Brenda Pittman, Grow WA and the Jacaranda Festival (coordinated by Applecross Rotary Club) were all acknowledged as awards winners. 

City of Melville residents were encouraged to celebrate community spirit by attending the breakfast at John Creaney Reserve in Bull Creek. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the Lions Club of Bull Creek – which has consistently provided valuable support to this event. The event also coincided with the Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Awards 2010.

Other event highlights included a flag-raising ceremony by the Bull Creek-Leeming Scouts (with the Guard of Honour Inspection by Mayor Russell Aubrey), a citizenship ceremony, face-painting and the Capella West Ladies Choir. Australia Day Ambassador 2010 Ken McAullay conducted the reaffirmation ceremony for Australian citizens. Other attendees included numerous dignitaries, the Leeming Band, and local Scouts and Girl Guides groups. The Lions Club collected gold coin donations, with money raised to go towards the Leeming Band, Scouts, Girl Guides and the SES.

The City’s residents were previously invited to nominate an individual, community group or event which had provided outstanding service or made a notable contribution to the local community for the awards.

Mayor Russell Aubrey said the City believed Australia Day was the perfect opportunity to publicly recognise its own outstanding citizens. “This year’s winners are people of generous spirit who have demonstrated community leadership and are ideal role models. Citizen of the Year Brenda Pittman has shown a passionate commitment to community work. Community Group of the Year, mental health organisation Grow WA, continues to maintain strong working links between the local community and the City of Melville and encourages a sense of belonging, diversity and community spirit,” he said.

“In terms of the award-winning event, there is no doubt the Jacaranda Festival coordinators’ (Applecross Rotary Club) aim to create a carnival atmosphere at which local businesses and quality stalls can exhibit their wares, has exceeded all expectations. Congratulations to all winners and also to Friends of Ken Hurst Park, which received a Group of the Year Commendation,” he said.

“As well as publicly acknowledging remarkable citizens and groups for their work and generosity, the City celebrated the ‘Aussie spirit’ by welcoming 27 new Australians on this special day,” he said. “The City’s sincerest thanks go to the Lions Club of Bull Creek, which has supported this event year after year.”

The City of Melville will donate $400* to each of the winners of the City of Melville Australia Day Awards and $100* to the three individuals who nominated the successful candidates.

*Prize money is to be donated to a community group of their choice based within the City of Melville.