaningful difference to the lives of many.
Trudi felt compelled to help those in need when she was working in pastoral care at North Gambier Primary School in 2016.
“I identified that children were not dressed appropriately for winter, they were cold and they needed coats, jumpers and shoes,” Trudi said.
“So, I went home and cleaned out my four children's wardrobes and donated their old clothes, which of course wasn't enough, so I asked my friends to do the same.”
The uniform drive sparked the creation of a Facebook group ‘Mount Gambier winter wear for kids in need’. Word about the initiative spread quickly and Trudi soon had enough warm clothing to provide for children at nine local schools.
“My children and I literally lived around piles of clothes because we touched every article of clothing to make sure that it was okay to be passed on and then we did all the deliveries,” she said.
The Facebook group soon evolved to provide clothing and food to those in need, which prompted a name change to ‘Mount Gambier community of helping hands’.
In 2017, Trudi was the recipient of a Women in Business and Regional Development community leader award for her dedication to provide for the less fortunate within the community, with a cash prize of $1,000.
“I used that money as seed funding to become incorporated. The name was too long, so we had to think of another one. My children are the reason I never gave up, so I called it ‘Four Reasons Why’ and we became incorporated with members of a board. – 4RW turned seven in November in 2024.”
Four Reasons Why provides support, assistance, and opportunities to local people in need. This includes the provision of good condition pre-loved items, brand new goods, winter clothing and footwear, drink bottles, sports equipment and memberships for local children, families and individuals experiencing hardship. All donations stay within the local community.
“We support an incredible young person who lost her Mum in an unfair and tragic dv situation when she was only young. She has always worked part time, attended school and further studies trying to help herself. To help her out further, 4RW provide her with ongoing support across the years and will continue to do so. We provided a laptop for her TAFE course and most recently paid for all of her driving lessons and final test to which she passed and can now work towards her independence even more. We do some of these additional things for people that need it because they are lost and traumatised. It's a real privilege to be able to step in and make some small difference that might prevent them from going down the wrong path.”
Trudi’s passion, understanding and empathy for others in need stems from her own personal experience of hardship and trauma.
“I know how tough life situations can be at times. I was five months pregnant with my fourth child when my partner left, and I was unable to work with three small children at home. It was neighbours, friends and family that stepped in to get us through.”
“It takes the village to raise a child, but it also takes that same village to rebuild their broken mum.”
Now that Trudi is back on her feet, her firm focus is supporting others in need to get back on theirs.
“I reconciled with myself that I can't give back to whoever gave to me, but one day when I can, I will. I had no idea it was going to be this big, it has been a beautiful organic, surprising journey.”
There's no shame in wanting, needing, receiving, or asking for help and the cycle of giving and a receiving is never ending. If we can walk side by side together, and do it with you and not for you, then we can empower you to do the same, or give back where you can. - Mount Gambier Citizen of the Year Trudi Shelton.
Trudi sees herself as a traffic controller to connect those who want to give with those in need of receiving.
“There are so many beautiful, amazing people in this community that want to give and there's so many people in need, so 4RW and I try our best to identify where can we connect givers to receivers to bridge the gap and help each other out. You can't have one without the other, so it's never really about any one person, because if we didn't have the givers, we can't offer so much support, and if we didn't have those brave enough to ask for help, then we've got no one to receive. So that's what I really love about Four Reasons Why - it's a team effort.”
Trudi feels honoured to receive the City of Mount Gambier 2025 Citizen of the Year award.
“It is very humbling and unexpected and a lovely surprise. It’s difficult to receive accolades, but I am very grateful, and it is nice to be acknowledged.”
Mount Gambier man Rodney Summers has made remarkable contributions to the local community throughout his life. Rodney is deeply committed to volunteering and generously gives his time and energy to support various community organisations and sit on local boards and committees.
Husband to Judy and father of five children: Michael, Kate, Naomi, Anthony and Amanda, Rodney juggled a busy home and work life as a well-known local postman delivering mail for Australia Post from 1965 until he retired in 2008.
“I always said that I would do some volunteer work when I retired and had some spare time, so I got involved with Rotary and my involvement on other boards and committees snowballed from there,” Rodney said.
‘When you work at the post office as a postie you're always in the community anyway, so to me, it wasn't a big jump.”
