Australia Day honours awarded to local heroes

Mayor Mark Irwin joined Australia Day Ambassador Hon Graham Edwards AM today to recognise local heroes for building harmony and inclusion, providing community leadership, bringing about positive change and enhancing community life.

The 2024 Community Citizen of the Year award winners are:

• Community Citizen of the Year: Rob Geersen
• Senior Community Citizen of the Year: Maureen Banham
• Young Community Citizen of the Year: Marwa Wasiqe
• Active Citizenship Award (group): Uluu.

Mayor Mark Irwin said the City was proud to once again host the award ceremony in association with Auspire (Australia Day Council of Western Australia) this Australia Day, with a Welcome to Country from Wadjak Nyoongar Elder Di Ryder OAM.

“This year, we have recognised the unsung heroes of our local community who put in countless hours serving others in exceptional ways,” he said.

“Our Community Citizen of the Year, Rob Geersen, won the award for his work with the Starkick initiative, an all-abilities program which unites children who share a passion for Australian Rules Football at Coolbinia Football Club.

“By promoting inclusivity, fostering a sense of community and providing equal opportunities for children with disability, Rob's work has initiated positive changes in attitudes and practices towards inclusivity in sports. His work is leaving a lasting impact on individuals and communities far beyond the boundaries of the local Coolbinia area.

“Our Senior Community Citizen of the Year, Maureen Banham, has been recognised for founding and coordinating the Karrinyup Mall Walkers – a walking group for seniors which provides exercise and social interaction in a safe environment regardless of the weather.

“Our Young Community Citizen of the Year, Marwa Wasiqe, clearly has a bright future ahead of her, having already run for Council in 2021. She was recognised today for her passion and commitment to create change, especially for our young multicultural community. This was exemplified by her work with a series of not-for-profit and government advisory bodies and mentorship within the Afghan community.

“And finally, we recognised Uluu as the winner of our Active Citizenship Award (group). Uluu’s work focuses primarily on redefining how we approach environmental conservation and sustainability in Western Australia by harnessing the power of cutting-edge technology and rigorous scientific research.

“I am looking forward to the positive impact our winners will continue to make in 2024 as ambassadors for community service and as a source of inspiration to others to embrace and live the values that make us proud to be Australians.”

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Community Citizen of the Year Awards, so if you know someone inspiring, consider nomination them at www.citizenshipawards.com.au.

Mayor Mark Irwin said the City was also proud to host a citizenship ceremony later in the day, which would see 141 new citizens from 36 nationalities become new Australians.

“Today, we welcome new citizens to our community from all across the world,” he said.

“They have chosen to add their story to ours, and we are certain that our community will be all the better for it. On behalf of Council and our community, I look forward to once again hosting this important ceremony on Australia’s official national day.”

The City of Stirling’s Australia Day events were made possible thanks to a grant from the National Australia Day Council (NADC), who support hundreds of local communities to host Australia Day events around the country.

Image: Mayor Mark Irwin, Community Citizen of the Year Rob Geersen, Hon David Michael MLA, CEO Stevan Rodic.