The Lions Club of the City of Adelaide, in partnership with SAPOL, is proud to recognise Faye Horstmann as the 2025 Lions Citizen of the Year, honouring her exceptional courage, quick thinking, and calm leadership during a high-risk police incident in regional South Australia.
What began as a routine shift on Tuesday 29 July 2025 quickly turned extraordinary for Faye, a long-standing Mannum resident and operator of the Cowirra Upstream Ferry. After receiving a call from local police asking her to keep an eye out for two suspicious vehicles, Faye had no idea she would soon play a pivotal role in their safe apprehension.
Only minutes after the call, the vehicles in question boarded her ferry. Remaining composed, Faye immediately confirmed their presence with police and provided crucial details about the occupants. Realising the gravity of the situation, she deliberately delayed the ferry’s departure—subtly stepping away to give officers time to respond. Her swift action allowed a police officer to board unnoticed and position their vehicle behind the offenders.
As the ferry made its tense journey across the Murray River, Faye could hear the police helicopter overhead, signalling the seriousness of the unfolding operation. Despite rising frustration and aggression from the suspects, she maintained her calm, kept the ferry gates firmly closed on arrival at the western bank, and prevented the vehicles from escaping before police arrived.
Additional patrols soon reached the ferry and safely arrested the individuals involved, thanks in large part to Faye’s steady actions. She continued to support the situation by reassuring other passengers and quickly returning the ferry to normal operations with minimal disruption.
Sergeant Anthony Hoy, who nominated Faye for the award, praised her vital contribution:
“By working collaboratively with SAPOL, Faye helped us achieve our vision of ensuring safer communities. Her unwavering support allowed police to hold recidivist offenders accountable and prevent further harm. We are sincerely grateful.”
Faye’s outstanding courage, sense of responsibility, and dedication to community safety exemplify the values the Lions Club proudly upholds.
At the presentation in November, Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens and Andrew Stacey, President of the Lions Club of the City of Adelaide, presented Faye with the 2025 South Australian Citizen’s Award at a ceremony held at Police Headquarters.
The Lions Club congratulates Faye on this well-deserved honour and thanks her for her remarkable service to the community.
