City of Cockburn Celebrates Community Champions in Annual Australia Day Awards
The City of Cockburn has proudly honoured local leaders who have dedicated themselves to enhancing the lives of others through its annual Australia Day community citizen of the year awards. These prestigious recognitions were announced during the city's Australia Day citizenship ceremony on January 26, where approximately 130 new Australian citizens took their oath of allegiance, marking a day of dual celebration for both newcomers and long-standing community pillars.
Community Citizen of the Year: Clory Carrello
Clory Carrello, a dedicated community health professional and advocate, was named the overall community citizen of the year. Beyond his full-time role as CEO at Cockburn Integrated Health, Mr Carrello invests significant volunteer hours to benefit Cockburn residents. His leadership at Cockburn Integrated Health champions innovative health initiatives, including the Aboriginal Ear Health program, Healthy Lifestyle campaigns, school nutrition schemes, and children's spectacles programs.
The award-winning $1.2 million community-led Aboriginal ear health initiative delivers culturally safe, collaborative care that effectively closes the ear health gap for numerous young people in Cockburn and surrounding areas. Mr Carrello's commitment extends well beyond his professional duties, as he actively participates in mental health governance, having served as chair and board member for multiple organisations, demonstrating a holistic approach to community wellbeing.
Youth Community Citizen of the Year: Lilijana Nicholls
Lilijana Nicholls, a member of the City of Cockburn Youth Advisory Collective, received the youth (16-30 years) community citizen of the year award for her exceptional work in ensuring youth voices are represented in local decision-making processes. She regularly attends council meetings, mentors fellow young people, and contributes to safety initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch.
Lilijana founded the Australian STEM Project, a not-for-profit organisation designed to make science, technology, engineering, and mathematics more accessible, particularly for girls and those from under-represented backgrounds. Its hands-on workshops have inspired hundreds of young people across Western Australia, fostering curiosity and confidence. Additionally, as an appointee to the WA Ministerial Youth Advisory Council, she contributes to youth policy development focused on education, wellbeing, and inclusivity.
Senior Community Citizen of the Year: Mike Graham
Mike Graham was honoured with the senior (over 65 years) community citizen of the year title for his unwavering commitment and service over 45 years at Marine Rescue Cockburn. He has served in multiple critical roles, including 20 consecutive years as commander, along with duties as skipper, radio officer, and providing administrative support during post-rescue communications.
Mr Graham has guided the team through numerous rescue missions and played an instrumental role in building the infrastructure that enables Marine Rescue Cockburn to operate around the clock. His dedication extends to fundraising hundreds of hours for essential equipment, providing marine safety education, and conducting marine radio coverage from his home seven days a week, ensuring community safety remains a top priority.
Active Citizenship Group Award Recipients
The active citizenship group or event award was jointly awarded to Community Collective Hamilton Hill Inc and the Harvest Lakes Residents Association.
Community Collective Hamilton Hill Inc operates an open pantry seven days a week in Cockburn to combat food insecurity and the rising cost of living. Every month, it assists up to 3000 people by providing essential items such as:
- Bread and fresh produce
- Pantry staples and frozen food
- Pet supplies and sanitary products
The volunteer group also delivers emergency food hampers to those in urgent need. Based at the Southwell Community Centre, the collective collaborates with other local organisations including Freo Street Doctor, City of Cockburn financial advisors, and Freo Street Kitchen, while supporting schools and various community groups.
The Harvest Lakes Residents Association has enabled the Harvest Lakes community in Atwell to flourish through diverse initiatives, including:
- Cultural events and wellness programs
- Environmental stewardship and youth engagement
- Historical education activities
Their activities range from an annual Christmas concert and school holiday workshops to clothing swaps, community clean-ups, youth mentoring, and turtle conservation efforts.
Mayoral Recognition and Community Impact
Cockburn mayor Logan Howlett expressed profound gratitude for the award winners, noting the tangible benefits they have brought to the community's quality of life. "I am thankful every day for the passion and compassion of those that work hard behind the scenes in our community," Mayor Howlett stated. "Without these people we would be so much poorer in our hearts and in the knowledge that they serve as inspiring role models for a tradition of helping others that has made Cockburn the vibrant and compassionate community it is today."
These awards highlight the incredible spirit of volunteerism and community service that defines Cockburn, showcasing how individual and collective efforts can create lasting positive change across health, safety, education, and social support sectors.
