Australia Day WA Community Citizen of the Year Awards Announced

A number of individuals and a community group were recognised with awards at the City of Armadale's recent Australia Day celebrations.

Gavin Tuatahi Grace or ’Gracey’ as he is affectionately known was recognised as Community Citizen of the Year, acknowledging his work establishing Art versus Depression and the Resilient Friends Club engaging the wider community in personal resilience building arts projects.

The youth award within the Community Citizen category went to Heidi Blackman, who encouraged teenage girls back into organised sport in the form of netball teams. Coaching four teams during 2017, she has also volunteered her time to train junior umpires at the Kalamunda and Districts Netball Association, and has served as registrar for the Roleystone Netball Club last year, organising 26 teams catering for 220 players.

The senior award within the Community Citizen category was a tie, with both Bob Tizard and June Copley recognised for their work. In addition to serving two terms as a Councillor, Bob has worked tirelessly as a volunteer with environmental groups in the area, and for a number of years served as the Secretary of the Bedfordale Residents Association. 

June has contributed to the health and wellness of seniors across the City of Armadale by coordinating and leading the pole walking fitness groups in both Roleystone and Armadale twice weekly. June also coordinates the Wednesday Warriors. This group aims to make the entry roads into Roleystone litter free. June manages the volunteers and this group is well known for their efforts throughout the community.

The Sri Lankan Cultural Society WA Inc. were recognised within the Active Citizenship Group category, a group established over 30 years ago to promote the Sri Lankan culture, and actively supports new migrant families settling in the area, delivers youth education programs in English language and literacy, and coordinates a range of social, cultural and recreational events annually.

Armadale Mayor Henry Zelones OAM JP presented this year’s winners with framed certificates at the Australia Day ceremony.

Mayor Henry Zelones OAM JP said the City of Armadale is home to so many individuals and groups who contribute to their community in a number of ways, and it was great to get a record number of applications for this year's awards.

“On behalf of the City of Armadale, may I congratulate all of the nominees and the award recipients for this prestigious honour, which they well and truly deserve,” Mayor Zelones said.

Nominations for Australia Day awards open in October each year, and are presented at the Australia Day ceremony each year.