The iconic Edenvale Homestead was a hive of activity on Australia Day, as hundreds of residents gathered for the Lions Club of Pinjarra and Shire of Murray 2018 Australia Day Celebrations.
Attendees filtered around the precinct, enjoyed a delicious breakfast, were entertained by performer Lionel Morris and welcomed new Australian citizens.
This year, 11 citizen were welcomed at the official citizenship ceremony.
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The winners of the 2018 Community Citizenship Awards were also announced.
Jenni Ruyter was named the 2018 Australia Day WA Citizen Award winner, in recognition of her decade tenure as artist caretaker at Fairbridge Village and contributions to the Pinjarra Community Garden and Pinjarra Town Centre revitalisation project.
Shire President David Bolt congratulated Ms Ruyter on the win and thanked her for her efforts.
“As part of the revitalisation project, Ms Ruyter has painted elaborate murals on walls of local buildings including the original Tuckey’s Mitre 10, the Pinjarra Primary School Library and the Anzac memorial wall,” Mr Bolt said.
The Senior Citizen Award was presented to Susan Hill, an active member of the Pinjarra Lions Club since 2008.
Mr Bolt stated that Ms Hill had spent countless hours helping to raise funds of direct benefit to the local community including through donations to medical research and natural disaster relief.
Luke De Sliva and Jake Bennet were dual recipients of the 2018 Youth Citizen Award.
Luke was recognised for his contribution as chairperson on the Shire of Murray’s myVoice youth reference group and member of the Shire’s Access and Inclusion group.
“In spite of a severe visual disability, Luke has been a driving force behind youth participation in Shire consultation efforts and planning of youth initiatives, has volunteered at many events and sought funding and participation opportunities for youth arts projects,” Mr Bolt said.
While Jake was recognised for his contributions to the Coolup Bush Fire Brigade as a Junior Cadet.
Jake was further recognised for his ongoing involvement with the Coolup Kids Club, first as a member and now as an older youth assisting younger children, as well as his polite manner and willingness to volunteer.
The North Pinjarra Progress Association received the Community Citizenship Award in the category of Community Group or Event.
“The Association have reenergised the North Pinjarra community through several events which have given youth, seniors and other demographics in the locality a place to belong,” Mr Bolt said.
The group were further recognised for their events’ tendency to attract community members from across the district realising further community enhancing outcomes.
The group’s efforts with regards to the management of the locality’s community hall were also acknowledged.
Mr Bolt was pleased with the community turnout at the celebrations and exclaimed that the event was a true celebration of how great it is to be an Australian and a resident of Murray.
