Some of our most dedicated and selfless community members were acknowledged with Citizenship Awards as part of the City of Gosnells Australia Day celebrations.
Mayor Terresa Lynes and Australia Day Ambassador Nilesh Makwana presented the Australia Day WA Community Citizen of the Year Awards, with the Mayor praising all nominees for their contribution towards making the City of Gosnells a great place.
“We are extremely fortunate to live in a community where people want to help each other, share the value of mateship and support those in need,” Mayor Lynes said.
“Congratulations to each of our deserving winners and I hope their amazing work serves as inspiration for others in our community.”
The Citizenship Award recipients were:
Citizen of the Year Award – Clinton Phillips
Clinton offers support to vulnerable and disadvantaged people, providing the frail-aged with transport to medical appointments and assisting people in need to secure housing and employment. He volunteers to provide free community dinners in Langford for about 200 people, including struggling families, young people, migrants who are not eligible for government assistance and people with limited social support. Clinton also builds connections with support agencies to further assist those in need and, at various local schools, he delivers appreciation morning teas, runs mentoring and lunchtime programs for struggling students, and hosts the Chaplaincy school breakfast club.
Citizen of the Year Award – Senior category – Trevor Drummond
For many years, Trevor Drummond has been a stalwart of the Thornlie Bowling Club and a champion of the Friends of Brixton Street Wetlands. At Thornlie Bowling Club, which is a part beneficiary of a recent multi-million-dollar facility upgrade, Trevor has willingly taken on additional administration duties and, as Club President, successfully guided the club though this period of positive change. He has also dedicated over 20 years to the Friends of Brixton Street Wetlands, helping to preserve and carefully manage this biological jewel.
Citizen of the Year Award – Youth Award – Shivani Panneri
At just 10 years old, Shivani hosted a fundraising event for Autism WA at the Kenwick Community Centre in April 2021. After learning that one of her peers at school has autism, Shivani showed her support by hosting a free art exhibition and silent auction. The event helped to increase awareness of autism, with an Autism WA representative speaking to guests about the strengths and characteristics of individuals with autism. In addition to the silent auction, community members made donations throughout the day, raising a total of $2,600 for Autism WA.
Over 200 community members attended the event, including local and State Government representatives. Shivani’s efforts highlighted the issues associated with autism and promoted community understanding and acceptance of autism.
Citizenship Award for a Community Group or Event – Gosnells Football and Sports Club
The club has been heavily involved with the community for many years and has worked hard to raise its community profile to attract new members. It has offered its facilities, free of charge, to many charities and institutions, including the Gosnells Laurel Club (Legacy). Gosnells Football Club offers the sport of AFL to the Gosnells district and supports local junior football in Gosnells and Huntingdale to provide a pathway to senior football for young people in the community.
Subscribe to our eNewsletters