Local heroes recognised

Local heroes recognised

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Winners of the City of Canning's Community Citizen of the Year Awards at Shelley Beach Foreshore on Australia Day, where they were honoured for their outstanding contributions to the community.

The City of Canning celebrated its local champions last Sunday, recognising their outstanding contributions to the community at the annual Community Citizen of the Year Awards during the Australia Day festivities at Shelley Beach.

Delivered in partnership with Auspire, the Australia Day Council of Western Australia, the awards aim to celebrate the positive impact of individuals and groups who are engaged and committed to the local area.

Four awards were presented as part of the celebrations. These included Community Citizen of the Year, Young Community Citizen of the Year for individuals aged 16 to 30, Senior Community Citizen of the Year for those aged 65 and over, and Active Citizenship for community groups or events.

The Community Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Linda Ross, who has spent over 10 years volunteering her time to the local school and wider community, playing a pivotal role in the Parents and Citizens (P&C) Association and fundraising thousands of dollars.

Canning’s Community Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Linda Ross.

Beyond the school, Ms Ross has helped a Visitor Centre recover financially after a cyclone, created programs to assist seniors and families during the cost-of-living crisis, provided financial support and subsidised products, and guided other P&C groups with their finances.

The City stated that Ms Ross’s leadership, volunteerism, and ongoing commitment to the welfare of others have made a significant impact on the community, ensuring people remain connected, supported, and empowered.

The winner of the Young Community Citizen of the Year award was Bryzlyn Sin, who has made a lasting, positive impact on youth in low socio-economic areas.

As a member of Asian Students in Australia, Bryzlyn has organised fundraising events and raised awareness of important programs that have positively impacted the local community.

Young Community Citizen of the Year Bryzlyn Sin.

Ms Sin also volunteers with a mentoring group and teaches at Teach Learn Grow, which will soon lead initiatives to expand the program to rural schools.

Canning’s Senior Community Citizen of the Year award was presented to Monika Wong, a valued member of the Herald Avenue Senior Citizens Centre.

Ms Wong has contributed greatly to the centre’s growth by leading fundraising efforts, activities, and events, raising thousands of dollars for various charitable organisations.

Always committed to giving back, Ms Wong even recently shaved her head in support of the Leukemia Foundation’s Greatest Shave initiative.

Canning’s Senior Community Citizen of the Year, Monika Wong.

The Rossmoyne Riverton Shelley Community Sewing group was awarded the Active Citizenship Award.

This group has crafted items like fiddle mats and bereavement hearts for hospitals, as well as dignity bags and scarves for the Dignity Drive. Committed to enhancing the lives of others, they continue to make a meaningful impact.

Rossmoyne Riverton Shelley Community Sewing has played a key role in teaching local community members new skills and giving back to those in need through selfless leadership and donation collection.

Representatives from The Rossmoyne Riverton Shelley Community Sewing group, who won the Active Citizen of the Year award.

Mayor Patrick Hall said it was great to recognise and celebrate these remarkable individuals who have made a positive social, cultural, and economic impact on the Canning community.

“The Community Citizen of the Year Awards allows us to reflect, respect and celebrate our local community heroes,” Mayor Hall said.

“I would like to congratulate all the nominees and the winners of each of the categories. Your contributions have had a significant impact on the well-being and advancement of our community.”

“We are extremely grateful for the work that you do and are so pleased to be able to recognise you with these awards.”