SA’s Ag Town of the Year – Lameroo Takes Top Honours for 2025
If you told Lameroo local Nicole McMahon five years ago that her little patch of the Murray Mallee would one day be crowned South Australia’s best country town, she probably would’ve laughed – but Lameroo’s gone and done exactly that.
Thanks to a passionate group of locals determined to make their town not just survive but thrive, the first-time finalist has gone all the way – taking out South Australia’s Ag Town of the Year ahead of seasoned contenders Kimba and Keith.
“Forward” Thinking Community Group Drives Lameroo Transformation
Lameroo Forward, a volunteer-run community group formed in 2019, has been a driving force behind the town’s transformation – helping to deliver local projects and events, and stepping up to fill the gaps that council simply couldn’t. It’s proof that when people roll up their sleeves and work together, big things really can happen in small towns.
Across South Australia, past Ag Town winners like Kimba, Penola, and Wudinna have inspired communities like Lameroo, to dream bigger.
“Kimba was definitely a bit of an inspiration for Lameroo, and for me especially,” Nicole, who is the chairperson of Lameroo Forward said.
The small Eyre Peninsula farming town took out Ag Town of the Year in 2021, and its success story sparked fresh motivation in Lameroo to chase down some big ideas of their own.
Silo Art – A Tribute to Everything the Mallee Town Stands For
One of those ideas was bringing Silo Art to town. With world-renowned artist Smug (Sam Bates) on the brushes, the end result is a breathtaking tribute to the region’s farming roots – a piece that celebrates perseverance, pride and everything the Mallee town stands for.
“It paints the picture of our heritage and our agricultural roots, and of the perseverance and resilience that has got us where we are today,” Nicole said.
“Seeing our story up there makes us realise – it’s pretty special what we’ve got going on out here.”
Lameroo Forward hasn’t stopped there. The group has helped bring Tasting Australia events to the Mallee, teamed up with the Lameroo Sports Club on a new community gym project, and facilitates the local Mums and Bub’s group.
Even the town’s pub is a community effort – owned by the town, managed by a volunteer board, and with profits from its lease flowing straight back into local projects.
For Nicole, whose family runs McPiggery, one of the region’s key employers which brings skilled migrants and their families into the community, the focus is simple – “it’s just so important to have a great community for people to want to live in”.
“We’re working head down bum up to keep the town going and keep it growing,” she said. “A lot of businesses have been doing it really tough, so this recognition is well-deserved.”
The judging panel praised Lameroo for “stamping ag on everything,” from its thriving food production industries to its diverse, multicultural workforce and strong female leadership.
The Mallee town’s win is proof that when locals back their town, incredible things can grow – even in the toughest of seasons.
