Australia Day Community Citizen of the Year Awards

2023 citizenship award winners with Council Members.

About the awards

Each year the City coordinates the City of Rockingham Australian Citizen of the Year Awards, to recognise the significant and positive contributions of individuals and groups within the Rockingham community. The awards consist of four categories:

  • Community Citizen of the Year
  • Young Community Citizen of the Year (16 – 30 years of age)
  • Senior Community Citizen of the Year (Over 65 years of age)
  • Active Citizenship – Group or Event

The awards are presented at the City of Rockingham Australian Citizen of the Year Ceremony.

How to nominate

Nominations can be submitted on the Community Citizen of the Yearopens in a new window website. The site contains more information on the criteria for the awards opens in a new windowand also how to nominate.

Alternatively, contact the City directly on customer@rockingham.wa.gov.au or 9528 0333 for a printable nomination form.

2024 winners

  • Winner: Karen Hollings

    Among her other community activities Karen founded a not-for-profit organisation called Dogs for First Responders dedicated to supporting mental health of first responders using therapy dogs. She is also actively involved in the Pink Belt Project - a charity that uses martial arts as a method of violence prevention and recovery for women.

    Mayor Deb Hamblin presenting Karen with her award.

  • Winner: Angel Jose

    Angel founded a group called Kids Helping Kids to support children with special needs by giving them a safe place to learn and grow. As a young person with her own physical challenges she has been able to develop a uniquely welcoming and relatable approach which has seen the group grow exponentially since it was launched in 2022.

    Mayor Deb Hamblin presenting Angel with her award.

  • Winner: Doreen Nelson

    Doreen has been a strong voice for Aboriginal rights, empowerment, and social justice at a national level and has helped shape policies and programs with implications for Aboriginal people. Doreen was recognised for the lasting impact she has made on cultural preservation, community development, education, and awareness about Aboriginal issues and experiences nationally and globally.  

    Doreen Nelson.

  • Winner: CWA Rockingham

    CWA Rockingham is a long standing and very active local organisation that is passionate about community engagement. The group worked hard throughout 2023 to bring together ladies from the Rockingham area at engaging events which generated funds and other donations for a variety of local organisations.

    Mayor presenting CWA members with their award.

     

Previous winners

All winners’ names are placed on the Australia Day Awards honour boards and is located in the City of Rockingham Administration Building Reception Room.

A full list of winners’ names can be found in the document below.

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