Residents Fill Up on National Pride at Australia Day Breakfast Celebrations

The City of Melville and Lions Club of Bull Creek again joined forces to put on a combined community breakfast and citizenship-awards ceremony to celebrate Australia Day.

Residents arrived early to enjoy the traditional Lions Club breakfast of bacon, sausages, eggs, fruit and drinks while being entertained by the Leeming Community Band. They then watched as the City of Melville Mayor Russell Aubrey welcomed 30 new Australians during the citizenship ceremony.

Mayor Aubrey was joined by Deputy Mayor Harvey Everett and Sue Ellery MLC, Minister Child Protection, Communities, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Volunteering, who spoke about the importance and traditions of Australia Day.

A highlight of the day was the announcement of the City of Melville 2008 Citizen and Community Group of the Year, in conjunction with the Premier’s Active Citizenship Awards (winners listed below).

The festivities also included a flag-raising ceremony and guard of honour by the Bull Creek-Leeming Scouts and Bull Creek-Leeming Guides while the children were kept entertained with a rope bridge and face painting.

Mayor Russell Aubrey said the event was again a success. “The combined event allows residents from across the City of Melville to come together at one venue to celebrate what is great about Australia and being Australian,” he said. “It also gives us an opportunity for us to publicly acknowledge outstanding citizens and community groups and welcome new Australians.”

The free breakfast was made possible through support, donations and sponsorship by local businesses and community groups, including the State Emergency Service, and the City of Melville.

2008 Citizen of the Year – Kevin Wrightson, of Melville-East Fremantle SES

Mr Wrightson has volunteered as a member of the Melville-East Fremantle Unit of the State Emergency Service (SES) for the past 27 years, including the past 12 years as manager. During this time, he has created a very caring group of volunteers who are professional and disciplined in their work and are always willing to assist the community.

Kevin has always been there when help is needed. He has spent countless hours volunteering his service to storm victims, and is always willing to assist with crowds and parking at fairs, sporting events and the Skyworks. Kevin was also one of the main players in ensuring new SES facilities were built at the City of Melville Operations Centre in 2001. He had a hand in the design of the centre, which is considered one of the best in the metropolitan area. Kevin has previously received an Australia Day Commendation in 2005 and an Emergency Services Medal in 2006.

2008 Community Group of the Year – Willagee Alive

In less than five years, Willagee Alive has been successful in creating many opportunities and connections to bring the Willagee community together. They have organised a range of projects and events, including the Willagee Treasures calendar, photography exhibition, open-air movies, bi-monthly newsletters, a party in the park, Willagee history book, market fiesta and a community cricket day. Up to 12 community members have volunteered their time to attend fortnightly meetings to make these events and projects happen.

The Willagee Alive team is a diverse group, including seniors, people with disabilities, a local church minister, families and young people. The aim of Willagee Alive is to promote a strong community which respects the diversity of ages, cultures, religions and values. They work with other community groups to celebrate the strengths that make the suburb of Willagee great. The group has been successful in increasing participation in volunteering in Willagee and enhancing community life.