The barbecue fired up early at the Streaky Bay Australian Day celebrations, with extreme heat forecast for Monday, the council switched things up with a barbecue at 8am.
Kids activities with Retro Squid were put on in the morning, with the Awards Ceremony kicking off at 9.30am.
Citizen of the Year Suzie Kenny was described as a highly deserving recipient, having made an outstanding contribution to the Streaky Bay community and the wider Eyre Peninsula.
The council said Suzie played a pivotal role in delivering the Eyre Peninsula Farmer Support Day, single-handedly organising the event and dedicating countless hours of her own time to ensure its success.
The 2026 Long Term Recognition of Service went to Graham Davis – a highly deserving recipient having volunteered for more than 25 years as a dedicated Country Fire Service (CFS) member.
Alongside his service with the CFS, Graham volunteers with the Streaky Bay Racing Club and Streaky Bay Golf Club, and is a committed long-term Hotel Board member.
Australia Day Citizen Awards 2026 Active Citizen of the Year was Wayne Miller, who the council described as a widely respected and deeply valued member of the Streaky Bay community.
Mr Miller has contributed his time and energy to organisations such as the Men’s Shed, Probus, and the Streaky Bay Lions Club, and is always willing to lend a hand – whether it’s fundraising, cooking BBQs, or assisting at community events.
The Business of the Year was awarded to Streaky Bay and Districts Medical Clinic Inc.
Run by a passionate and dedicated group of volunteers for the past eight years, the volunteer board has ensured the continued operation of a critical service that supports the health and wellbeing of the Streaky Bay community.
Australia Day Citizen Awards 2026 – Community Event of the Year was the Lions Club International – Eyre Peninsula Farmer Support Day.
The event was funded by Lions Club International, ensuring that 100 per cent of support provided went directly to farmers. As a result, 100 tonnes of sheep pellets were distributed to 150 farmers, helping to feed an estimated 75,000–100,000 sheep across the region.
Young Citizen of the Year Hannah Elliott is a role model and inspiration to young people in the Streaky Bay community. Hannah works the till at the Community Complex, assists at Busy Kids Childcare Centre, umpires and volunteers at netball (and helps with clean-up the next day), also supporting events like Perlubie Sports Day. She volunteers as a receptionist at a local chiropractic practice, and works most nights as a waitress at the Streaky Bay Community Hotel.
