Tenacity, dedication, selflessness, leadership and innovative thinking are the key qualities of those amazing individuals who are the “driving force” in their community. These individuals are at the forefront of community contribution in their field of endeavour.

They may have overcome significant difficulty, adversity or hardship to achieve excellent outcomes and raise pride in the community and our state. They may have pioneered significant changes in their community, business or organisation that have altered the way people think and perform for the better.  The BlueScope Leadership & Innovation Award will acknowledge role models who through their leadership, innovation and driving force pave the way for others to follow.

The Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Rural Community Health and Wellbeing Award will recognise individuals, communities and organisations in regional areas who are dedicated to those in need of health services. There are many who passionately and selflessly provide support, guidance, encouragement, assistance or professional services within the health sector.

They offer friendship, hope, inspiration and medical or voluntary assistance to the aged, infirmed, sick, injured and home bound. The Rural Community Health and Wellbeing Award acknowledges the services, efforts, actions and positive input provided by volunteers, carers and health professionals. These individuals, communities and organisations create a sense of community spirit, which plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life of those who depend on them.

The Fivestar Print Environment and Sustainability Award acknowledge proven passion and dedication to improving the Southern Australian environment. It seeks to reward individuals or groups who work to overcome the challenges facing our natural world and to overcome the barriers to change that are usually encountered.

Environmental improvements can come in many forms, for example, changing behaviours and patterns of consumption, restoring impacted areas, establishing sustainable business practices, and the protection of threatened species and habitat. Regardless of the focus, the result is a better environment for all to share and a brighter future for our children. Those entering this category will embrace the concept of 'think globally, act locally' and work to make positive change.

Successful businesses are making important economic contributions to our communities. Creative business and commercial ventures provide opportunities for growth, productivity, leadership, training and employment. Businesses are continuing to realise their corporate vision and mission in areas such as product development, manufacturing and construction, agriculture, primary industry, e-commerce, wholesaling, exporting, retailing, trades and other professional services.

The Prime Super Business Achievement Award will acknowledge successful businesses that also show good corporate citizenship and that are giving back to the community.

The T & R Pastoral Primary Industries and Agriculture Award applauds our unsung heroes and high achievers working on land or marine farming and those primary producers who work tirelessly to provide us with food, drink and shelter.

Primary industry and agriculture is the back bone of our communities. Our highly diversified and sustainable natural resources, dairy, farming and sheep and cattle industries have a reputation for products that are internationally competitive and among the finest in the world. The Primary Industries and Agricultural Award presents an opportunity for our community to acknowledge those who provide us with food, clothing and shelter.

Candetti Constructions have long shown their commitment to building outstanding sports and community projects and facilities to enable SA to lead the nation in events, training, recreation and community pursuits. The Candetti Sports Award recognises those South Australians that have demonstrated dedication, a strong spirit of competition, sportsmanship and a love of the game.

Encouraging and supporting the ambition and hard work of our athletes and sports achievers will encourage them to go further, faster, longer and higher than anyone before. Whether it’s competing, coaching, volunteering, administration or education, the Sports Award seeks to applaud their talents and recognise their commitment in the pursuit of excellence.

The Medibank Community Healthy Participation Award aims to recognise and reward the efforts of community and service groups and organisations that are dedicated to improving community health and wellbeing. There are many people in our communities who are innovative and passionate about helping others to understand the importance of nutrition and physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle.

It may be providing programs to encourage innovative and health-focused activities in the workplace, gym, within community groups or in sport. Or it may be assisting the aged, sick or injured with healthy living programs. The Medibank Community Healthy Participation Award acknowledges those groups that help others to adopt a healthy lifestyle or work/life balance, enhancing quality of life for all.

The Take Care Community of the Year Award provides projects, groups, organisations, cities, towns or local government initiatives with an opportunity to gain recognition for their achievements and contributions to their local community. These groups share a strong sense of community spirit, which plays a vital role in enhancing the social and economic prosperity of their community.

It is important to recognise and encourage these groups and organisations in their efforts to make local communities stronger and more vibrant places to live. They promote a true community spirit for future generations to come.