Every Generation Onkaparinga Awards
The Every Generation Onkaparinga Awards recognise everyday people who exemplify or contribute to positive ageing in our region.
The 2025 awards were presented at our annual awards Night on Oct 22nd.
There were a record breaking twenty-four eligible nominations made in 2025 with amazing long-term commitment and dedication demonstrated by each of the nominees. Their selfless contributions have had a profound impact on our community, and each nominee embodied the spirit of service and resilience. With so many outstanding individuals, choosing a single winner was difficult, and we celebrate every nominee for their contributions.
The Intergenerational Award category recognises those who bring the generations together, reduce ageism and demonstrate the value of intergenerational connection.
2025 Intergenerational Winner - Grandbuddies
What started as a classroom inquiry into ageing and loneliness has grown into a vibrant, student-led program linking Pilgrim School students with senior members of Seeds Church. A heartwarming example of community, curiosity, and care in action. Interactions have extended beyond sessions, with seniors attending school musicals and children performing Nativity plays for their grandbuddies. By challenging age stereotypes and fostering mutual respect, Grandbuddies proves that meaningful intergenerational connection is both possible and powerful.
2025 Nominees
Andy Coleman continues to inspire a generation of young environmental leaders through a decade of dedicated volunteering by mentoring students from Reception to Year 9 at Galilee School.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association bringing joy, intergenerational connection, and cultural celebration to Christie Downs through cooking, community, and care.
Friends of Onkaparinga Park have been restoring and protecting native bushland for 38 years. With weekly working bees and volunteers of all ages they inspire all generations to connect with nature.
Pride of the South unite people of all ages and backgrounds through events like the Southern Pride March. Strengthening community connections, tackling stigma, and creating safe spaces for rainbow elders, youth, and allies to thrive.
Rotary Club of Morphett Vale provides new opportunities for young people. Their flagship project, Camp Calperum, offers inclusive, eco-cultural learning offers inclusive, eco-cultural learning for students to safely experience nature, culture, and community.
Sandy Thompson brings fun, creativity, and unwavering dedication to the Under 5s programs at Hackham West Community Centre, nurturing children’s learning and fostering meaningful intergenerational connections.
The Group Award category recognises groups that have a clear and positive impact by supporting older people to be active, engaged and purposeful members of the Onkaparinga Community.
2025 Group Winner - The Willunga Basin Trail Inc
For over a decade, volunteers from Willunga Basin Trail Inc have poured more than 10,000 hours into creating and caring for a 130km walking trail that showcases the region’s natural beauty. Their dedication has not only built a world-class trail but also fostered fitness, friendship, and community pride across generations.
2025 Nominees
The Friday Lunch Program's dedicated team of volunteers dish up nutritious, low-cost meals with warmth and generosity at Aldinga Community Centre, transforming lunch into a place of friendship and belonging. They go above and beyond to nourish both body and spirit each week during school terms.
The Mahjong Group has been more than just a game for nearly 15 years at Coromandel Community Centre. It has become a cornerstone of community life, fostering connection, inclusion, and positive ageing through the joy of play.
The McLaren Vale Patchworkers are passionate, multi-generational group combines creativity, skill, and community spirit to support local organisations and inspire pride in craftsmanship.
The Southern Vales VIEW Club empowers women through friendship, lifelong learning, and volunteering, whilst raising funds to support disadvantaged students. Proving that positive ageing is about staying engaged and making a difference.
Willunga Ukuleles bring people together through the joy of music. With members aged 15 to 80+, they perform at festivals, community events, and aged care homes. Spreading joy, reducing isolation and fostering belonging across generations.
The Woodcroft Senior Social Committee brings seniors together through affordable, inclusive events and outings that foster connection, wellbeing, and community pride. Their warmth, dedication, and eye for detail make every gathering affordable, welcoming, and fun.
The Individual Award category recognises individuals who have provided outstanding service to positive ageing. These are people who do not let age define them and remain actively involved in improving life better for themselves and everyone round them.
2025 Individual Winner - Peter Symons
A member of Aldinga Bay Surf Life Saving Club since 1978, Peter has saved lives, trained generations, and built community spirit. His latest achievement—the “Silver Salties” program—has grown from 3 to 52 members, giving older residents a safe, fun way to stay active, social, and connected.
Lifetime recognition
Laurel Jared’s lifelong dedication to her community inspires all generations through many different types of leadership and service from Girl Guides to the Uniting Church, the Historic Hall, and JP services. Her warmth, energy, and selfless commitment make her a beloved role model.
Eileen MacGreavy has been the heart of her parish for more than six decades faithfully serving in every role. Her boundless energy and optimism make her a shining role model, proving that age is no barrier to service or community connection.
2025 Nominees
Pam Castle has spent over a decade uplifting life at The Sands, being the driving force that keeps residents connected, informed, and inspired in a warm and caring manner. Her energy, kindness, and innovation have transformed village life.
Jane Morrison has dedicated over a decade to empowering women and children through Zonta, leading the advocacy that helped establish the Southern Domestic Violence Hub. She has left a lasting legacy for the southern community.
Gail Wakelam has been a tireless advocate, JP, and community leader supporting the needs of our older community for over 40 years. She combines professionalism with empathy, ensuring older residents feel supported, respected, and empowered.
Lesley Sweetman has committed her time in retirement to championing women’s safety, leadership, and wellbeing through Zonta as President of Zonta Noarlunga Southern Vales and later District 23 Advocacy Chair, empowering others to take action.
Joy Rolls is a true community champion for 14 years she has been a driving force in Neighbourhood Watch and the Southern Community Showcase and has been uniting people of all ages through community spirit.
Vicky Rowland-Knapman has remained her commitment to lifting up people in crisis through counselling, food relief, and community collaboration though her working life and now into her retirement. Her leadership at the S.A.F.E. Centre, ensures vulnerable residents receive practical support, with dignity and hope.
Cheryl Young is a dedicated St John Community Care volunteer whose empathy, and commitment have transformed lives. Passionate and reliable, she creates unique experiences that foster independence, joy, and dignity.
We were also pleased to recognise the announcement of the Ray Gilbert Awards to Vicky Rowland-Knapman for her leadership at the SAFE centre and Dean Rowe for his fundraising, leadership, and generosity whilst honouring his late wife through “Judith’s Legacy.”
Access our awards night booklet to find out more about each wonderful nominee.