On 26 January, the City of Armadale hosted the Community Citizen of the Year Awards to recognise the outstanding contribution and achievements of local heroes.
Mayor Ruth Butterfield said the awards provide the perfect opportunity for the City to publicly celebrate those who go above and beyond for their community and congratulates this year's winners for their valued contributions.
The 2022 Community Citizen of the Year Award recipients are:
- Community Citizen of the Year – Robert Turner
- Young Community Citizen of the Year – Nicole Spurrier
- Senior Community Citizen of the Year – James (Jim) Sharp and Rosanna Leo (joint winners)
- Active Citizenship (group or event) – Armadale Branch of the Wildflower Society of WA
“Recognition of these remarkable individuals and groups, who have contributed their time and talents to bring about positive change, is integral to fostering community pride and embedding their endeavors into the fabric of our own local story,” said Mayor Butterfield.
Robert Turner – Community Citizen of the Year
Robert was recognised for his work in creating the first inclusive sporting team in the south-east corridor. Under the auspices of the Kelmscott Bulldogs Football Club, Robert established an inaugural integrated (all-abilities) AFL team to open opportunities to play football for people living with disability. Robert also extended the club’s program to facilitate non-playing participation of people living with disability. In addition, Robert has donated significant personal time and sponsorship to develop community sport and disability inclusion within the local community.
Nicole Spurrier – Young Community Citizen of the Year
Nicole established Voice, a women’s and non-binary persons group while she was still a student at Kelmscott Senior High School. Nicole is a mental health ambassador, has also been involved with Girl Guides and the Armadale Youth Advisory Council.
James (Jim) Sharp – Senior Community Citizen of the Year (joint winner)
Jim is a board member of Achievers Club of WA, a charity dedicated to providing mentorship and support to students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Jim has a long involvement with asylum seekers and refugees, initially through his work at Amnesty International Australia. Jim was a volunteer representative at the refugee detention centre at the airport, and also served on the board at Araluen Botanical Park
Rosanna Leo – Senior Community Citizen of the Year (joint winner)
For many years, Rosanna has volunteered in crisis support at Lifeline WA. In 2019, she was nominated for a national Lifeline award in recognition of her dedication. Rosanna is also involved in other community work.
Wildflower Society of WA (Armadale Branch) – Active Citizenship
The Armadale Branch of the Wildflower Society of WA formed in 1961. Over the years, its members have actively participated in the promotion of WA wildflower heritage, revegetation of bushland reserves, and conservation activities. The branch promotes the value of natural bushland, and engages with the community through public bushwalks, exhibitions, displays, at local community markets and visits to local schools.
Also on Australia Day, the City welcomed 85 new citizens at a public ceremony held at the Armadale District Hall.
