Community Citizen of the Year Awards 2024

The City of Armadale is honoured to announce the recipients of our Community Citizen of the Year awards for 2024.

An annual occurrence, these awards call for members of the community to nominate individuals and groups that go above and beyond to make outstanding contributions to the wider community.

The 2024 winners are:

Youth: Chien Foo

Senior: Karen Stocker

Group or Event: Roleystone Family Centre

Citizen of the Year: Ash Botheras

Chien was nominated for her work creating a school holiday program called ‘Future Engineers’, to give high school aged girls exposure to the wide array of careers available in STEM. Her goal is to encourage more girls to enter traditionally male dominated STEM roles and have opportunities to gain mentorship and networks to foster their future career growth.

Karen is a 35 year veteran at the Armadale Girl Guides, where she has imparted an immeasurable amount of wisdom and guidance to the young girls that have attended over the years. Karen has also been a 25 year long volunteer at the Showtime HMS Performing Arts, taking on numerous roles during her service. If that isn’t enough, Karen has spent nine years volunteering at the 2nd Chance Op Shop.

The Roleystone Family Centre is a community managed not-for-profit organisation that provides a focus for all people to meet for friendship, exchange of information and mutual support in learning. A significant part of their contribution remains behind the scenes, facilitating inclusion, belonging, acceptance and a safe space for all members of the community that use their services.

Ash is a pillar of the community, who goes out of her way to donate large quantities of food and household items to families in need. Her donations are significant and estimated to be at a high cost for herself, and a welcome addition to those that are really in need. Ash does this quietly and without regard for the cost, leading with kindness and empathy on every occasion. The impact Ash has on the community is reflective of all the nominations she received for this award.

Mayor Ruth Butterfield said: “Once again, these awards highlight the depth of love that people have for their community, and the lengths they go with their acts of service. We are extremely proud to recognise these people and groups for their efforts, and on behalf of the Councillors and the City, we offer our sincerest thanks and congratulations to you all.”

The nominations for Community Citizen of the Year Awards traditionally open in October.