Berri Barmera's top citizens named

Berri’s John Fewster was awarded Citizen of the Year for his lifetime of volunteering and contribution to the Berri Barmera district.

Berri Barmera Council Mayor Ella Winnall said Mr Fewster was a well-respected community stalwart, known for this community spirit.
“John is a salt of the earth, who is generous with his time and has given to so many organisations and community members over the years,” she said.

“His dedication and devotion to helping others is a real testament to his love of our community.”

Mr Fewster has had strong volunteer involvement with many sporting groups and organisations over the years, including Scouts, Berri Hockey Club, St Vincent de Paul Society, Berri Senior Citizens’ Club, Meals on Wheels, Riverland Christmas Appeal, Carols on the River, St Mary’s Parish and as a volunteer driver for people in need.

Meanwhile, Barmera’s Jemma Kassulke was awarded Young Citizen of the Year for her contribution to local sport, along with her fundraising efforts for the Mito Foundation.

In April, Jemma organised ‘Zoe’s Bloody Long Walk’ in support of her sister, Zoe, who lives with Mitochondrial ‘Mito’ disease.
The event raised $30,000 for the Mito foundation and was attended by 400 people.

“Jemma is a shining light of her generation in our community,” Mayor Winnall said.

Barmera’s Yarn Bombing in August was awarded Event of the Year. The Barmera Theatre Gallery project was hugely successful and brought colour and wonder to the town.

Wool was donated from around the Riverland and volunteers worked hard to ensure the success of the event, which gained plenty of media interest.

Lastly, the Berri Blazers’ Inclusive Basketball Program was the winner of the Building a Better Community Award.

The program provides a safe, disability-friendly environment where Riverland residents of any ability can gather to build friendships, social and basketball skills.

In a testament to the program’s success, it has expanded from 15 to 50 registered players this year.

In November, the club registered two teams to play in the South Australian Special Olympics state games, C grade division.

The teams came away with gold and silver medals and are looking forward to representing the Riverland again next year.

The program is the brainchild of Chrissy Eleftheriadis and she is supported by fellow coaches and volunteers.

“We are very fortunate to have so many people doing great things in our community,” Mayor Winnall said.

“It’s people and initiatives like this that really make our community such an amazing place to live.”

Winners of the 2025 Citizen of the Year Awards will be officially awarded at the community breakfast on Sunday, January 26.

The event will take place at the Lake Bonney foreshore in Barmera with a community walk at 7.30am, breakfast at 8.00am, followed by the award ceremony at 9.00am.