City of Stirling Australia Day Awards

The City of Stirling today awarded some of its most exceptional citizens at its Australia Day Community Citizen of the Year Awards ceremony.

The awards, which are held in conjunction with the Australia Day Council of WA, recognise local individuals and community groups that have made an outstanding contribution to the community in the past year.

City of Stirling Deputy Mayor Councillor David Lagan, who presented the awards, said the calibre of nominees was, as usual, very high.

“The time and personal effort these nominees devote to their community goes above and beyond what is expected,” Deputy Mayor Lagan said

“We received many impressive nominations this year, so our winners can be very proud of themselves.”

This year’s award recipients were:

Community Citizen of the Year – Hayley Solich

A volunteer for 25 years, Hayley has supported people in crisis including women in domestic violence situations, homeless people and people affected by drugs. She serves on more than 10 mental health committees and has contributed her personal experiences as a carer to Carers WA training videos.

Senior Community Citizen of the Year (65 years and over) – Walter Kolb

Walter is a quiet achiever recognised for his significant contribution as a horticulturalist. He has dedicated more than 4,000 hours to coastal regeneration in the City. In retirement, Walter continues to apply his considerable skills and boundless energy to the rehabilitation of the City of Stirling coastline.

Young Community Citizen of the Year (under 25 years) – Laura Ives Hicks

A devoted Guide Leader with the Scarborough Beach Seaview Guides, Laura also serves on a local committee for a young women’s guide group (Olave Program). Laura generously donates her time to guiding programs so young girls have access to the same positive experiences that she had growing up.

Active Citizen Award (Community Group) – Stirling Youth Advocates

Working together in the interests of local young people, the Stirling Youth Advocates (SYA) group has developed several events and initiatives during the past year. The SYA’s projects aim to bring the community together and provide opportunities to share their positivity with people across the City and beyond.

City of Stirling Community Volunteer of the Year – Bernie Pugh

A volunteer with the City of Stirling for more than a decade, Bernie has dedicated the past four years to the Connect2 program transporting seniors on group outings. Always willing to volunteer his time, Bernie has that remarkable ability to find out what is important to each and every client.

The City would like to thank all winners and nominees for their generous efforts across the City of Stirling.

For more information on the Community Citizen of the Year Awards go to www.citizenshipawards.com.au.