Lower Eyre Council’s 2025 Citizen of the Year Sophie Blacker moved from the Mid North to Cummins 15 years ago and has been giving her time to various groups and clubs ever since.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Cummins community?
I love that our community has loads of people willing to work together to make things happen, the culture and generosity is next level. I also love that we are an agricultural town with a fantastic proximity to so many amazing coastlines.
What jobs do you do in the community?
I am happy to help out wherever there is a need, but I am currently president of our Recreation Centre and working on various improvement projects there. I am also heavily involved in netball and gymnastics, and have just signed on to help produce our school musical and am very excited about that.
Which sporting clubs are you involved with?
Cummins Ramblers Netball Club, Cummins Gymnastics & Kindergym Club and Cummins Tennis Club. We are also Cummins Swimming Pool and Basketball members. Last year I enjoyed my first experience coaching a Great Flinders Netball Association team too.
What are some of your most memorable moments as part of the Cummins community?
Well aside from Rambler netball premierships I have loved every moment bringing up our four children in the Cummins community. There are some projects I am particularly proud to have been a part of, including a Mother’s Day Classic walk for breast cancer fundraising, helping establish a nature playground, dancing in a music hall that raised money for our hospital auxiliary and currently working with a group to improve the turf on our town oval. Being awarded this year’s Lower Eyre Council Citizen of the Year has also been humbling and special.
What is the best television show that you’ve seen in the last 12 months?
I do not watch much TV but I love Ted Lasso and I also like audiobooks as I can listen on the go with my favourites in the last 12 months: Lessons in Chemistry, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart and Lola in the Mirror.
What is your favourite way to relax?
At our Dutton Bay shack with my husband Scott and the kids starting with coffee on the deck, a paddle board, swimming at Farm Beach and a little bonfire and wine in the evening.
If you are going out for dinner, what is your go to order?
Something Italian and a wine, preferably shared with friends.
Favourite/band singer?
My kids have hijacked my Apple Music but I like lots of different genres, anything you can get up and dance to.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Just to keep perspective and try not to sweat the small stuff and enjoy the present and be grateful every day.
