Auspire Community Citizen of the Year Awards presented

Each year on Australia Day, local governments across Western Australia present the Auspire Community Citizen of the Year Awards.

These prestigious awards foster, recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions to community life and active citizenship.

Nominations were invited for individuals and groups that reside or work primarily within the City of South Perth and whose actions and commitment have helped develop and nurture the local community, and improve the quality of life for the City’s residents. 

This year, the City of South Perth received 19 nominations across the four award categories.

The awards were announced at the Australia Day Morning Ceremony at Sir James Mitchell Park on Sunday 26 January 2020, by City of South Perth Mayor Greg Milner and presented by John McGrath MLA, with patron the Honourable Kim Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia, in attendance.

“These prestigious awards recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions to community life and active citizenship,” Mayor Milner said. 

“Congratulations to all our nominees and winners for their dedication and commitment to making their community a better place.” 

Community Citizen of the Year Award

Dr Sandy Chong

Sandy has generously contributed across a number of sectors since the early 2000s, having worked to empower migrant youth, indigenous communities and women in STEM, higher education and entrepreneurship. 

Just a few of her appointments include President of the United Nations Association of Australia (WA), Board Director of WA Indigenous Tourism Council, Ambassador for the Valuing Children Initiative and most recently, International Mentor for Cherie Blair's Foundation for Women.

Nominees: 

• Colin Cala
• Vida Corbett
• Tricia Guthrie
• Scott Marquet
• John McBain
• Denni Pamment
• Carol Roe
• Catharine Wong.

Senior Community Citizen of the Year Award

Wayne Muller

Wayne has been a member of the Rotary Club of Mill Point since 1989, holding many positions including President in 1993 and 1994. He is currently a member and President of Como Croquet Club, a member of HOME Karawara and on the Management Committee for South Perth Learning Centre and South Perth Senior Citizens Centre.

Nominees: 

• Kay Behari.

Young Community Citizen of the Year Award

Isabella Robertson

Isabella volunteers with South Perth Youth Network, St Columbus Parish and Concorde Nursing Home. She has completed more than 290 hours of service in the South Perth community, attending to the needs of the young and the elderly. 

Nominees: 

• Andrea Burnett
• Zoe Dick
• Cameron Keoh
• Sophie Smith
• Brianna Thane.

Active Citizenship Award (group or event)

Curtin Primary School Breakfast Club

The breakfast club provides weekly breakfasts for students, allowing them to start the school week with a nourishing meal to help facilitate their learning. Volunteers play an integral role to help run the breakfast club, develop positive relationships with students and staff, and ensure the program continues to deliver value and a healthy message of wellbeing. 

Nominees: 

• South Perth Senior Citizens Centre.