Published on Tuesday, 6 February 2024 at 9:53:31 AM

The Shire of Dardanup recognised its Australia Day Award recipients and welcomed 10 new citizens at its three breakfast events held in Eaton, Dardanup and Burekup on 26 January.

Shire of Dardanup President Cr Tyrrell Gardiner said it was an honour to welcome the new citizens, with 2024 being the 75th anniversary of Australian citizenships.

Cr Gardiner congratulated this year’s Community Citizens of the Year Award nominees and recipients for their dedication to community and passion for making a difference. The areas of service include education, health, fund-raising, charitable and voluntary services, business, sport, arts, the environment, social inclusion or areas that contribute to the advancement and wellbeing of a community.

The award winners were:

• Young Community Citizen of the Year, Kiara Roworth: Kiara recognised a need in the community for a dance school that was truly inclusive. Riverside Physie and Dance (RPAD) was created at the Eaton Family Centre home. Physie is a not-for-profit club, and Kiara volunteers all of her time in coaching and running the school. Kiara's vision was one where no person should be disadvantaged, and participation encouraged. Kiara and her family are often carpooling students to and from class practice ensuring no one misses out! Kiara offers “mainstream and "all abilities" classes, catering for those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. To close the gap and increase the accessibility and inclusivity for her students and families, Kiara learnt Auslan. Award nominees who received a Certificate of Appreciation included: Chelsey North and Shelby Gray. 

• Community Citizen of the Year, Robert Doherty: Robert has made an exceptional contribution to the Wellington Mills Volunteer Bushfire Brigade and played an integral role in the brigade's nomination in the 2023 DFES Firefighting Team Achievement Awards. His dedication, commitment, and tireless efforts have been instrumental in the brigade's outstanding contribution to community preparedness throughout the 2022/23 period. The unwavering support and countless hours of service have made a real difference in our community's ability to stay safe and prepared in the face of bushfire threats. Robert continues to provide hours upon hours as a volunteer bushfire brigade member. Robert is a trusted member of the brigade and a mentor to those within the brigade. Award nominee who received a Certificate of Appreciation: Daniel Fry.
  
  
• Senior Community Citizen of the Year, Josephine Holland: Josephine was recognised for her ongoing commitment to improving the lives of others. Since 2006, Josephine and her husband started the next chapter of their lives living at Bethanie Fields Retirement Village. Josephine has led the Bethanie Community Fete committee as Chief Organiser. She has enjoyed community service in various country towns and once Josephine and her husband retired, they signed up for Australian Volunteers Abroad and volunteered in Papua New Guinea. This sense of purpose and need to help others has kept the Bethanie Fete running all these years, which has assisted families to clothe themselves. Joesphine’s drive to help others and lead the way in community spirit has shone brightly for many years. 

• Active Citizenship Award, Dardanup and Districts Residents Association: The Dardanup and Districts Residents Association were recognised for their ongoing commitment to Dardanup and surrounding districts. They were the driving force behind the Centenary celebrations that marked 100 years since Dardanup was first gazetted. This proactive group ensured the town's 100th birthday was a memorable experience for all that attended! They planned for months leading up to the event and enlisted the help and services of many local businesses and groups for the event. The celebration was delivered in three parts: a street parade, Dardy Party and the Great Gatsby Ball, which was a sell-out. A day/night full of celebration, all made possible by the event organisers, the Dardanup and Districts Residents Association. 

“Congratulations to all our well-deserving award nominees  and recipients. Thank you for helping make our Shire a better place to live, work, invest, learn and play. We appreciate all that you do for our community,” Cr Gardiner said.

“It’s an absolute honour to also welcome 10 new citizens to our Shire, coming from five different countries, including India, United Kingdom, United States, South Africa and Hong Kong.

“The skills and cultural diversity of the new citizens, as well as their hard work and participation in our public life, will enrich our community.

“We hope that you love this community as much as we do, and you feel welcome and enjoy living in this absolutely stunning part of the world.”

Cr Gardiner thanked everyone who attended one of the three events held in the Shire, which were assisted by the Australian Government through a grant from the National Australia Day Council, were organised and run by passionate local volunteers.

 
Shire of Dardanup President Cr Tyrrell Gardiner (far right) and Jodie Hanns MLA (far left) with Citizens of the Year Award nominees and recipients (from left) Josephine Holland, Robert Doherty, Shelby Grey, Chelsey North and Kiara Roworth. Absent: Daniel Fry as he was assisting with the Burekup Australia Day Breakfast Event.

Dardanup and District Residents Association members with their Active Citizenship Award.

Shire of Dardanup President Cr Tyrrell Gardiner (far left) and Jodie Hanns MLA (far right) welcome 10 new Australian citizens who received their citizenships on Australia Day.

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