Congratulations to the five winners of the 2021 Community Citizen of the Year Awards. Winners were presented at the City of Melville’s Australia Day breakfast event on Tuesday, 26 January 2021.
Alison Moore of Bateman - Community Citizen of the Year Award
Alison was nominated for her outstanding contribution to Bateman Primary School and wider community, in the areas of education, the environment, and community wellbeing.
Alison took the lead on a transformation project for the bushland on the corner of Bateman Primary School, working with other volunteers to create a Bush Tucker-Indigenous Education Reserve through the City of Melville’s Project Robin Hood program. The revitalised reserve is a space to learn about the significance and history of our First Nations people and their relationship and connection to land. It’s also helping students learn about the environment and sustainability, and is a peaceful space for families and community members to enjoy nature and a little piece of bushland in an urban oasis.
April Rafferty of Leeming- Community Citizen of the Year Award (Youth)
April was nominated for her work on community radio station Inspire Radio, where she hosts a Saturday morning show that shines a light on the issues of mental health and wellbeing for young people.
April is also a major advocate for inclusivity and the Tourettes Association, which she struggles with herself. As her confidence grows as a presenter, she has been invited to talk at various local schools and has become a role model, encouraging her listeners to stay true to who they are and find what inspires them.
Michael Weaver of Applecross - Community Citizen of the Year Award (Senior)
Since retiring in 2014, Michael has shared his IT knowledge and skills in a number of volunteer roles. His work has included mentoring and assisting with coding, programming, electronics and robotics activities at Applecross Senior High School and Floreat Park Primary School.
For the past six years, Michael has volunteered with the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, setting up IT systems and providing support to ensure the various volunteer groups at Kings Park and Bold Park are able to run their volunteer groups successfully and independently.
Michael is also a consumer and community advocate volunteer with Curtin University Centre of Clinical Research and Education, playing an essential role in modern medical research.
Daveena Harris of Leeming - Community Citizen of the Year Award (Senior)
Over the past 5 years, Daveena has become involved as a volunteer with a number of organised charities including Street Chaplains WA. As the Director of Perth patrols, Daveena regularly walks the streets of Perth as a street chaplain, assisting those in need with accessing meals and essential services. Daveena also attends regular meetings with WA Police, businesses, local governments and other stakeholders to address the needs of the homeless and at risk community.
Daveena has also volunteered as a ‘Shero’ with Share the Dignity, working to collect sanitary items to distribute to women in need.
On top of her busy schedule, Daveena knits blankets and beanies for the homeless, teddy bears for premature babies and, in response to COVID-19, has sown hundreds of face masks to donate to local businesses.
Brentwood Village Town Team - Active Citizenship Group
The Brentwood Village Town Team was established in 2018 to enliven the neighbourhood around the Cranford Avenue shops and Blue Gum Community Centre. The group of more than 30 members has been conducting many activities; including busy bee clean ups, sundowner socials and projects to enhance the surroundings.
In September last year, Brentwood Village Town Team organised their biggest event yet: a community long table dinner for more than 100 local residents, which celebrated our diverse cultural backgrounds and enhanced community connection. In just a couple of years, the group has been recognised for their outstanding work connecting community, local Brentwood businesses and Brentwood Primary School.