2026 Citizen of the Year Award Winners
Great communities are built by great people, and the City of Victor Harbor is fortunate to have many generous and compassionate residents who dedicate their time to supporting those around them.
The 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards provide an opportunity to formally recognise the important and valuable work that these extraordinary people do for our community.
Citizen of the Year
- Desmond Schirmer
Award for Active Citizenship (Joint Winners)
- South Coast Chamber Orchestra
- Anthony Rowland
Young Citizen of the Year
- Jake Baalmann
Community Event of the Year
- Victor Harbor Half Marathon
City of Victor Harbor Mayor, Dr Moira Jenkins, said the 2026 Citizen of the Year award winners were selected from a pool of high calibre nominees.
“This is an extremely exciting time every year, because it’s an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary efforts of people in our region. We are fortunate to have so many generous volunteers who share their time and knowledge as active citizens,” said Mayor Jenkins.
“This year’s winners are truly inspiring. I’m impressed by the time and energy that these individuals have given to their community.”
“Congratulations to all our wonderful winners. If you happen to know these individuals or see them out and about, be sure to give them a huge congratulations!”
The 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards will be formally presented at the City of Victor Harbor’s Australia Day Celebrations on Monday, 26 January 2026.
The festivities will take place at the Soldiers Memorial Gardens (Flinders Parade, Victor Harbor) with a free BBQ breakfast from 8am, followed by a formal ceremony at 9am.
About the City of Victor Harbor’s 2026 Citizen of the Year Award Winners
2026 Citizen of the Year – Desmond Schirmer
In recognition of lifelong service and volunteering within the region
Desmond (Des) Schirmer has dedicated more than seven decades to volunteering across the Victor Harbor community, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to helping others. He has contributed to numerous organisations, including St John Ambulance, the Southern Fleurieu Community Nursing Service, the Victor Harbor Sea Rescue Squadron, the Southern Community Transport Scheme, APEX Club of Victor Harbor and the Rotary Club of Encounter Bay, holding leadership roles and earning life membership in recognition of his service.
He has also served on hospital and community boards, driven and taught first aid, assisted in road accidents, transported patients to medical appointments, and played a role in establishing community programs. Even at 90 years of age, Des remains active in Rotary initiatives, planting trees as part of a revegetation program and maintaining his fitness with regular swimming.
Through his dedication, leadership, and tireless volunteerism, Des has made a lasting impact on the Victor Harbor community, inspiring others to serve, and fostering connection and support across generations.
2026 Award for Active Citizenship – South Coast Chamber Orchestra
In recognition of successful fundraising through concerts and events
The South Coast Chamber Orchestra, led by Emily Down, Andrea Dunkley and Wendy Dyson, has enriched the Victor Harbor community through over a decade of regular concerts, bringing both classical and contemporary music to local audiences. Beyond providing cultural entertainment, the Orchestra actively supports the community by raising funds and awareness for local groups and projects.
Through their dedication, the Orchestra demonstrates a strong commitment to active citizenship, fostering community engagement and enhancing the region’s cultural life. Their efforts have been warmly acknowledged by the many organisations and individuals who have benefited from South Coast Chamber Orchestra’s fundraising initiatives.
2026 Award for Active Citizenship – Anthony Rowland
In recognition of efforts to protect the local environment and marine life
In March 2025, Anthony Rowland took immediate action during a local algae bloom, alerting authorities, collecting water samples, documenting the impact on marine life, and keeping the community informed through regular updates and media interviews. His dedication extended beyond this event, as he identified environmental issues affecting local wildlife, ensuring authorities were notified and appropriate action taken.
Through countless hours of voluntary effort, Anthony has demonstrated exceptional care and commitment to protecting the Fleurieu environment and keeping the community informed, embodying the spirit of active citizenship and environmental stewardship.
2026 Young Citizen of the Year – Jake Baalmann
In recognition of outstanding volunteer efforts to support vulnerable community members
Jake Baalmann has dedicated thousands of volunteer hours over the past six years to supporting older residents in the Victor Harbor community. He is a valued volunteer with the Caring Neighbourhood Program, Southern Communities Transport Scheme, and the ADRA Op Shop, consistently going above and beyond to foster connection, independence, and wellbeing among the people he assists.
Known for his reliability, empathy, and genuine interest in others, Jake helps elders with outings, medical appointments, and even technology challenges, bridging the digital divide with patience and kindness. During COVID-19 lockdowns, he delivered essentials and maintained regular contact with vulnerable community members, demonstrating maturity and compassion beyond his years.
Through his compassion, maturity, and unwavering dedication, Jake has made a real difference in the lives of many and is a remarkable example of young community leadership.
Community Event of the Year – 2025 Victor Harbor Half Marathon
In recognition of a family-friendly community event
The Victor Harbor Half Marathon, organised by Great Southern Runs and Matt Evans, has grown rapidly since its inception in 2022, attracting over 3,500 participants in 2025. This inclusive, family-friendly event caters to runners and walkers of all abilities, with distances ranging from 5K to the half marathon, and provides opportunities for participants with disabilities to take part.
Beyond promoting fitness and wellbeing, the event strengthens the community by engaging local volunteers, donating to sporting clubs and community groups, and supporting the region’s tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors. In 2025, a Health and Wellness Expo was added to further connect residents and visitors with local services and programs.
The Victor Harbor Half Marathon has become a significant cultural and economic highlight for the region, celebrating community, health, and active participation.