Berri Barmera names its top citizens for 2026

Local history identity Rosemary Gower was named 2026 Berri Barmera Citizen of the Year while the Young Citizen of the Year award went to Kiana Rundell.

Event of the Year was awarded to Riverland Brothers in Arms for a special memorial service to mark the 50th anniversary of Vietnam War’s conclusion, while Riverland youth group, Ramble Arts (formerly Riverland Youth Theatre), was named the winner of the Building a Better Community Award.

Berri Barmera Council Mayor Ella Winnall said the winners have made “outstanding” contributions to the community.

“Rosemary’s dedication to the community across so many areas has had a huge impact,” she said.

“She is such a well-known and larger than life identity in our community that I believe it will come as a surprise to many that Rosemary hasn’t already been a Citizen of the Year winner.

“Rosemary’s efforts over many decades have embodied community spirit and dedication.

“She is so passionate about the Berri Barmera district, putting in countless hours over the past 40 years to celebrate and honour the many interesting stories of the Riverland’s past.”

Ms Gower has played a vital role in a number of local organisations, events and projects, such as the South Australian Country Music Festival, Riverland Multicultural Festival, the Riverland NO:RI Music Festival, Loveday Internment Camp and Cobdogla Steam Friends.

The 2026 Young Citizen of the Year, Kiana Rundell, is a year 11 Rivergum Christian College student and has a strong association with both the Riverland Musical Society and Young Riverland Music Society, along with supporting the children’s ministry at Riverland Central Church.

“We’re privileged in our community to have such a community-minded young leader overcoming challenges and displaying an impressive range of values and skills,” Mayor Winnall said.

“Her active involvement with her school community, the arts and her dedication to education is inspiring and gives us so much hope for the future.”

In addition to her community roles, Kiana has undertaken a VET course as a school-based education support member while maintaining her academic studies.

The Riverland Brothers in Arms event, held in Berri by the Riverland Vietnam Veterans’ Association, saw over 100 people attend the once-off commemorative service in March.

The event was significant as representatives from the American Ex-Servicemen’s Association, headquartered in Melbourne, attended and spoke at the local event, along with representatives from both the Vietnamese Community in Australia SA Chapter and Vietnamese Veterans’ Association.

“This event was a true demonstration of mateship at a local and national scale,” Mayor Winnall said.

“It is a testament to our local Vietnam veterans’ association to have made this important event happen.

“It is important for us all to continue supporting our veterans and this just one small way to honour not just their service, but their ongoing commitment to each other since the war.”

The event was also believed to be the first ‘brothers-in-arms’ initiative of its kind.

Meanwhile, Ramble Arts received the Building a Better Community Award for providing youth empowerment, inclusion and connection for 40 years.

“In the past year, Ramble Arts delivered a world-class youth theatre performance in the War of The Worlds as part of Adelaide Festival at the Bonney Theatre, allowing locals to gain access to high calibre arts experiences that city audiences often take for granted,” Mayor Winnall said.

“While Ramble Arts is known for performances like this, the organisation plays a much deeper role in our community and has done so for decades, which is why it’s so nice to see the organisation get this recognition.

“They are filling crucial gaps in our community, supporting many of our disadvantaged and at-risk young people, providing vital connection, wellbeing growth and development where government services can sometimes fall short.

“The work that the small team there do has literally saved lives and that part of their work is often overlooked.”

Winners of the 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards will be officially awarded at the community breakfast on Monday, January 26.

The event will take place at the Berri riverfront with a community walk at 7.30am, breakfast at 8am, followed by the award ceremony at 9am.