KINDERGARTEN teacher Janet Hazel has been announced as Light Regional Council’s Citizen of the Year for her ongoing support of her community through volunteering.

The Kapunda resident  as contributed to the running of the Kapunda Show for more than 40 years and was last year awarded life membership of the Kapunda and Light Agricultural Society committee.

Currently she volunteers as the show’s main convenor, organises entertainment, as well as cooks and organises all the meals for judges and special guests.

“For me the Kapunda Show is a fantastic opportunity for the local community to display and celebrate its achievements, right from the agriculture through to the kids,” Mrs Hazel said.

“I’ve been working with children forever and we’ve encouraged a number of schools and kindergartens to be very much a part of the show.

“So that’s what I find exciting – bringing a lot of people together.”

Mrs Hazel will formally retire from her teaching position at Kapunda Kindergarten in 2020 after 27 years, but said she will continue to fill various roles and help as needed.

Over the years she has co-ordinated upgrades of the grounds through ‘working bees’, and helped with major fundraisers, such as canteens, morning teas, open gardens, and auction nights.

Meanwhile, she is also currently serving on the Eudunda and Kapunda Health Advisory Council, helps fundraise for the Kapunda High School Centenary Foundation, and is a familiar face behind the barbecue for local community groups.

She will be formally presented her award at Light Regional Council’s Australia Day Breakfast, from 7.45am, on Sunday, January 26, at the Freeling FARM Centre.