Perth’s community spirit was on show today as the City of Perth welcomed 48 new Australian citizens from 25 different countries.
 
City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said it was an honour to greet Perth’s newest citizens at this morning’s Australia Day Citizenship and Awards Ceremony, which returned to the newly refurbished Perth Town Hall.
 
“We’re delighted to officially welcome you all with open arms into the City of Perth community. It is brilliant to see such a diverse range of people from across the world becoming new Australian citizens today,” Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said.
 
“We’re grateful and proud that each of you has chosen to make Perth your home.”
 
The winners of this year’s Community Citizen of the Year Awards were announced during this morning’s ceremony.
 
Presented annually, the Awards give local governments around the state the opportunity to acknowledge the contribution, and celebrate community engagement, of people within the community.
 
This year’s four deserving winners were chosen by a City chaired selection panel:

  • Citizen of the Year – Megan Krakouer
  • Citizen of the Year (Youth) – Sian Williams
  • Citizen of the Year (Senior) – Jim Morrison
  • Citizen of the Year (Event/Group) – Short Back and Sidewalks

Each nomination was reviewed for their significant contribution to the local community, leadership on a community issue that has resulted in the enhancement of community life, positive change and of course, inspirational qualities as a role model for the community.
 
Mr Zempilas acknowledged the important role community members play in the City.
 
“It is important to shine a spotlight on people in our community who have made a difference through acts of kindness, bravery and selflessness. We wouldn’t have the wonderful community we do if it wasn’t for the contribution of passionate citizens and neighbourhood community groups.”
 
In conjunction with Local Government organisations across WA, Auspire – the Australia Day Council of WA has run the local Citizen of the Year Awards Program since 2003.
 
Issued by: Sarah Best, Media and Communications Lead sarah.best@cityofperth.wa.gov.au  0456 562 274
 


Backgrounder:
 
Citizen of the Year
 
Megan Krakouer
 
Megan is a Mineng Noongar woman from Mount Barker in Australia’s south west. 
 
She was nominated for her attention and efforts as the sole organiser of the national candlelight vigil “Justice for Cassius.”
 
As a human rights advocate for underprivileged First Nation Australians, Megan travels all over Australia to assist in improving remote Aboriginal community conditions. 
 
She works hard at breaking barriers and building anti-racism bridges, and works extensively in the suicide prevention space.
 
Citizen of the Year – Youth
 
Sian Williams

Sian was nominated for the work she does as the Founder of Kidzucate.

At the age of 6 years old, Sian felt inspired to start Kidzucate when she suffered bullying at school. She refused to become another statistic of bullying and found a fun, kid-friendly solution to her problem. 

Kidzucate kicked off with Sian using YouTube to present her educational videos, teaching children how to be better children. She believes kids learn better through kids and her initiative has had a huge impact on other children.
 
Citizen of the year – Senior
 
Jim Morrison
 
Jim is a senior Noongar man, a Traditional Custodian from WA’s south west coast.
 
Jim was nominated for his leadership and advocacy in community advancement roles.
 
He has worked in many areas, including for the rights of the Stolen Generations and their families; Aboriginal child protection; mental health, justice and suicide issues in his community; equity in access to culturally safe services in State and Commonwealth Governments; and Aboriginal Elder (Aged) Care, to name just a few.
 
He is the current Chair of the WA Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation, a founding member of Reconciliation WA and the architect, and initial manager of Yokai Healing Our Spirit.
 
Citizen of the Year – Event/Group
 
Short Back and Sidewalks
 
Short Back and Sidewalks has been nominated for their work in providing free haircuts for those in need, and in doing so, providing agency, dignity and the opportunity for people in the community who feel they have been forgotten.
 
Founded by Craig Hollywood, Short Back & Sidewalks started in a car park on the streets of Perth in early 2015 and has now expanded its services not only in WA, but also New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory.
 
The organisation is 100% volunteer led and has impacted the lives of more than 10,000 people across Australia. More than 350 volunteers are now involved in the movement, including hairdressers, engineers, journalists, scientists, architects and lawyers who are all working together as one, utilising their skills to make a positive impact.