City celebrates outstanding locals

Joshua Serafini, the founder of the HOME Karawara Food Relief Program, was among the well-deserving recipients of this year's City of South Perth Community Citizen of the Year Awards. 

The awards were presented during the City's Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony at Sir James Mitchell Park, where three outstanding citizens and one community organisation were celebrated for their remarkable contributions to community life and active citizenship.

Presented by Mayor Greg Milner and South Perth MLA Geoff Baker and supported by Auspire – Australia Day Council WA the awards encompassed four categories: Community Citizen of the Year, Senior Community Citizen of the Year (for those over 65 years), Young Community Citizen of the Year 16-30 years), and Active Citizenship  (for community groups or events).

Mayor Milner extended his congratulations to all the award winners and nominees for their generosity and commitment to improving our community. 

“The dedication and passion of these volunteers and community members is incredible,” Mayor Milner said.

“The City of South Perth is very fortunate to have such dedicated and wonderful people enriching our community and making it an even better place to live,” he added.

Mayor Milner also acknowledged the individuals and groups who took the time to nominate candidates for these awards. 

The category winners were recognised for their significant contributions to the local community; their leadership on community issues leading to the improvement of community life; the introduction of impactful initiatives that brought positive change and value to community life; and their inspirational qualities as role models for the community.

Local winners were among  240 individuals and organisations recognised statewide, with the participation of approximately 70 local governments in these esteemed awards.

This year, the City of South Perth received 16 nominations for individuals and groups living or working primarily in the City across four categories.

2024 Citizen of the Year Awards winners and nominees 

Community Citizen of the Year Award – Joshua Serafini

Josh established the HOME Karawara Food Relief Program over five years ago to provide assistance to the most vulnerable members of his local community. Under his leadership, the program has grown to provide thousands of meals every month. 

Josh  has partnered with the City of South Perth, Royal Perth Golf Club, and Secondbite, sharing knowledge, forging connections with local community groups and building the capacity of volunteers, many of whom have experienced homelessness and food insecurity. He has also collaborated with Shelter WA to offer lived-experience tours aimed at educating those who can support local initiatives. 

After experiencing life on the streets himself, Josh tirelessly works to help those in his community facing hardship. 

In 2022, he  was also acknowledged for his volunteering in the local community through receiving the City of South Perth Volunteer of the Year Award.

Nominees

Dr. Dan Carter

Darryl Roberts

Sarah Yates

Simone Steele

Senior Community Citizen of the Year Award – Rick Sneeuwjagt

Rick, a founding member of the Rotary Club of Mill Point, has been dedicated to volunteering within the City of South Perth since 1988. His notable achievements include initiating the Rotary's Microscope Project for school students, donating his artwork for fundraising purposes, and preparing and distributing meals through Perth Inner City Youth Services to help those in need. 

Rick introduced the Unsung Hero Award within the Rotary Club of Mill Point Road, which continues to recognise local volunteers today. Rick is an exceptional volunteer who has made significant contributions to our local community.

Nominees

Bill Gleeson

Kevin Saunders

Leroy McDorman

Sally Marks

Young Community Citizen of the Year Award – Jack Zaninovich

Jack, a student at Aquinas College, serves as an inspiring role model who encourages and promotes volunteerism among younger students. He volunteers across various initiatives, including Clean Up Australia, Winter Sleepout, Point Fraser Tree Planting, and Edmund Rice Camp for Kids. Jack works diligently to ensure that children attending these camps have positive experiences and consistently demonstrates empathy and kindness – both vital traits for community building.

Nominees

Declan Pyne

Rory Watson

Active Citizenship Award for a group or event – Manning Men’s Shed

The Manning Men's Shed actively supports and contributes to the local community through a diverse range of initiatives. Their efforts include upskilling young people with disabilities, providing trades employment training, conducting art workshops, hosting a women's morning program, and much more. 

In 2023, the Shed community created a public art project for the City of South Perth's Manning Box Gallery. This artwork, titled “Fish and Recreation from the Derbarl Yerrigan and Djarlgarro Beelier Rivers” celebrates the local environment and showcases the connection between local citizens and their respect for and enjoyment of the natural surroundings and Indigenous heritage of the area. This collaborative community project resulted in one of the most striking artworks ever exhibited at the Box Gallery.

Nominees

Manning Knight Riders

The Old Mill Theatre Company