Citizen of the Year

Des Chabrel has been named the Adelaide Hills Council Citizen of the Year 2025, recognised for his inspiring voluntary work creating Technical Aids for the Disabled, both locally and beyond.

Des adapts and redesigns bikes for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to experience the joy of cycling.

As a passionate runner, he also dedicates his time with many organisations such as Tribe Triathlon, Charleston Park Run, the Adelaide Harriers Athletics Club, Masters Athletics, and City to Bay events. His ongoing commitment to community service exemplifies active citizenship.

Adelaide Hills Council values the passion and commitment of its community and has for many years acknowledged this through the presentation of Citizen of the Year awards.​

On behalf of the Australia Day Council of South Australia, the Council celebrates the achievements and contributions of outstanding members of our community through the Citizen of the Year Awards.

Nominated by their peers, these individuals offer remarkable service every day and are so often an unsung hero. They don’t do it for the praise or for recognition – they do it simply because it makes a difference to the people in our community.

The Council presents a number of awards at events across the region annually and on three days either side of the Australia Day public holiday on 26 January. The award categories are Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year (under 30yrs), Community Event of the Year, and Civic Awards (multiple).

The Citizen of the Year Awards comprise four major categories:

Citizen of the Year Award

This is presented to someone making an extraordinary contribution to the community and may recognise outstanding service over a number of years.

To be eligible, the person must be an Australian Citizen.

Young Citizen of the Year Award

This is presented to a young emerging leader who is making a real difference in their community.

To be eligible, the person must be an Australian Citizen aged over 16 years and under 30 years of age on January 26, 2026.

Community Event of the Year Award

This is presented to the person or group who has staged the most outstanding event for their community.

To be eligible, the person or group must be Australian Citizens.

Award for Active Citizenship (Civic Award)

These awards are presented to a person or group delivering (or having delivered) outstanding work on a project, initiative or event for the community during the past calendar year. They may be an unsung hero who benefits a few people or many, in small or in major ways.

The person or group need not be Australian Citizens.

The Australia Day Council of South Australia and participating Local Councils call for nominations from community groups and individuals.

Nominations are submitted online via the Citizen of the Year website or using the form provided above.

All nominations received are provided to the relevant local Council for consideration and selection.

The Adelaide Hills Council presents the awards between 23 and 29 January and all finalists will be notified by Council.

Councils can forward the details of their Award recipients to the Australia Day Council of South Australia to go in the running for the State Awards, presented by the Governor of South Australia.

• South Australia’s Citizen of the Year Award
• South Australia’s Young Citizen of the Year Award
• South Australia’s Community Event of the Year Award
• South Australia’s Award for Active Citizenship