Find out which Adelaide Hills locals were recognised in the annual Citizen of the Year Awards.
Fifteen Adelaide Hills locals have been recognised with awards as part of the 2022-23 Citizen of the Year Awards program.
This year the Awards focus is Reflect. Respect. Celebrate. Our community has really embraced this theme with so many wonderful and worthy recipients.
We encouraged people to share stories of citizens who serve others in the community. Now we pay our respects and share in celebrating those stories of the unsung heroes in the Adelaide Hills who contribute so selflessly and make our community so special.
Woodside local, Natash Hortle, has been named the Adelaide Hills Council Citizen of the Year 2023.
Natasha continuously goes above and beyond in her community. She has been involved in family and community events, including bushfire recovery, sports clubs, the local school and kindergarten, the Tour Down Under, Christmas Pageant and Parades.
The ongoing personal effort and care that Natasha shows for those in her community that need support is outstanding and her impact is undeniable.
She has built strong relationships, provided both physical and emotion support to those affected by the 2019 bushfires and dedicated time to raise a significant amount of funds for Cancer research. She is a more than worthy recipient.
Pictured above: Adelaide Hills Citizen of the Year recipient, Natasha Hortle with Mayor Jan-Claire Wisdom
The Young Citizen of the Year Award 2023 was presented to 27-year-old Woodside local, Jasmin Scott, whose voluntary work has contributed to the Lobethal Bushfire Recovery Centre and the wonderful return of the Light of Lobethal festival.
Jasmin has cared for the Lobethal community during its recovery from the 2019 bushfires and has invested a significant amount of time bringing to life the Valley of Praise Christmas Maze as part of the Lights of Lobethal festival.
Her innovative, imaginative and compassionate approach has inspired others to become volunteers and she sets a fantastic example of service to others of all ages.
Pictured above: Adelaide Hills Young Citizen of the Year recipient, Jasmin Scott, with Adelaide Hills Council elected members (from left to right) Cr Kirrilee Boyd, Cr Mark Osterstock, Mayor Jan Claire-Wisdom, Cr Leith Mudge, and Cr Chris Grant.
The annual English Ale has been recognised as the standout Community Event of the Year 2023.
Running for 22 years, the festival brings over 1000 people to the region each year. In true community spirit the voluntary committee engage local people and businesses in planning and executing this unique event that showcases the Adelaide Hills.
The English Ale Festival has grown from strength to strength and brings together people from near and far.
The commitment to supporting and partnering with Hills businesses, as well as and encouraging visitors to stay and experience the Adelaide Hills is a priceless asset thanks to the event committee. We hope to see their event continue to grow into the future.
Pictured above: Adrienne Piggot accepting the award for Adelaide Hills Community Event of the Year on behalf of The English Ale Committee.
12 Civic Awards were also presented to Adelaide Hills locals who have made an outstanding contribution to their community and made an impact through acts of kindness and generosity.
These award winners were:
Annual awards are just one way that Council celebrates the passion and commitment of our community and the positive impact people make — going above-and-beyond in times of need and being inspirational representatives for the Adelaide Hills.