Rodney joined the Mount Gambier Lakes Rotary Club in 2009 and provided leadership through various roles including President (2018/2019 and 2021/2022), Vice President and Secretary. Under his guidance, the club undertook many community projects, supported local initiatives, and helped those in need. Rodney can usually be found front and centre at Rotary events greeting people at the Australia Day breakfast, the Mount Gambier Fun Run, market days and the Mount Gambier Christmas Parade.
“I love to speak to people, once I start, the eggs or chips I’m cooking might not be turned because I’m too busy talking,” he joked.
“I get a buzz out of that too, because there's nothing better than seeing a smile on people's faces.”
In 2022 Rodney was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship by Rotary International. The prestigious award is given to individuals who significantly contribute to Rotary values and demonstrate outstanding service to the community.
Rodney was one of the founding members of Sunset Community Kitchen in 2008 and has since dedicated time as a cook and currently on the committee as Treasurer. He said the initiative not only provides meals for those in need, but also creates a sense of community and belonging among volunteers and those who use the service.
“When we first started, we used to have a sit down meal for our clients, that way it was a more socialised experience for them. But, when COVID came along and we sadly couldn't do that anymore and moved to packaged food that people could take home,” Rodney reflected.
Rodney joined the board of the Mount Gambier Community Bendigo Bank in 2009, serving as Vice Chairman and a member of the Sponsorship Committee. His efforts help to facilitate funding for local projects and initiatives to enhance the living standards of the local community.
“I love giving out money, and we provide grants three times a year. It’s rewarding to go to a function and hand out a couple of thousand dollars in cash to the recipients to go towards a good cause,” he said.
Rodney is chairman of the Mount Gambier Tertiary Health Scholarship Committee which administers grants to support local students pursuing health-related careers away from home, ensuring that the next generation of health professionals receive financial assistance to help them succeed on their path.
“It’s amazing how many people come back to Mount Gambier once they realise the lifestyle advantages we have here. We really want to support our young people to return to the area and use their skills if they wish to do so.”
Rodney is a member of the Stand Like Stone Small Grants Committee, with an aim to foster educational and cultural development within the community, to enable local groups and individuals to access vital funding for projects.
The sports fan served as a tribunal member for the Western Border Football League and Mount Gambier and District Baseball League. He contributes to maintaining fair play and sportsmanship within local sports, promoting the benefits of teamwork and community involvement.
“I played cricket for West, played baseball for Federals, coached the Mount Gambier side, umpired baseball and then I was asked to join the tribunal and I was happy to do that,” he said.
Rodney was involved with the West Gambier Football Club from 1974 to 2000 in various positions where he aimed to create opportunities for local athletes and promote physical activity and community spirit through sport.
Rodney suffered a heart attack in 2017 and consequently underwent a five-way bypass. His doctor recommended he start walking to improve his health, so he came out of retirement and took up an offer from Australia Post to walk the main street delivering mail to businesses for three hours, five days a week.
“Every time I walk the main street, I probably say good morning 200 times a day, and to me, that's good,” he said.
Rodney eventually plans to retire once again and spend time with the light of his life, his first grandchild Leo.
“I never thought that at 75 years old that I’d have a grandchild, so when he came along he brought a new purpose and meaning to my life, he’s amazing.”
Rodney is humble about his efforts to give back to the community and says he continues to do so simply because he enjoys it.
We’re very blessed in Mount Gambier with volunteers and since COVID we've lost a lot of volunteers through ill health or age. I recommend it, it can be the best thing for you. I think it's even good for you mentally as your brain's always working and you are meeting other people and you’ll probably get some good ideas from them too. - Mount Gambier Senior Citizen of the Year Rodney Summers.
“I've never regretted volunteering and I've met a lot of wonderful people and made many friends,” he said.
Brad Hann is a local podcaster passionate about promoting physical activity as a way to enhance mental health and overall wellbeing among young people. Recognised by his peers as a role model, Brad actively engages with local sports clubs, including soccer, basketball and hockey, inspiring people within the community.
Brad and his friend Thomas established a podcast 'Yarns of Rubbish' in July 2022 with a focus on local issues and events around Mount Gambier.
The benefits of sport and physical activity to combat mental health issues and promote wellbeing in young people is often a topic of discussion on the podcast.
“I've had mates that have had nothing to do in winter and I try to get them engaged and convince them to come and play social sport,” Brad said.
