02 February 2023

Community Citizen of the Year Awards

Outstanding community spirit was applauded at our 2023 Australia Day celebrations.

The Community Citizen of the Year Awards recognise those in our community who are doing extraordinary work – making our Shire a better place to live. This year the Shire of Irwin had eight nominees across four categories.

The Community Citizen of the Year Awards recognise the outstanding contribution by local people to local communities – the recipients are judged against a number of criteria including how they value add to their community and act as role models for others.

The Community Citizen of the Year Award – Citizen of the Year was presented to Jim Phillips.

Jim Phillips has been actively involved in Dongara's sporting scene for 30 years. Not only at a playing level but predominately a committee level for both cricket and football.

He is the only person between the codes to be a life m8ember of both sporting clubs and his efforts throughout the years at an administrative level has brought and maintained a level of stability to a struggling sport scene in the region.

Jim volunteers his skills, his wisdom and kind heart in sporting groups of all age, from nippers to veterans. Jim has been a strong motivator for positive change and is an inspiring, kind, committed role model for youth, parents and club members

Shire of Irwin President Mike Smith congratulated all the winners and nominees.

“The Shire of Irwin is so grateful for these wonderful people and I am pleased to have the opportunity to show them how much we appreciate their efforts and commitment to creating a better Dongara – Port Denison,” Cr Smith said.

The Australia Day WA Active Citizen of the Year Awards were presented to the following individuals and groups:

Community Citizen of the Year (Overall) – Jim Phillips

Senior of the Year – Graeme Roberts

Young Citizen of the Year – Raine Jeffery

Active Citizenship Award (Group) - Dongara Osprey Girl Guides

The Australia Day WA Active Citizen of the Year Awards are supported by Auspire and the Australia Day Council WA.

More information about the Awards is available at www.auspire.org.au and to read about all this year's nominees visit here.

Australia Day at the Foreshore

A big thank you to everyone who came along to our Australia Day community celebration!

We are especially grateful for our volunteers, as well as the Lions Club and Year 6 Camp volunteers who kept the crowds fed. Thanks also to our local businesses for their ongoing support and the band Mixtape for providing the soundtrack for the day.

To see photos from the day visit our Facebook page or download this month's Community News here.