Contest Category: Riverland Field Days Local Hero 2026

There are people who see what could be better in their community, and there are people who are prepared to put in the work to make it better. Brad Yeomans is firmly the latter. Brad has an extraordinary capacity to look at a challenge and believe there is a way forward. His “anything is possible” mentality has seen him give hundreds of hours of his own time to organisations across the Riverland, often taking on some of the difficult, complex and time-consuming work that happens behind the scenes. The first example lies in his contribution to the Loxton District Children’s Centre, Woodleigh. As Chair of the Board, Brad played a significant role during a period of enormous growth and change for the service. Faced with increasing demand for childcare in the community, Brad worked alongside the Director and others to find solutions. In 2024, this included working with the Loxton Council on a proposal to convert the former Natural Resource Management building into additional childcare facilities for 30 to 40 children. The proposal also considered creating dedicated spaces for staff undertaking further education and establishing an Out of School Hours Care service. These weren’t small ideas. They required planning, negotiation, problem solving and hours upon hours of voluntary work. Brad was also heavily involved in the much bigger vision for a new children’s centre and the sourcing of grant funding to support the idea. His contribution helped lay the groundwork for a project that will benefit local children and families for many years to come. Brad doesn’t volunteer simply to occupy a position on a committee. He gets involved. He asks what needs to happen next, works through the obstacles and follows things through. His contribution to the Riverland football community tells a similar story. Brad’s connection to local football spans many years. He played at senior level, captained the Loxton Football Club A Grade side and continued contributing long after his body got too old and tired to keep playing. He now also volunteers his time to the Riverland Football League Commission, including its Football Operations work, and serves as Chair of the RFL Tribunal. These are volunteer positions that come with considerable responsibility. They require preparation, judgement, integrity and a willingness to make difficult decisions and again, a large time commitment for the benefit of the competition and the wider football community. Then there is perhaps his most important role: Dad. Brad and his wife Scarlett are raising four young children. When you consider everything together, the scale of what Brad gives becomes remarkable. He has a demanding full-time career, four children, university study and all of the responsibilities that come with family life. Yet, year after year, he continues to find hours and hours to give back to his community. Those hours have to come from somewhere. For that reason, Brad’s nomination should also acknowledge Scarlett. The contribution Brad has been able to make to our community has been supported by an incredible partnership at home. There have inevitably been meetings, tribunal hearings, phone calls, emails and evenings spent working on community projects when Scarlett has carried more of the load with their family. Brad’s name may appear on the committees and volunteer positions, but behind the hours he gives is a family that gives that time commitment to the community too. Scarlett deserves enormous credit for supporting Brad to contribute as much as he does. What makes Brad a Local Hero is the attitude underpinning all of this. He genuinely believes things can be better. When the community has a problem, he helps find a solution. And when something seems ambitious, complicated or perhaps even impossible, Brad’s instinct is to work out how it can be done. The Riverland relies heavily on people who are willing to give their time without expecting anything in return. For his extraordinary work ethic, leadership, optimism and hundreds of hours of service to our community, Brad Yeomans is an incredibly deserving Volunteer Local Hero.

Paul Kaesler – Local Hero Award Nomination For more than 40 years, Paul Kaesler has been a dedicated volunteer whose contribution has touched almost every corner of the Riverland community. Through his leadership, technical expertise and willingness to help wherever needed, he has made a lasting impact on local organisations, events and individuals. Paul has volunteered with numerous community groups, including the Loxton Show, St Peter’s Lutheran Church, Loxton Historical Village, Riverland Musical Society, Loxton Lutheran School, Loxton Museum of Agricultural Technology and various youth and community organisations. He has served in leadership roles including Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, Technical Coordinator and Committee Member, often taking on responsibilities that keep organisations running successfully. A passionate supporter of community events and the arts, Paul has provided sound and lighting services for more than 20 years for schools, churches, musicals, concerts, community celebrations and special events across the Riverland. Much of this work has been undertaken behind the scenes, helping others shine while ensuring events run smoothly. At St Peter’s Lutheran Church, Paul has faithfully managed sound operations for nearly 30 years, supporting regular services, weddings, funerals and outreach to elderly members. As Chairman of the Loxton Historical Village since 2019 and a long-serving volunteer with the Loxton Show, he continues to preserve and strengthen important community organisations. Paul exemplifies the spirit of a Local Hero through his humility, reliability and lifelong dedication to serving the community.

They are always out and about supporting Moorook Animal Shelter, Cancer, Anzac Day breakfast and many other charities. Baked goods and jams for fund raisers a truly deserving couple that’s always giving if their time.