South Australian Police Officer Of The Year 2026
CONGRATULATIONS go to Brevet Sergeant Nigel Luders, named by Club President David Middleton as the winner of the Rotary Club of Unley, SA Police Officer of the Year Award for 2026. This award was established in 1978 in partnership with SAPOL to recognize outstandingservice of police officers to the community and has been running for 48 years. It is a community-based award where nominations are sought from the general public and organisations all over the state. It looks for officers who exceed the requirements of duty, volunteer in a significant way to give back to the community with courtesy, courage, kindness, understanding and compassion. This may be in the face of tragedy, trauma, natural disasters, or community development.
Operationally he was the initial forward commander of two serious local bushfires causing widespread damage to to pastures, homes, sheds, livestock. The Blackford fire which threatened the town of Lucindale in 2021 & necessitated evacuation was challenging because of the displaced locals. After the fires he worked tirelessly with local communities &organisations to Clean up & steady the community. Working well with SAAS, CFS, PIRSA, & the Kingston Council.
Attending to fatal collisions, one a cyclist on his way to the Tour Down Under, he has demonstrated courage, courtesy, kindness, & understanding.
He has dealt with marine rescues & disasters including the high profile Vandepeer family disappearance at sea. This had a profound effect on the community since the three well known farmers were never found.
Again, Brevet Sergeant Luders demonstrated his exceptional qualities of compassion & communication skill in dealing with this complex situation.
In planning & organising a community event in Kingston to honour Mounted Constable Pearce he showed dedication over an 18-month period of out of hours work with the Police Historical Society, local organisations & SAPOL, resulted in organising a memorial silhouette & plaque to honour Mounted Constable Pearce. Planning with the SAPOL events team resulted in an event participated in by 200 people.
He also takes a leadership role in several sporting clubs in Kingston & engages with staff & students at the local Area School
Brevet Sgt Nigel Luders does meet all of the attributes we look for in the community contribution made by a Police Officer and thus is a very worthy winner of the SA Police Officer of the Year 2026.
WASH Project Siem Reap Cambodia Successfully Completed
Congratulations to the students, teachers, and staff at Unley Primary School on their outstanding fundraising efforts. With the support of matching funds from the Rotary Club of Unley, these contributions have helped complete an incredible Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project.
This initiative has delivered safe toilet facilities and reliable access to clean water at Kampong Kdei High School in Cambodia — a life-changing outcome for the school community. What a meaningful difference you’ve made!
What this project has delivered:
🚽 18 new toilet stalls
💧 A fully operational Biosand water filtration system
🚰 Clean drinking water, hand-washing stations, and water storage tanks
These completed facilities are already transforming daily life at the school—improving hygiene and health outcomes, increasing attendance, and creating a safer, more supportive learning environment. Most importantly, they provide dignity and opportunity for thousands of students and their families across the surrounding villages.
This project is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when committed partners come together to create lasting, sustainable impact.
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