Gosnells Community Citizen Awards Celebrate Local Heroes Making a Difference
The City of Gosnells has honoured several remarkable individuals and groups with its prestigious community citizen awards, recognising their tireless efforts to improve lives and strengthen local connections. The annual awards ceremony, held during the city's Australia Day Big Breakfast, highlighted the extraordinary contributions of volunteers and community leaders across various sectors.
Community Citizens of the Year: Kylie and Joel Burns
Kylie and Joel Burns have been named the City of Gosnells' Community Citizens of the Year for their comprehensive support to people facing hardship. Their work includes providing essential food hampers along with practical and emotional assistance to those in need. The couple has been particularly praised for creating a safe, judgment-free environment where families struggling with cost-of-living pressures can find support and feel genuinely valued.
Beyond material assistance, the Burns have excelled at connecting vulnerable community members with appropriate services and resources, ensuring they receive comprehensive support during difficult times.
Youth Citizen of the Year: Hania Usman
Hania Usman received the Youth Citizen of the Year award in recognition of nearly a decade of dedicated volunteering across multiple organisations. Her extensive community involvement includes working with the Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group, volunteering at waste and recycling stations during the Perth Royal Show, participating in the Push-Up Challenge for mental health awareness, and serving as a marshal at Homestead Parkrun events.
Mayor Terresa Lynes and Australia Day ambassador Maisara Muzaffar presented the award to Usman, highlighting how her diverse volunteering efforts demonstrate exceptional commitment to community wellbeing across different areas of need.
Joint Senior Citizens of the Year: Rajeshwary Krishnan and Janice Baker
The Senior Citizen of the Year award was jointly presented to two remarkable women who have made significant long-term contributions to the community. Dr Rajeshwary Krishnan, affectionately known as 'Dr Raji,' has devoted more than 45 years to improving health outcomes for First Nations communities across Western Australia, supporting multiple generations of families through her dedicated healthcare work.
Janice Baker received recognition for her committed volunteering with Friends of Mary Carroll Wetland, where she contributes to planting initiatives, weed control programs, wildlife monitoring, and community events. Baker also supports local residents through various activities and participates in broader Landcare initiatives, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship and community engagement.
Active Citizenship Award: City of Gosnells Walking Groups
The City of Gosnells Walking Groups received the Active Citizenship Award for their outstanding community-building efforts. These senior walking groups, operating in Canning Vale, Beckenham, Maddington, and Gosnells, bring people together for regular walks that promote physical activity while fostering meaningful social connections.
Moira Mullins and Terry Reynolds accepted the award on behalf of the walking groups, which have created sustainable social networks that combat isolation and promote healthy lifestyles among older residents.
Celebrating Community Spirit and New Citizens
Mayor Terresa Lynes expressed profound admiration for all award recipients, noting that they consistently go above and beyond to improve the lives of those around them. "I hope their efforts and dedication inspire others in our community to follow in their footsteps," she said during the presentation ceremony.
The awards were presented in partnership with Auspire, the Australia Day Council of Western Australia, with former City of Gosnells young citizen of the year Maisara Muzaffar serving as Australia Day ambassador for the event.
In a related celebration of community and citizenship, more than 100 new Australian citizens were welcomed during a citizenship ceremony at nearby Gosnells Town Square, coinciding with the Big Breakfast festivities. Mayor Lynes described the dual events as a powerful demonstration of community unity, saying "Local residents and families came together to celebrate the values that unite us all and to welcome new citizens to our community."
The Mayor further reflected on the significance of the occasion, noting "It's an enjoyable morning to share breakfast together, enjoy entertainment and activities, and see so many people from different cultures come together to celebrate what it means to be Australian." The combined events highlighted both the recognition of existing community contributors and the welcoming of new members to the Gosnells community fabric.
