The 2019 Community Citizen of the Year Awards were announced on Australia Day, celebrating and recognising the outstanding efforts of some Mandurah community members.
Established in 2003, the City of Mandurah received 26 nominations for the annual awards this year.
Deputy mayor Caroline Knight said it was a privilege to recognise all of this year’s nominees, who help make Mandurah an amazing place to live.
“The standard of nominations received this year, as in previous years, was very high,” she said.
“These awards are a great opportunity to publicly acknowledge the contribution and outstanding work of our local champions.”
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Ruby Liddelow received this year’s award for Community Citizen of the Year for a person under 25 years old.
The 23-year-old works tirelessly within the arts, youth and community development sectors in Mandurah and has done for a number of years. Ms Liddelow runs events to activate spaces and young people and volunteers on a number of events throughout the region. She also spends a lot of time encouraging young people to get involved with events and initiatives around the community and inspiring them to make their own changes.
Averil Richards was named this year’s Community Citizen of the Year Award for a person over 65 years old.
Ms Richards has been a Camp Quality volunteer for 25 years and a fundraiser for the Mandurah Angel’s breast cancer support group. The 74-year-old is a tireless volunteer, fundraiser and organiser of family days and camps and supports children with cancer and their families.
The Active Citizenship Award for a Community Group or Event was awarded to Dot’s Place Peel Cancer Council WA for their continued support for locals impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
Opened in 2017, the service has assisted over 1400 clients, carers, families and friends in the last year alone. The group has developed programs and hosted regular support groups and offer transport to Fiona Stanley Hospital as well as a number of complimentary therapies from qualified volunteer therapists.
Pam Bennett was named the 2019 Community Citizen of the Year for her continued active participation in local charity events and fundraisers.
Described as “the first to lend a hand in all situations”, Ms Bennett has participated in the Relay for Life, Ride to Conquer Cancer and has twice shaved her head for the World's Greatest Shave. Additionally, she is an active member of the Mandurah Southern Districts Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade and the volunteer Mandurah SES.
