Local heroes celebrated at City’s 2025 Citizen of the Year Awards

Media Release 26 January 2025

Australia Day

The founder of a not-for-profit organisation that helps culturally and linguistically diverse women gain employment has been named Citizen of the Year at the City’s Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony at Sir James Mitchell Park this morning.

Maryann Tsai was presented the prestigious award for the work done through her organisation Reach Her, which has helped over 500 women find work by providing training that helps them overcome language and cultural barriers.

Maryann was one of four winners celebrated at the Citizen of the Year Awards, which recognises the outstanding contributions of local volunteers.

Local volunteer, Dillon Monteiro was named Young Community Citizen of the Year at the event for his involvement with the South Perth Youth Network (SPYN).

Linda Deutsch took out the Senior Citizen of the Year award for her contribution to programs and groups that include Manning Community Association, Curtin Radio and Manning Town Team.

The Active Citizenship Award was presented to Southcare Inc, for the difference they make in the community through financial counselling, debt relief, their dedicated op shop, social groups and services.

Mayor Greg Milner congratulated all the award winners and nominees for their commitment to giving back to their community.

“The dedication and passion of the volunteers honoured today is truly inspiring. It’s people like these who make our community stronger, more connected and more compassionate," Mayor Milner said.

"Every nominee and winner recognised today has shown incredible generosity, selflessness and heart. Their contributions make a lasting difference – and we are so proud to celebrate them.”

The Community Citizen of the Year Awards is presented in partnership with AUSPIRE, the Australia Day Council of Western Australia. Find out more about the awards on their website.

2025 Citizen of the Year Award winners and nominees

Community Citizen of the Year Award – Maryann Tsai

Maryann is the founder of Reach Her, an organisation that has empowered over 500 women from diverse backgrounds to connect with employment opportunities. Originally from Taiwan, Maryann has personally experienced the language and cultural barriers that can limit opportunities and lead to discrimination, isolation and hardship. Driven by a passion for change, she supports women through wellbeing programs, business training, and mentorship – equipping them with the skills and confidence to successfully transition into the workforce.

Nominees 
Andreas Moneta  
Benjamin Chalmers  
Bonnie Atkinson 
Emma Young  
Dr Jacinta Vu  
Martin Connolly  
Molly Knox

Young Community Citizen of the Year Award – Dillon Monteiro

Dillon has made a lasting impact on the local community through his dedicated involvement with the South Perth Youth Network. He has contributed countless volunteer hours to leadership initiatives, including the City’s Youth Plan, Local Drug Action Group and Youth Makers Markets, which support young entrepreneurs.  

Nominees 
Isobella Choate 
Matilda Barrett 
Michael Swift 
Sam Johnston

Senior Community Citizen of the Year Award – Linda Deutsch

Driven by a passion for creating a safe, vibrant and active community, Linda has made a significant impact through her involvement in initiatives like the Curtin Primary School Breakfast Club, Curtin Radio, the City’s Community Safety and Crime Prevention Group, and the Manning Community Association. More recently, Linda has played an active role in the Manning Town Team, lending her support and expertise to community events such as the Manning Laneway Festival and Halloween at the Hub.

Nominees

Brett Moulden 
Gwendy Ridden 
Peter Hegarty 
Paul Roberts 
Sally Marks

Active Citizenship Award (the community group or event category) – Southcare Inc.

Southcare is a local not for profit organisation making a meaningful impact in our community. They offer vital support through financial counselling and management, debt relief for those in need, emergency assistance for local families, connections to essential services, and a much-loved Op Shop. Southcare has also established the ‘Community Connect program’, which fosters social connection for older adults, encourages volunteerism and fosters a more inclusive community. Key groups within Southcare include the Board Games Group, Yoga Meditation, Friday Friendship Club and Southcare’s Knitting circle.

Nominees 
Aquinas College’s
McDougall Farm
Community Garden Group 
Sanskriti Seniors of WA’s Forever Young event  
The Knitting Circle Group’s Purple Road Project