City of Wanneroo awards recognise community contributions

Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken officiated the event at Peter Moyes Anglican Community School in Mindarie, welcoming over 400 new citizens from more than 50 countries, and congratulating the Australia Day Award recipients.

“These annual awards acknowledge the efforts and celebrate the achievements of community members who have made a genuine contribution to the City,” she said.

“This year’s recipients have demonstrated their commitment to our community by volunteering their time and skills in service of their fellow residents, and it was wonderful to be able to show our appreciation for all that they do.

“I was also proud to help the City’s newest citizens take their pledge and to   welcome them as Australian citizens for the first time.

“I am delighted they have decided to join our tightknit City of Wanneroo community that values diversity and inclusivity by embracing and celebrating our many cultures and traditions.”

The citizenship event featured performances by the One Big Voice choir, and a Welcome to Country delivered by local Whadjuk man and cultural educator, Vaughn McGuire.

Since the first citizenship event in 2001, nearly 10,000 new citizens have been conferred at the City’s Australia Day ceremonies, in addition to regular ceremonies held throughout the year.

Australia Day Awards recipients

The Australia Day Awards recognise and thank people who have made a significant contribution to the City of Wanneroo community.

Charles Searson Australia Day Youth Award – Maddie Walker

Maddie received the Charles Searson Youth Award for her contribution to the Yanchep Surf Life Saving Club and the local Yanchep community.

A dedicated surf lifesaving competitor and club member, Maddie has been going above and beyond to help the club since she was 15, training other young club members and managing the club’s Nippers Program, all while balancing her university studies and work commitments.

Now aged 21, Maddie is an inspiration to patrolling members, kids in the Woodside Nippers Program and the youth cadets of the Yanchep Surf Life Saving Club.

Australia Day Award – Derek Young

Derek has been recognised for his invaluable contributions to the Two Rocks Bush Fire Brigade and the Two Rocks Youth in Emergency Services (YES) cadet program, and for his commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

A devoted Bush Fire Brigade volunteer, Derek launched the YES cadet program in January 2022 to provide young people with valuable emergency services skills and knowledge.

The program aims to foster the cadets’ personal development and instil a sense of responsibility and community service.

The program now has a strong member base and is recognised for its capacity to build resilience and create a more educated and prepared community in the event of an emergency.

Australia Day Community Group or Event Award – Yanchep Netball Club

Yanchep Netball Club was awarded the Community Group Award for its commitment to having a positive impact on the local community and providing the opportunity for anyone to learn new skills, stay fit and socialise in an inclusive environment, regardless of ability.

Run by a group of committed volunteers, the club has grown to more than 170 members, with 17 teams playing each week.

Celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year, Yanchep Netball Club prides itself on being supportive, welcoming, and providing a sense of community to anyone who wants to give netball a try.

Australia Day Senior Award – Sally Allen

Sally was nominated for the Australia Day Senior Award for her work with the Northern Suburbs Stroke Group.

The group helps stroke survivors and their carers cope with life after a stroke, motivating them to get the most out of life by connecting them to available services, peer support and providing respite activities.

Sally has led the group for 23 years, helping to provide vital assistance and practical advice to stroke survivors in Perth’s northern suburbs.

Sally has dedicated decades of her life to helping others, volunteering her time as a Justice of the Peace, and working with St John Ambulance, Red Cross and surf lifesaving.