The vibrant community of Mandurah came together on Australia Day to honour its local heroes at the prestigious 2026 Community Citizen of the Year Awards ceremony. Organised by Auspire, the Australia Day Council of Western Australia, this annual celebration has been recognising outstanding contributions since 2003 across four distinct categories.
Celebrating the Fabric of the Community
Mandurah Mayor Amber Kearns expressed profound pride in the award winners and finalists, emphasising their significant impact on the local community. "I am so proud of the everyday people of Mandurah who create the fabric of our community," Ms Kearns stated during the ceremony. "Without them, we wouldn't be who we are. These people show that we all can make a difference."
The awards ceremony serves as an important platform for acknowledging often unseen community work. "It is such a privilege to honour and celebrate the stories of our winners," Mayor Kearns added. "I am so grateful for the work that each of them has done, which is so often unseen."
Community Citizen of the Year: A Distinguished Scientist
The prestigious Community Citizen of the Year award was presented to Emeritus Professor Lyn Beazley AO, a former Western Australian Chief Scientist who has dedicated decades to volunteer work in Mandurah. Professor Beazley has championed numerous citizen science initiatives, most notably the Dolphin Watch program, while providing steadfast support to the Mandurah Environment and Heritage Group.
Her extensive contributions extend beyond local recognition, having received national honours including being named an Officer of the Order of Australia and Western Australian Australian of the Year. Remarkably, her scientific legacy includes having a cancer-fighting sea sponge named in her honour, reflecting her broader impact on Australian science and medicine.
Senior Community Citizen: Fighting Food Insecurity
John Stone, founder and chair of the Australian Multicultural Philippine Society, received the Senior Community Citizen of the Year award for his tireless work addressing food insecurity in the Peel region. Through his organisation, Mr Stone has raised substantial funds to support community food programs and purchased vital equipment to expand outreach efforts.
His personal commitment sees him collecting food donations from farms, warehouses and stores across Western Australia seven days a week, ensuring that vulnerable community members do not go hungry. This dedicated approach has made a tangible difference in combating food poverty throughout the region.
Young Community Citizen: A Lifetime of Service
Seventeen-year-old Millie Penman was honoured as Young Community Citizen of the Year for her remarkable commitment to community service through multiple organisations. Her volunteer journey began at just four years old and now encompasses involvement with the Mandurah State Emergency Service, TS Comet Royal Australian Navy Cadets, West Murray Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade, Coastal Waste Warriors, and the Meadow Springs Resident Group.
Ms Penman dedicates up to seven hours weekly to training and spends most weekends volunteering for local events, building on her recognition as a finalist in last year's WA Young Volunteer of the Year Awards. Her extensive involvement demonstrates an exceptional dedication to community welfare from a remarkably young age.
Active Citizenship: Addressing Child Hunger
The Active Citizenship award for a group or event was presented to the Backpack Buddies Program, delivered by local charity Bridge Builders. This innovative initiative tackles child hunger in the Mandurah area by providing weekend food packs to students who might otherwise go without meals outside of school hours.
Since its modest launch in January 2024 with just five children, the program has expanded significantly to support 250 students across 14 local schools. This growth reflects both the pressing need for such services and the program's effective delivery model, which relies on dedicated volunteers including Bridge Builders Junior Board members.
The 2026 Community Citizen of the Year Awards have once again highlighted the extraordinary contributions of Mandurah residents who work tirelessly to strengthen their community through volunteerism, scientific advocacy, food security initiatives, emergency services, and youth support programs.
