Celebrating Adelaide Plains Council’s Citizen of the Year 2026 award recipients
Council is proud to announce this year’s recipients:
Citizen of the Year: Evelyn Dyer
Inspired by her mother and grandmother before her, Evelyn has committed her time to supporting her community through extensive volunteer work for the past 30 years. Two Wells has embraced Evelyn’s leadership in community service, with her time being spent across many local organisations and roles. She has been a dedicated member of the Two Wells Country Women’s Association since it was established, and is now the group’s treasurer. Evelyn also volunteers her time as treasurer and event support for the Two Wells Regional Action Team, chair of the pastoral care worker support group for the Adelaide Plains Interchurch Council, delivery driver for Meals on Wheels, a member of St Joseph’s Catholic Church’s Parish Committee and volunteers at the community run Two Wells Craft Shop.
Young Citizen of the Year: Maddison O’Brien
Maddison takes every opportunity to volunteer her time and energy to support the Two Wells Football & Netball Sporting Club – a club that she has been a part of since she was 6 years old. She contributes to working bees, skill development days and matches, and is a netball co-coach and umpire. Maddison is a supportive co-coach of the club’s U9 netball team, where she uses her experience to support the next generation of netballers. She is also a member of the Adelaide Plains Netball Association (APNA), which she represented at the annual Country Netball Championships and has also won the APNA’s inaugural Junior Golden Whistle award. Maddison extends her volunteer work to the Two Wells Equestrian Pony Club, and took the initiative to complete a Certificate 3 in Education and Childhood Care while completing high school.
Community Event of the Year: Mallala Institute 140th Celebrations, hosted by Mallala Community Arts
The Mallala Institute celebrated its 140th anniversary in August 2025, with an event hosted by the Mallala Community Arts committee. Attended by around 140 people, the event welcomed past community members back to Mallala to reconnect and celebrate. The successful community event saw five life memberships awarded to past and current members. Celebrations included speeches, displays of the rural youth movement and the early years of the Mallala Institute productions. Working with the Mallala Museum, primary school, and past and current members, a display featured photos and memorabilia of concerts, weddings, debutante balls, functions and stage productions, and a plane from the rural youth group. The Institute committee also performed two dances, including a military two-step and a progressive barn dance.
Community Project of the Year: Two Wells Fence Mural, Two Wells Regional Action Team
Enhancing the streetscape for locals and tourists alike, the northern end of Old Port Wakefield Road in Two Wells is now home to a colourful new mural. An initiative of the Two Wells Regional Action Team, residents came together weekly to work on the project. The artwork was originally designed by Glynis Carrington, and group members stepped up to complete the remaining panels after her passing, honouring her extensive volunteering, creativity and love for her community. The project brought skills and talent together to showcase the Two Wells Regional Action Team’s work in the community, bringing great ideas into fruition.
Council received worthy nominations and acknowledges the significant positive impact every nominee had on the community in 2025. Council Members carefully considered all nominations at the 15 December 2025 meeting.
Award recipients will be officially celebrated at Council’s Australia Day Ceremony and all are welcome to attend the free event on Monday 26 January 2026. Hosted by Mayor Wasley, recipients will be officially presented with their award and some residents will become newly conferred as Australian citizens.
Adelaide Plains Council Australia Day Ceremony
- Monday 26 January 2026
- Mallala Football Club
- Breakfast served from 8am
- Free family event, no booking required
Mark Wasley
Mayor
Published 7 January 2026