Ms Austin has worked tirelessly in her commitment to her community in Kaniva, where she also grew up.

She said it felt amazing when she found out she had been awarded Citizen of the Year.

"It was a real honour," Ms Austin said.

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'It was a bit overwhelming because so many people do so much for the community.

"I believe that's what makes our special special town so wonderful - there are so many givers."

Ms Austin's said the work for the community playground and garden on Rogerson Street Playground upgrade have been "the most wonderful thing I've been involved in."

She has also been involved in the Sheep Art Trail, she used her photography skills to promote the project and helped paint the sheep.

Ms Austin said art brings her a lot of joy.

"My mum paints but I can't paint like her. I grew up playing a lot of competitive sports and it's really nice to get satisfaction out of something that's noncompetitive.

"To share what i see through the camera, a lot of people really enjoy that. Working with a lot of people and seeing the joy it can bring kids and families, I enjoy that."

During 2020, Ms Austin said it was hard seeing the empty streets of Kaniva.

She said she wants 2021 to be about "health and happiness".

"I've had mental health issues, I've suffered with depression. I find that the reward of being active in the community, at a level that works for you, is a huge help.

"The park had up to 100 people helping, either monetary or working or planting. The idea started 10 years ago but it was two years of solid planning. We'd post updates. It gave people something to remain positive about during 2020," she said.

Ms Austin was nominated by her friend Helen Hobbs.

"I want to thank Helen and everyone that was involved in the park and the support since. A big thank you to my husband, Steve.

"The Kaniva community is such a joyful place to live. So many people are doing so many hours of unseen volunteer help. They are just out there helping people under the radar. That's what inspired me, growing up with that.

"Being part of community activities and this project in particular [Rogerson Street Playground] has helped significantly with my mental health, which can be up and down.

"However much you can help out, little or big, it's the best thing you can do."

Mayor Bruce Meyer said Ms Austin was an outstanding community advocate, who has dedicated countless hours in the promotion of the town.

"She has volunteered her time coordinating projects including the Rogerson Street Playground upgrade, the "Spirit of Kaniva" permanent photography display at the Kaniva Community Roadhouse and for the last 10 years she has acted as an administrator of the "Kaniva" Facebook page which promotes tourism to the town and district," he said.

"She is well known in the community for her commitment as a regular coordinator of community photography exhibitions at the Purple Starfish and for donating photos for media, postcards and promotional materials for tourism to the town."

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