Nominations now open for Community Citizen of the Year Awards

The City of Canning is calling on residents to recognise the people and groups who make a difference in the local community, with nominations for the Auspire Australia Day Council WA Community Citizen of the Year Awards open from now until 31 October 2025.

Coordinated by Auspire Australia Day Council WA and supported by Local Governments across Western Australia, the awards shine a light on individuals and organisations whose efforts help create stronger and more connected communities.

The awards acknowledge contributions across a wide range of areas including education, health, sport, the arts, volunteering, environmental initiatives, business, cultural inclusion, fundraising and community events. Nominations can highlight either recent achievements over the past year or long-term commitment over many years.

Mayor Patrick Hall expressed that the awards were an important opportunity to highlight and celebrate the efforts of everyday people who often go unrecognised.

“Canning is home to so many people who give their time, energy and creativity for the benefit of others. Whether it’s running a sporting club, mentoring young people, caring for the environment, or bringing people together through culture and community, their impact is invaluable. These awards allow us to say thank you, to acknowledge their efforts publicly, and to share their stories to inspire others,” Mayor Hall said.

Award categories include:

• Community Citizen of the Year – recognising individuals making an outstanding contribution
• Youth Citizen of the Year – for people under 25 years
• Senior Citizen of the Year – for people over 65 years
• Active Citizenship Award – for community groups or events

Mayor Hall encourages all residents to consider who in their lives deserves recognition.

“If you’ve ever been inspired by a neighbour, volunteer, mentor, or group in our community, this is the moment to put their name forward. A nomination is one of the most meaningful ways to say thank you,” said Mayor Hall.

Winners will be formally recognised at the City of Canning’s Australia Day Ceremony on 26 January 2026, alongside new Australian citizens.

Last year’s winners said being recognised was both humbling and motivating.

“We sew to give back and support those in need… to be recognised for our work was incredibly humbling and has inspired us to keep growing our multicultural and inclusive group,” Rossmoyne Riverton Shelley Community Sewing said.

Young Community Citizen of the Year, Bryzlyn Lilac Sin also commented that receiving the award showed her how much young people can contribute and encouraged her to continue creating
positive change.

Community Citizen of the Year, Linda Ross supported the nomination saying that “It’s been a privilege to serve my school and wider community… this award gave recognition not just to me, but
to all the parents, volunteers, and families who work tirelessly behind the scenes.”

Residents are encouraged to provide details of their nominee’s contribution, their impact on the community, and why they deserve recognition.

Nominations are quick and easy and can be submitted online at
https://www.citizenshipawards.com.au/nominate/.

Nominations close at midnight on 31 October 2025.