For Loxton, Citizen of the Year was awarded to Genevieve Lehmann, Event of the Year was award to the Loxton Agricultural and Horticultural Society Inc for their annual Spring Show, and Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Zane Sheffield.

In Waikerie, Citizen of the Year was awarded to Robert (Bob) Kemp, and Event of the Year was award to the Rotary Club of Waikerie for their 2023 Waikerie Fringe Markets.

Mayor Trevor Norton was pleased to call the recipients of the awards on Tuesday 19 December 2023 and share the news of their wins. Mayor Norton said:

"I am thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 Citizen of the Year Awards, a celebration of individuals and events that have demonstrated exceptional commitment and contributions to our community, shaping the very fabric of our district.  From tireless community organisers to dedicated volunteers, the recipients of this year's awards have showcased an unwavering commitment to building a stronger, more connected community. I am particularly delighted to shine a spotlight on the young citizen of the year, an individual who had demonstrated a remarkable dedication to making a difference at such a young age. This award serves as a testament to the bright future that lies ahead for our community.

Loxton Citizen of The Year:

Genevieve (Genni) has won many service awards over her generous career as a volunteer and active community member. Her dedication to numerous organisations is impressive and a testament to her caring and generous nature.

Highlights of her contributions:

• 35 years and life member with charity Novita.
• 35 years with the Red Cross as committee member and member.
• 24 years servicing Loxcare.
• 4 years assisting the hospital redevelopment on the Loxton Hospital Complex Marketing and Development Committee.
• Mentoring Children for 54 years through the Learning Assistance Program.
• Active member of the Catholic Church for 66 years.
• Brown’s Well Football Club Life member.
• Probus committee member for 22 years and still going.
• Provided support to victims of violence through Riverland Domestic Violence Action group.

Even after all her achievements, Genni continues to volunteer her time to the community, helping organisations where she can.

Loxton Event of The Year:

The Loxton Agricultural and Horticultural Society have been organising Loxton’s Annual Spring Show for the past 103 years which is now the largest single event in the Riverland. The 2023 event saw 7,500 patrons walk through the gates and experience the many exhibitions and entertainment on offer.

Numbers have almost doubled since 2016 and more than 200 volunteers spent over 5,000 hours in planning, preparation, presentation, set-up and packing down the event. The exhibition entries have also continued to grow proving popularity amongst families in the district.

This year a special tribute to one of the Riverland’s WWII bomber pilots entertained the crowd as two tiger moth planes and a Hudson Bomber flew over the grounds on the Monday morning.

Due to the efforts of the committee to improve infrastructure this year, the Loxton Show will continue to be an event on the calendar that both Riverland locals and visitors look forward to.

Loxton Young Citizen of the Year:

Described as an exceptional young entrepreneur, Zane Sheffield’s short career has impressed not only the locals but has caught the attention of executives from afar.

Highlights of his achievements and contributions:

• Finalist in the National Shark Tank competition for entrepreneurs and winning first place.
• Invited to ThinkLab to attend an Agtech industry tour of the Riverland.
• Finalist in the “Teen in Business” Awards, regional or rural entrepreneur of the year category.
• Invited to Hannover, Germany to attend as an example of “The future of Agtech in Australia” at their Future Ag Expo.
• Awarded an internship with the University of Adelaide ThinkLab.
• Coach of basketball at Loxton
• CEO of Ag Tech by Design.

Not only has Zane designed and marketed a retro-fit design weed sprayer, he has also found time to give back to the community by participating in the Riverland Leadership Development program and as the youngest member of the Loxton Community Futures Inc. Zane has a bright future ahead and should be commended on his achievements so far, and his self-motivation.

Waikerie Citizen of The Year:

Bob Kemp is well known within the Waikerie community for his enormous contribution to the district through sports coaching and his voluntary participation in numerous community clubs and organisations. He was instrumental in the formation of the Waikerie Men’s Shed, an organisation that now has over 80 members.

Highlights of his contributions:

• Started Waikerie Plumbing Service in 1972
• Coached Junior Footy 1973-1978 with Mark Ricciuto being one of those Juniors
• First president and member of the inaugural committee that formed the Waikerie Men’s Shed in 2012
• Member of the Apex Club of Waikerie 1972-1984
• Waikerie Club committee member for 24 years, president for 2 years
• Life Membership with Off Road Racing after 24 years

Bob continues his contribution to the community and is still active in the Men’s Shed coordinating the bicycle workshop and social events.

Waikerie Event of The Year:

The Rotary Club of Waikerie’s River Fringe Markets brought together stall holders and entertainment from all areas of South Australia to provide a day of fun, food, entertainment, business development and connection within the community.

It was an all-hands-on-deck effort from the Rotary Club members collaborating with stakeholders in the weeks leading up to the event, on-site set-up and pack down from 6am on the day.

Highlights of the event include:

• Teddy Bear’s Picnic in the morning
• Zine Workshop within the library teaching the youth to create their own magazine
• “Fit to Fly” Acrobatics Group entertained the crowd
• Live entertainment from local musicians
• 41 stallholders from the district and afar
• Numerous food options including Rotary’s own food and coffee vans
• Stall run by the Waikerie High School encouraging students to sell their own items
• Generous attendance of the event

The Fringe Markets have been a well-attended event in the past and Rotary’s effort to continue to grow the event is to be highly commended.