Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award Winners 2025

The Asbestos Victims Association (AVA) is a devoted group that champion support, awareness, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by asbestos-related illnesses.

Established to offer guidance, education, and assistance, AVA ensures no one faces the challenges of asbestos exposure alone. Their work has been a vital source of strength and compassion within the Salisbury community.

Notably, the annual Asbestos Victims Memorial Ceremony, held each November at Pitman Park, is central to AVA’s work in honouring the memory of those lost to asbestos-related diseases. It offers a space for reflection, solidarity, and healing, uniting people from diverse backgrounds in a collective act of remembrance and hope.

Beyond this ceremony, AVA leads vital educational campaigns and offers crucial support for victims and their families. Their efforts to equip people with the essential knowledge to safeguard their health contributes to our community’s resilience against future risks – and this service to the people of our City is deeply valued.

AVA’s advocacy for improved safety standards, policy changes, and better health outcomes for those affected has had far-reaching impacts and gathered widespread recognition, not just in Salisbury but across South Australia.

On behalf of a grateful community, we thank the Asbestos Victims Association for its extraordinary contributions. This Award for Active Citizenship is a testament to your dedication, compassion, and commitment to building a stronger and more united Salisbury. Congratulations.

It is an honour to present the Citizen of the Year Award to an inspiring and dedicated individual, Madeeha Usman.

Madeeha has devoted significant time and effort to supporting and investing in our local community. Through her two businesses, The Kalculators and Care Assure, she has made a profound difference in the lives of many. The Kalculators provides affordable, expert tax services in over 10 languages, helping clients navigate the Australian tax system. This empowers individuals to establish businesses, gain financial independence, and contribute to our economy.

Care Assure has created 53 purpose-built homes for NDIS participants, and Madeeha also provides two seven-bedroom homes as temporary housing for migrants. These homes offer newcomers a stress-free start in Australia, helping them find their footing in a new environment. Her compassion transforms challenges into opportunities, strengthening our community and ensuring those in need are supported and uplifted. Her work reflects a deep commitment to inclusion, diversity, and care excellence.

With this award, we honour not just Madeeha’s achievements but also the values she embodies: kindness, consideration for others, and an unwavering dedication to community.

Congratulations, Madeeha. The City of Salisbury deeply appreciates your selfless contributions and your commitment to helping our community thrive.

The Salisbury Community Christmas Parade, organised by the Salisbury Business Association (SBA), has become a cherished tradition and an integral part of the City of Salisbury’s festive season. For over 30 years, this vibrant event has brought together local residents and visitors, celebrating the cultural and social diversity that defines our community.

SBA’s dedication has ensured the Salisbury Community Christmas Parade not only endures but thrives. Each year, the event grows, with an increasing number of colourful floats, captivating live entertainment, and engaging activities. This commitment has solidified the parade as a symbol of Salisbury’s identity, creating lasting memories for generations.

The free and inclusive nature of the event ensures accessibility for all, allowing community members to celebrate together without financial barriers. By encouraging participation from schools, local businesses, and community groups, SBA encourages a sense of unity and pride throughout the City – pride that can be seen everywhere on the day of the event.

Supported by local sponsors and embraced by the City of Salisbury, the parade is widely recognised as one of the region’s most significant community events. The SBA’s commitment to enhancing community life in our City makes the Salisbury Community Christmas Parade a worthy recipient of the Community Event of the Year Award.

Congratulations!

For over five decades, the Northern Districts Athletics Club (NDAC) has been a pillar of the Salisbury community, promoting health, inclusivity, and connection through athletics. From grassroots programs to elite-level competition, NDAC has made an extraordinary impact, encouraging physical activity and community spirit across all ages and abilities.

NDAC’s diverse programs cater to a wide range of participants. The Little Athletics program nurtures young athletes as young as three, while the Recreational Running Group and Social Athletics initiative engage adults of all skill levels. Its star event, Salisbury.RUN, showcases the inclusivity and vibrancy of Salisbury, attracting over 600 participants in 2024, including Olympians, Paralympians, and local residents.

A leader in accessibility and inclusion, NDAC actively reduces financial barriers, supports athletes with disabilities, and cultivates an environment where everyone feels valued. The club’s commitment extends beyond athletics, contributing over $8,500 to charitable causes and empowering volunteers with training opportunities to ensure the sustainability of its programs.

Widely recognised for its excellence, NDAC has produced record-breaking athletes, received prestigious awards, and inspired increased participation across the region.

NDAC is more than a club – it is a community that exemplifies active citizenship and a commitment to making Salisbury a healthier and more connected city.

Congratulations, NDAC.

Dennis has been an integral volunteer at the Penfield Model Engineering Society for over 50 years, where he has been instrumental in maintaining the club’s facilities and assisting with train rides for thousands of visitors. Despite recent health challenges, Dennis continues to visit the club six days a week to ensure the grounds remain safe and to support fellow volunteers with his friendly, helpful approach. His dedication also extends to the historic steam tugboat Yelta at Port Adelaide, where he remains actively involved with past volunteers. Dennis’s commitment and warm spirit have made a lasting impact on the community, making him a cherished figure in Salisbury North.

Congratulations Dennis on this well-deserved recognition!

Since joining the Rotary Club of Salisbury in 2015 – and even before then – Mary Purbrick has been a vital member of the organisation and a tireless volunteer in the wider community. Her nomination overflowed with contributions, making it impossible to capture all her efforts in a single summary.

Mary’s selflessness, generosity, and exceptional organisational skills have positively impacted countless lives. As Membership Manager, Service Projects Director, and Manager of the AllSorts Rotary Op Shop (just to name a few), she has been instrumental in enabling the club to support initiatives that would not be possible without her.

Under Mary’s leadership, the op shop thrives as the club’s primary income stream, with her overseeing volunteer rosters, stock management, and daily operations. This vital role enables the club to support local, national, and international projects that create meaningful change in vocational, environmental, and youth spaces.

Mary’s dedication has earned her accolades such as the Heide Taylor Community Service Medal and a Paul Harris Fellow award. Beyond high-profile events like the Northern Business Breakfast, Salisbury Christmas Parade, and Food and Cultural Festival, it is her behind-the-scenes efforts that truly reflect her commitment. From managing the Rotary Sewing Circle, (which has produced over 5,000 bags for Backpacks 4 SA Kids), to organising meals, creating fundraising prizes, and supporting members in need, Mary consistently goes above and beyond.

Her often-unseen contributions empower the Rotary Club to thrive. Mary has enriched the community and is the true definition of a caring citizen.

Congratulations to Mary on this well-deserved Senior Citizen of the Year Award!

Dal Za Tuang Naulak has made a significant impact on the Zomi community through his role as head coach of the Zomi United Soccer Club and his volunteer work with Zomi Innkuan Adelaide.

By dedicating his time and energy to coaching, Dal has provided a positive outlet for young people, helping them focus on constructive activities and stay away from negative influences.

Dal’s leadership extends beyond the soccer field. He offers guidance on important life matters, such as post-secondary education and job applications, and creates a supportive, inclusive environment where all members feel welcome. His efforts in organising training sessions, matches, and social events have strengthened bonds within the Zomi community and beyond.

Dal consistently exceeds expectations in his role, demonstrating outstanding active citizenship and a genuine commitment to the wellbeing of others. His positive influence is evident in the increased participation and growth of the club. Dal’s selfless dedication has inspired others to contribute to the community, leaving a lasting impact on many.

Congratulations to Dal Za Tuang Naulak for this highly deserved Young Citizen of the Year Award!