Pride Adelaide has announced the finalists for this year’s South Australian Pride Awards, recognising LGBTQIA+ trailblazers, changemakers, quiet achievers and community champions.
The Awards celebrate the people, organisations, events, and volunteers who make a real impact across LGBTQIASB+ communities in South Australia.
Recognising the people who show up, stand up, and create spaces where community can thrive.
“What a response, nearly 2,000 votes cast. The biggest turnout we’ve ever seen. This community showed up.” Pride Adelaide said on socials as they announced the top five finalists across ten categories.
“Across every category, these finalists reflect the energy, talent, and impact driving LGBTQIASB+ communities across South Australia right now.”
“Big moments. Quiet achievers. Absolute icons.”
Following a public nomination and vote, the finalists are assessed via an independent panel as Adelaide’s LGBTQIA+ night of nights gets closer.
Drumroll, please, and the finalists are…
Community Group of the Year
- Feast Queer Youth Drop In
- Hike Society Adelaide Inc.
- Pride Of The South
- Rainbow Crows
- Sa Rainbow Advocacy Alliance
Community Impact Award
- Damon Sawtell
- Feast Festival
- Feast Queer Youth Drop In
- Marys Poppin
- Pride Of The South
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Employer Of The Year
- Department Of Human Services
- Diverse-City
- Shine Sa
- Sonder
- Uniting Country Sa
Event Of The Year
- Drag High Tea
- Laya & Fifi’s Drag Bingo & Trivia Events
- Picnic In The Park
- Poppin Out
- Southern Pride March And Family Fun Day
First Nations Person Of The Year
- Damien Ralphs
- Zane Weetra
Health And Wellbeing Leadership Award
- Affirm & Thrive
- Hike Society Adelaide Inc.
- Shine Sa
- Thorne Harbour Health
Music And Live Performance Award
- Brooke Seto
- Devious Adelaide
- Emerauld
- Glitzy Von Jagger
Source: FacebookPerformer Of The Year
- Eve Elle
- Glitzy Von Jagger
- Heidi Gun
- Kleo Fox
- Princess Laya
Sports And Recreation Award
- Adelaide 36ers
- Adelaide Queer Birders
- Adelaide University Sharks Rugby Club
- Hike Society Adelaide Inc.
- Rainbow Crows
Volunteer Of The Year
- Cherie Lee
- Penny Mcauley
- Sam Loughlin
- Shayne Glasgow
- Zac Cannell
Winners announced at the South Australian Pride Gala
The South Australian Pride Award Winners will be announced at the South Australian Pride Gala on Saturday, 6 June, at the SkyCity Adelaide Ballroom.
95% of the tickets are already sold, so if you want to go, you’d better snatch one up.
Community leader, artist, advocate and punk bear, the late Eric Kuhlmann, and lifelong community advocate, Pam Price, will be inducted into the 2026 South Australian Pride Hall of Fame on the night.
“We are grateful to Matt and Eric’s loved ones for allowing us to honour Eric in this way.” Chair of Pride Adelaide, Dave Newman, said, “This recognition comes with deep respect for the person he was and the life he lived.”
“This induction is about recognising the breadth of Eric’s contribution and the imprint he leaves across community life in South Australia.”
Images: SuppliedWhen Pride Adelaide first approached Pam about being inducted, she wanted to know whether accepting the honour would prevent someone else from being recognised.
“Her first concern was whether someone else would miss out,” Newman said.
“That humility defines her leadership. She has always put community first. She has shaped services, influenced policy and built peer networks that continue to support women across South Australia.”
The South Australian Pride Hall of Fame ensures those recognised in a way that matches the importance of their contribution.
Past inductees include Ian Purcell AM, Vonni, Frank Ford AM and Helen Bock, who are recognised for their foundational contributions to visibility, advocacy, and community connection.
Tickets for the South Australian Pride Gala 2026 are on sale now.
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