The Shire of Murray marked Australia Day with a dual celebration, welcoming 33 new Australian citizens while honouring the district's most dedicated volunteers at the 2026 Community Citizen of the Year Awards ceremony. Held at the picturesque Edenvale Heritage Precinct, the event highlighted the exceptional contributions of individuals and groups who consistently go above and beyond for their community.
Celebrating Civic Excellence and New Beginnings
Shire President Douglas McLarty presided over the festivities, emphasising the high standard of nominees recognised each year. "The awards celebrate many citizens and groups who go above and beyond in serving our district," Mr McLarty stated. He expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the council, noting that "Each nominee helps make Murray an outstanding place for community, lifestyle and opportunity."
This year, the shire received an impressive 11 nominations across four distinct award categories:
- Youth Community Citizen of the Year
- Senior Community Citizen of the Year
- Community Group of the Year
- Community Citizen of the Year
2026 Award Winners and Their Remarkable Contributions
Belinda Brown was named the Community Citizen of the Year, a prestigious accolade recognising her extensive work with Riding for the Disabled in both Murray and Mandurah. For over fifteen years, Ms Brown has supported countless participants, organised volunteer appreciation events, and actively engaged with local schools and families, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to service.
The Youth Community Citizen of the Year award was presented to Amelia Ticehurst, the visionary behind the young women's program, Blossom with Murray Youth. This innovative initiative offers a completely free 10-week course focused on health and wellbeing. The program is specifically designed to equip young women with essential tools to support their mental and physical development, while simultaneously fostering meaningful connections, positive relationships, and lasting friendships within the community.
Wilbur Graham received the Senior Community Citizen of the Year award for his two decades of dedicated service to Pinjarra Primary School. Mr Graham volunteers five days a week, providing invaluable one-on-one mathematics tutoring to students. His consistent presence and educational support have made a significant impact on generations of young learners.
The Community Group of the Year honour was awarded to the Murray Music and Drama Club, one of the shire's longest-running volunteer organisations. Since its establishment in 1969, the club has been a cornerstone of local entertainment, providing high-quality shows for the community. Currently, the club is rehearsing for its monumental 150th production, Camelot. Remarkably, the Murray Music and Drama Club is entirely self-funded and operated by a passionate team of volunteers, with members spanning an incredible age range from four years old to over eighty.
A Day of National Pride and Local Recognition
The Australia Day ceremony seamlessly blended national pride with local appreciation, creating a powerful testament to community spirit. The formal citizenship ceremony for 33 new Australians underscored the nation's multicultural fabric, while the awards highlighted the everyday heroes who strengthen the social fabric of the Shire of Murray. This combination of welcoming new citizens and honouring long-standing contributors perfectly encapsulated the themes of unity, service, and civic responsibility that define Australia Day celebrations across the country.
