Each year, the awards acknowledge the work and commitment of those special community members who give up their time generously to others and contribute back into our city.

Mayor Glenn Docherty said: “I congratulate each of our recipients for the time, care and energy they invest in supporting others. Their contributions reflect the values of generosity and community spirit that make Playford such a wonderful place to live."

“It’s wonderful to see people using their time to benefit others in an incredible and meaningful way. Our recipients are having a positive widespread impact on making Playford a great place to live, work, play and raise a family.”

Melissa Grierson is the founder and operator of I AM ABLE Creatively Connecting Families, where her mission is to enhance parent–child connection through inclusive and innovative programs.

Melissa runs programs designed for birth through to the early years, using her seventeen years of experience working with children and families and eight of those years in the northern suburbs.

Her programs include Baby Massage (0–10 months), The Wiggly Collection (Mini Wiggle 0–2 years, Wiggle and Giggle 3–5 years) and the Birth Reflection, a listening service open to women and their birthing partners following a difficult or traumatic birth.

Alongside this, OH!Baby provides a welcoming group space for new parents to explore the transitions into parenthood, share experiences and connect with others navigating the same early challenges.

The Birth Reflection initiative is self-funded and gifted as a pay-what-you-can service, so everyone, regardless of income, can access this kind of care. Melissa is actively working to make it more accessible to rural and regional communities.

Melissa also gives her time as a volunteer with Keyword Sign Australia and at Regis Aged Care, where she participates in their intergenerational playgroup and visits residents living with dementia.

Her influence extends across the northern suburbs and beyond, with families often staying connected to Melissa and her programs as their children grow, helping to build a stronger and healthier community.

In November 2025, Melissa was invited to speak at the South Australian Helen Mayo House Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Conference to present on her abstract, Making the first 1000 days count: Building Relational Foundations Through Community-Based Programs.

Her relationships with people within SA Health, community organisations and early years networks continue to draw recognition and respect.

Mwangaza has been an active member of Playford’s African migrant community from 2018, creating and promoting initiatives that support the livelihood of its young people.

She runs the Sister Tribe Initiative which works with young and old women from diverse backgrounds, bringing a blend of social wellbeing and workshops focusing on financial literacy, education, skill development and employment.

She is committed to supporting young people, working with schools, connecting and sharing about culture to improve understanding of African life and culture.

Her work helps to bridge the gap between the African community and the government, helping people gain the knowledge and confidence so they can slowly become more active participants in civic life.

She has been recognised by the Department of Premier and Cabinet through her contribution to the Empowering Young Africans Program. She has been a nominee and semi-finalist of the Young Achievers Award twice in a row and a recipient of the Long Tan Youth Leadership Award.

Kaurna Plains Children’s Centre supports Aboriginal families in a profound way through its Family Support Program.

By delivering programs for parents focused on safety, wellbeing and financial counselling, they help create a strong base for families of all sizes and with varying challenges to remain engaged in their family’s health, wellbeing and ongoing development.

They host community events to build a stronger support group, offering meals, assistance with the school runs, support with purchasing school uniforms and lunches for families on lower income.

Recognising that it takes a village to raise a child, through this program Kaurna Plains Children’s Centre enables students to focus on their education and on being kids in a safe and supportive setting where everyone is working together and looking out for each other.

For more than 60 years, Elizabeth Grove Soccer Club has acted as a central hub for connection, physical activity and personal development in the northern suburbs.

The club supports families in need through fee assistance, promotes strong female participation, develops young players and coaches, creating a safe environment for community involvement.

Through social events, volunteering and partnerships with local groups, the club enhances community wellbeing and ensures everyone has a place to belong.

Elizabeth Grove Soccer Club shows what active citizenship truly looks like by assisting families, supporting local young people, welcoming everyone and always giving back. The club brings people together, strengthens relationships and creates a sense of pride and community spirit that reaches far beyond the soccer field.

The club has recently been selected as the anchor tenant for the new Munno Para Regional Sports Hub for its outstanding work in a variety of areas.

Megan Butler has been a dedicated member of the Lions Club of Elizabeth for an impressive 34 years, serving three terms as President and fulfilling the roles of Secretary and Treasurer.

Megan has played a key role in organising and delivering some of the club’s most impactful events like Christmas Carols as well as Fred’s Van and Care Packs which provides meals and essential items to the most vulnerable in our community.

Always supporting causes with a significant local impact, Megan has supported placing Lions Assistance Dogs within the community, a life-changing service that enhances independence and wellbeing for individuals living with disabilities.

Supporting children, their education and their wellbeing is a strong passion for Megan. She has volunteered at her children’s schools and local scout groups and has been actively involved with the Convoy for Kids initiative for 20 years, helping to deliver essential support to children and families in need.

Megan has been acknowledged with multiple Lions leadership and service awards, recognising exemplary humanitarian service, outstanding leadership and long-standing dedication to Lions values, along with two Lions International Leadership Medals. Together, these accolades reflect Megan’s enduring legacy and hard work across her community.

A young leader who dedicates countless hours of their time to the community, while juggling study, work and family commitments is the recipient of the Award for Young Active Citizenship. This year’s recipient, Krish Prudel, helps to deliver exciting activities for young people across community and sporting programs, including a Women’s Volleyball Participation program which attracted hundreds of participants to the game of volleyball.

Nominations for the 2027 Local Citizen Awards are open all year round, nominate your local hero today.