The 22 year old recruited players for West Hockey Club, encouraging friends who had never played hockey before to participate in the division 3 team. As a division 1 player himself, Brad coached the under 16 boys in addition to the division 3 squad.
Division 3 lost the first five games of the competition, but with Brad coaching and developing the new players, their game improved and the team made the grand final following a four-game winning streak. They were ultimately defeated 2 - 0.
Brad received the West Hockey Club Person of the Year award for his contribution, dedication and efforts to grow and develop players along with his support of the club with bar and canteen duties.
The Yarns podcast brand has now evolved to include social sporting teams, with more than 30 new players involved in sport within the community, developing camaraderie, a sense of belonging and the courage to have a go at different sports.
“We've got three men's basketball teams, a women’s basketball team and an indoor soccer team. We're now looking at doing touch football and volleyball as well. If we could get a team in every single social sport, that would be incredible," Brad said.
Men's social basketball team ‘Yarns’ was put together in the summer season of 2023/2024, played on Tuesday nights. Brad designed uniforms and sought sponsors for the team, which grew to two by the winter season - Yarns Pink and Yarns Blue.
The two Yarns teams competed for a spot in the final. Yarns Pink made the final and trailed three quarters of the game to then come from behind and win the premiership.
Brad also volunteers at the local community radio station 5GTR FM as a program announcer once a week and voices commercials for sponsors to help keep the organisation running.
Brad encourages other young people to be active and engaged within the community.
If you want to do things you should just do it, there are people there to support you, it’s really cool that everyone's so supportive and we’re not cutting people down for trying. - Mount Gambier Young Citizen of the Year Brad Hann.
Brad is honoured to receive the City of Mount Gambier Young Citizen of the Year award.
“Winning this award is awesome, it’s unexpected, but it’s really cool and I’m incredibly grateful,” Brad said.
The Mount Gambier Family Truck Show began as the annual Toy Run, including a convoy of trucks that travel from Penola to Mount Gambier delivering toys to children and families in need. The initiative evolved into the Family Truck Show, which features a display of gleaming local and interstate trucks at the Mount Gambier Showgrounds. The event also provides free activities for children and entertainment for the whole family.
About 4,500 people typically attend the annual event, with 93 trucks involved in the convoy from Penola to Mount Gambier.
“The truck drivers are up polishing their trucks at 3:00am – 4:00am in the morning to make sure they are ready to roll in to Mount Gambier for the families and children eagerly waiting to see them by the roadside,” Mount Gambier Family Truck Show Committee Member Alex Moreland said.
“The drivers bring toys with them and they are donated to children in need. The trucks make their way to the Mount Gambier Showgrounds and park up for closer inspection by the crowds.”
The event is organised and run by a hard-working committee of volunteers, with the aim to provide a fun and memorable family outing that is accessible for everyone.
“It is an affordable day out for families, so once they pay the gold coin donation to get in at the gate at the showgrounds, all the children’s activities are free,” Committee Member Haydn McPherson said.
“There’s a jumping castle, inflatable bungee run, laser tag, giant sandpit with toys, a trike ride inside hay bales, colouring, face painting, scavenger hunt and of course Santa giving out lollies to children,” Secretary Michelle Nicholls said.
We get great feedback from the parents saying that it is a great day out. They don’t have to spend a fortune. They can pack a picnic lunch, you really don’t have to spend any money. - Mount Gambier Family Truck Show Committee Member Belinda Butler.
The event receives generous support from local community sponsors and the transport and forestry industry to ensure it gets bigger and better every year.
“Local dealerships bring vehicles along such as trucks, utes, boats and caravans, forestry simulators, forestry units, tractors, old steam engines, speedway vehicles and go karts. Local emergency services take part, including Police, Ambulance, Fire Service, NHVR and CFS units.”
“This event is one of a kind, it allows people to get up close and personal with trucks that they see around the area embedded within the local transport and forestry industry,” Michelle said.
Since 2017, the Mount Gambier Family Truck Show has raised about $75,000 for local charities to assist less fortunate families during the festive season throughout the Limestone Coast.
“We’ve given funds to ac.care, Sunset Kitchen, Four Reasons Why, the Mount Gambier Community Christmas Luncheon, Spare Ya Change for Kids, Foodbank, the Salvation Army and Gordon Education just to name some of them,” Michelle said.
