AUSTRALIA DAY CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

In

January we celebrated local community members doing extraordinary things at the 2023 Australia Day Citizen of the Year Awards.

Mayor Angela Evans presented the awards in front of a packed room at Woodville Town Hall. Congratulations to our deserving recipients, all of our nominees and those who nominated. Your support in our community means the world.

Citizen Of The Year Award Nasir Hussain

Nasir has been a qualified social worker since 2016 and has used his skills and experience in this field to positively impact the community. Working with and advocating for the multicultural groups within our City, Nasir provides opportunities for our community to feel connected and to have a greater sense of belonging and purpose. He assists new residents to our City in accessing facilities and services that help them feel established and settled in their new home. Nasir works tirelessly to promote and celebrate the many cultures within the City of Charles Sturt.

Senior Citizen Of The Year Award Gary West

Gary has been actively involved within the City of Charles Sturt community for many years and is a long-term member of the Rotary Club of West Lakes. He previously held the position of President at the Rotary Club (2011-12 Rotary Year) and in 2012 was recognised by Rotary International by being awarded the Paul Harris Fellow for his outstanding service to the Rotary Club of West Lakes and the Club’s associated projects.

Young Citizen Of The Year Award Alison Hanks

Alison has been a dedicated member of the community for many years now along with being an active member of the St John Ambulance Cadets. Originally part of the St John Ambulance SA Gawler Division, she moved to the Woodville Division where she joined as a Youth Leader and now holds the role of Cadet Leader. Alison was awarded the South Australian Youth Member of the Year Award at the 2022 St John Ambulance SA Awards Day. This award recognised Alison’s efforts not only as a Cadet Leader but her acts of service to the community.

Community Event Of The Year My Tree Project

The My Tree Project led by Western Adelaide Coastal Residents Association (WACRA) began in 2021. The idea came from an 11-year-old boy, who loved to read under his mulberry tree and shared an idea with his grandmother to grow trees and link them together via treehouses for each of his friends.

From this project, 450 trees and vegetation have been planted and permanent propagation areas have been established at West Beach Primary and Kilkenny Primary Schools. It has also contributed to our Tree Canopy initiative, reducing greenhouse gases, mitigating the effects of urban heat, and providing shade and habitat for the local wildlife.