The City of Bayswater has recognised four extraordinary residents and a volunteer group at its annual Community Citizen of the Year Awards on Wednesday 26 January.
The Awards recognise individuals and organisations who have made a notable contribution to their community.
City of Bayswater Mayor Filomena Piffaretti said the awards were an important way to acknowledge those who continued to give back to our community.
“It’s inspiring to see so many members of our community offer their time and experience towards making our City a vibrant, positive and inclusive place to live. Their generosity and dedication help strengthen our community and make Bayswater a better place for all of us,” she said.
“These award recipients give tirelessly of themselves, and it is a great honour to recognise them today.
“I offer my congratulations to all recipients of the 2022 City of Bayswater Community Citizen of the Year Awards.”
Citizen of the Year Vaughn McGuire is a leader, Elder and educator who has dedicated time to working alongside young people and in mental health settings, in prisons and in mines, with community organisations, and for major organisations such as Rio Tinto and BHP.
Senior Citizen of the Year was awarded to Parvathi (Ammu) Bai Rajan for her commitment to our community, including making food parcels, donating household goods and furniture to community members in need, and assisting those affected by domestic violence.
Zoe Kerbey was announced as Youth Citizen of the Year, following her role in the Treasure Trail of WA project. Created for youth, by youth, the project seeks to raise awareness of mental health issues in young people. The Trail comprises a series of murals starting in Kalamunda and finishing in Esperance, with two of Zoe’s artworks already part of the trail.
Active Citizenship of the Year went to community group LACE (Local Arts and Community Events Inc) for its consistent work in bringing the community together through events. Since launching in 2014, the 100% volunteer-run group has put on crowd favourites, such as Maylands Street Festivals, Maylands Hawker Markets, guided street art walking tours, and the Roxy Lane Community Garden.
The City’s own Outstanding Women in Leadership Award was presented to Maureen Rowles for her dedication to helping those living with Parkinson’s. Maureen started the Morley Parkinson’s Support Group and has raised thousands of dollars over the years to support Parkinson’s nurse specialists, equipment for the nurses and updated technology. In 2017, Parkinson’s WA awarded Maureen an Honorary Life Membership as well as Parkinson’s WA Volunteer of the Year Award for her services.
More information about the Community Citizen of the Year awards can be found at citizenshipawards.com.au.
Pictured (L-R): Rosa McGuire representing Vaughn McGuire, Zoe Kerbey, Parvathi (Ammu) Bai Rajan and Maureen Rowles.