The City has presented five local heroes with awards marking their dedication to serving the community, as part of the annual Community Citizen of the Year Awards.
Mayor Filomena Piffaretti congratulated the award winners, thanking them for their outstanding contribution to the City of Bayswater community.
“A thriving community is built upon the participation of its members, and these award recipients have had an immeasurable impact on our community,” she said.
“Our 2023 recipients have so generously offered their time and skills to make the City of Bayswater a better place for us all.
“I offer my sincere congratulations to our 2023 award winners.”
The City partnered with Auspire to present the Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Youth Citizen of the Year and Active Citizenship of the Year Awards. The City also presented its own Outstanding Women in Leadership Award.
Bayswater resident and Principal Research Fellow Professor Sue Fletcher AO was awarded Citizen of the Year for her work researching and developing treatments for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and other rare diseases. In addition to her medical research, Sue volunteers her time to support fundraising efforts for charitable organisations across the community.
Senior Citizen of the Year was awarded to Timothy Sean O’Brien, who spends an average of 700 hours each year volunteering with Bayswater SES. Timothy organises and facilitates training for not only the Bayswater SES, but for SES members across Western Australia.
Lucy Rule was announced as Youth Citizen of the Year for her commitment to the Bayswater Youth Advisory Council (YAC) and for advocating for young people by participating in Youth Parliament. Through her involvement in the YAC, Lucy has helped write the City’s 2019 Youth Action Plan, and organise and promote City-run workshops and events such as Youth Week and Footprint.
Active Citizenship of the Year went to community group Perth Homeless Support Group Inc. for providing support to those who are homeless or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Each Sunday morning, volunteers distribute care packs to people in need, providing food items, essential toiletries, warm blankets and waterproof coats. Led by CEO Jed Fay, the Group also provides emergency hampers to individuals and families at risk of homelessness or experiencing financial difficulties.
The City presented its Outstanding Women in Leadership Award to Maylands resident Jessica Herbert for the leadership she has provided to jazz bands across Perth. Jessica leads the UWA Jazz Big Band and the multi-award-winning Perth Cabaret Collective. Jessica has also formed The Amnesiacs big band, and is the Music Director of the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra Northern Corridor training band, where she works with young musicians to develop their talent.
More information about the Community Citizen of the Year Awards can be found at bayswater.wa.gov.au/arts-and-leisure/events/citizen-of-the-year-awards