Local champions and new Aussies take centre stage on Australia Day
Grassroots community champions have been honoured for their outstanding contributions at the City of Stirling’s 2026 Community Citizen of the Year Awards.
Delivered in partnership with Auspire – Australia Day Council of WA, the awards are an opportunity to give recognition to high-achieving citizens while giving the community role models to look up to.
Nyoongar Elder Di Ryder OAM opened today’s event with a Welcome to Country before Deputy Mayor Karlo Perkov announced the winners.
The City’s Community Citizen of the Year is Vicky Young, the president and co-founder of Dandelions WA, a charity which delivers support and dignity to people across the state.
This year, as part of their Back to School campaign, Ms Young and her team of volunteers will deliver 17,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to vulnerable children.
Dandelions WA has formed connections with a wide range of WA organisations, providing kits that support Western Australians experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, hospitalisation and other forms of hardship.
“We know that people like Vicky Young don't do what they do for recognition, but she deserves it,” Mayor Mark Irwin said.
“Dandelions WA has grown rapidly over five years and is having a significant impact on the lives of thousands of people across our state.
“Their motto is ‘spreading kindness, growing hope’ – and that’s what Vicky does every day.”
The City also welcomed 143 new Australians from 36 countries today as they took their final step to citizenship.
City of Stirling CEO Stevan Rodic spoke to the new citizens, reflecting on his family’s journey to WA in the 1950s and how immigration made the community stronger.
“I know that for some of you, Australia may not yet feel like home,” Mr Rodic said.
“But I want you to know you are welcome here, you belong here and we are better because you are here.
“The City of Stirling is a place of opportunity. It’s a place where hard work is respected, where diversity is embraced and where community is built one story, one person, one family at a time.”
Other speakers included Federal Government Minister Dr Anne Aly MP, State Government Minister David Michael MLA and WA Shadow Minister Liam Staltari MLA.
City of Stirling 2026 Community Citizen of the Year award winners:
- Vicky Young, Community Citizen of the Year
Vicky Young is the president and co-founder of Dandelions WA, which provides support and dignity to Western Australians in need. This year, the Perth-based charity will deliver 17,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to vulnerable children, while also supporting people experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, hospitalisation and other forms of hardship. Through her leadership, children walk into school with dignity and people in crisis feel seen and supported.
- Terence Merchant, Senior Community Citizen of the Year
Terry Merchant has made a significant and ongoing contribution to the community through his personal investment in education, health and public service. Notably, he founded two major scholarship programs through the University of Notre Dame Australia to support nursing students facing hardship or returning to study later in life. His work is a model for grassroots philanthropy led by individuals rather than organisations.
- Alexandria Nielsen, Young Community Citizen of the Year
Alexandria Nielsen is passionate about making the beach and surf lifesaving activities more accessible and enjoyable for young Western Australians. She has introduced and maintained Starfish Nippers at Scarborough Beach, an inclusive program tailored for children and youths with a disability. The program includes access to a range of equipment to boost participation, such as beach wheelchairs, inflated buoyancy vests and sand mats.
- Perth Rhinos Basketball, Active Citizenship Award
Perth Rhinos Basketball Club was established to create elite pathways for South Sudanese youth and has grown into an inclusive club open to all. For many young people – particularly those from refugee backgrounds who have experienced trauma and isolation – Perth Rhinos offers far more than basketball. It provides a safe, supportive space to build friendships and confidence. With mentors from diverse backgrounds, the club inspires trust and ambition on and off the court.
