Praise for Australia Day Award Recipients

Among a very high calibre of nominations, four special residents and one community group were commended for their dedication and contributions to the City of Melville.

“The winners of these awards reflect the kinds of values we, as Australians, admire and wish to foster – values such as generosity and acceptance. They come from many walks of life, but all winners are distinguished by their personal contributions – whether in community service, arts, science, the environment or sport,” Mayor Russell Aubrey said.

The 2011 Citizen of the Year award went to Mr Sarkis Petrossian. Mr Petrossian has been a Melville resident since 1959 and for more than 40 years has contributed to a variety of community groups.

“In his most noteworthy role, Mr Petrossian has volunteered his skills for over 20 years as a Chartered Professional Engineer for road safety and traffic management projects within the City,” said the Mayor.

“During 2010 Mr Petrossian was recognised by the Road Safety Council of WA Awards for promoting community safety in WA; by an Engineers Australia Medal for long standing contribution to the engineering profession; and by the Injury Control Council of WA Award for his voluntary efforts in the promotion of community safety.

The Mayoral Award for Outstanding Service went to Mrs Betty Crandell. Mrs Crandell was nominated by the Fremantle Netball Association for her contribution as a Senior First Aid Attendant for the Fremantle Netball Association for over 50 years.

“Mrs Crandell has been a local Melville resident for over 60 years and first commenced her volunteer work in 1961, finally retiring at the age of 86.  On average Betty would attend to over 100 patients each week and over the many years has strapped thousands of ankles, fingers and knees and administered to untold other first aid duties. Incredibly, during these 50 years, she has only missed one Saturday,” the Mayor said.

The Young Citizen of the Year award went to Lachlan Blair who has been active in the promotion of advancing community and global sustainability.

“Lachlan has demonstrated maturity and intellect and was selected to represent Australia at the Pacific Mock United Nations Conference in July 2010 and the Premier’s ANZAC Student Tour 2011,” the Mayor said.

“Lachlan has been actively involved with the Millennium Kids Health in Facebook on Generation conference with associated programs relating to climate change, river management, global warming and the impact on the environment and society.

“He has also been an ambassador and contributor to the "1Goal: Education for All" worldwide campaign which aims to deliver much needed funds to millions of children without an education. Currently Lachlan has been involved in fundraising for his school’s trip to Tanzania where students will be assisting in the maintenance of a local school and teaching students English and involving them in sport.”

Caryn Tan received a highly commended in the Young Citizen of the Year award category.

“Caryn was selected as one of only four WA youth to attend the National Inspire Summit in Sydney where she was trained to facilitate workshops for the Youth Action Project - empowering youth to speak out about things that matter to them and make their visions into actions. Caryn is also a committed member of the high schools first World Challenge expedition spending 28 days building a school in Laos and teaching English to students,” the Mayor said.

Community Group of the Year was awarded to the City of Melville Neighbourhood Watch Team.

“The Neighbourhood Watch Team has operated for more than 15 years and their activities and work are a significant contributor to the lower than average rate of crime in the City of Melville,” the Mayor said.

“The winners are people of generous spirit who have demonstrated community leadership and are ideal role models.

“I congratulate all the worthy recipients of these awards and hope all residents of the City of Melville had a very happy Australia Day.”