The Mount Gambier Breast Cancer Awareness Group raise funds to support local people on their breast cancer journey. Since launching the initiative in 2012, the group has distributed 483 ‘Helping Handbags’ valued at $1,000 each to assist with everyday expenses like groceries, fuel, and pharmacy needs. Additionally, the group established a lymphoedema service in Mount Gambier, providing early intervention and local treatment.
The group was originally formed in 2000 by Mount Gambier woman Leanne Kosch and Tantanoola’s Kay Holloway. The women planned a luncheon to raise funds for breast cancer awareness which later evolved into ‘The Pink Party’, a fundraising event held annually since 2013.
The helping handbag initiative began after local woman Maria Knightly joined the group in 2010.
“At that time, we were hosting a lunch at The Commodore and the funds that we raised didn’t stay local within the community. I really wanted to run with the idea of locals helping locals, so in 2012 I created the Helping Handbag and I took the idea to the committee and the breast care nurse at the time, and they got on board with it. We started distributing our first bags that were valued at $300 in November 2012 and it has just grown from there,” Maria said.
“We often receive written feedback or cards from patients thanking us for the vouchers they receive. They state that it feels like someone else cares, and that is exactly why we all volunteer our time for this group, we do all care,” Breast Cancer Awareness Group Committee Member Jill Gilmore said.
Local breast cancer survivor Linda Hay is one example of a life that was touched by the efforts of the group.
I received the devastating news that I had very aggressive, stage 4 breast cancer in December 2023. I went for my first chemo appointment on 22 December 2023 and I was very emotional, nervous, and even a bit angry. But my beautiful McGrath Breast Care Nurse presented me with my Helping Handbag that day. It was full of wonderful useful gift certificates that were so appreciated, but it also showed me that I was not going to be alone, that I had community support as well as support from my beautiful family and friends. – Linda Hay
The group of 13 women host a highly successful annual fundraiser The Pink Party at the Mount Gambier Racecourse each year - a night to celebrate life in a supportive atmosphere. The event raised a record $27,000 in 2024.
“All the money comes to us from the community, we spend it at local businesses, they give us discount on the vouchers we purchase from them, they are quite generous, and then we give them to the McGrath Cancer Care Nurse Dana Mulraney who discreetly gives them to the patients at their first appointment,” Jill said.
The group’s ongoing fundraising efforts resulted in a healthy bank balance, so in 2019 the ladies decided to spend more than $70,000 to establish a local lymphoedema service.
“Local people that are diagnosed with lymphoedema need treatment and early intervention and this service wasn’t available in Mount Gambier.”
“We put a call out to physiotherapists to see if anyone was interested and Shelley Blachut-Jevtic was, so we paid for her training in Brisbane and Melbourne and set her up with a state-of-the-art diagnostic machine and a portable laser treatment machine. The diagnostic machine can pre-diagnose if you are likely to be susceptible to lymphoedema. We also purchased a diagnostic machine for the Mount Gambier Hospital,” Jill said.
“This service enables early intervention for everybody, not just for those with breast cancer, but for all local people with compromised immune systems as a public and private service.”
The group is honoured to be presented with the City of Mount Gambier Active Citizenship Award.
“We are humbled to win this award, we’re not looking for recognition, we’re quiet achievers, but we certainly appreciate this and we acknowledge the work of our former members who supported the cause along the way,” committee member Loraine Baron said.
The City of Mount Gambier Australia Day Breakfast and Citizen of the Year Awards presentation will be held on Sunday 26 January at the Cave Garden/Thugi.
The event will commence at 7:30am with breakfast provided by the Lakes Rotary Club of Mount Gambier which is available to purchase for $10.00 for adults and $7.00 for children, with all proceeds donated back to the community.
Entertainment begins at 7:30am with family friendly activities such as a jumping castle, henna and eco glitter tattoos and wildlife demonstrations by Australian Bush Buddies.
The event will be interpreted on stage in Auslan, the language of the Australian deaf community. In addition, accessible matting will be laid on the lawn, allowing better wheelchair access for attendees.
For those unable to attend the event, the City of Mount Gambier will livestream the proceedings at facebook.com/cityofmountgambier
Media contact: City of Mount Gambier Communications Officer Ashlea Watson at awatson@mountgambier.sa.gov.au or phone (08) 8721 2578.
