Stirling's 2026 Community Citizen Awards Celebrate Local Heroes on Australia Day
The City of Stirling has honoured outstanding local contributors with its 2026 Community Citizen of the Year Awards, presented during Australia Day celebrations. The awards ceremony, delivered in partnership with Auspire – the Australia Day Council of WA, saw deputy mayor Karlo Perkov announce the deserving recipients who have made significant impacts across the community.
Vicky Young Named Community Citizen of the Year
Vicky Young, president and co-founder of the Malaga-based charity Dandelions WA, received the prestigious title of Stirling's 2026 Community Citizen of the Year. Her organisation delivers crucial support and dignity to people across Western Australia facing various hardships, including homelessness, domestic violence, hospitalisation, and other challenging circumstances.
This year, through their Back to School campaign, Ms Young and her dedicated team of volunteers plan to distribute an impressive 17,000 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to vulnerable children throughout the state. Stirling mayor Mark Irwin praised Ms Young's exceptional contributions, noting that while she doesn't seek recognition, she thoroughly deserves this honour.
"Dandelions WA has grown rapidly over five years and is having a significant impact on the lives of thousands of people across our state," Mr Irwin stated. "Their motto is 'spreading kindness, growing hope' – and that's what Vicky does every day."
Additional Award Recipients Honoured
The ceremony also recognised several other community champions:
- Terry Merchant received the Senior Community Citizen of the Year award for his longstanding philanthropic contributions to education, health, and public service. Most notably, he established two major scholarship programs through the University of Notre Dame Australia, supporting nursing students facing hardship or returning to study later in life.
- Alexandria Nielsen was named Young Community Citizen of the Year for her instrumental role in establishing Starfish Nippers at Scarborough Beach. This inclusive program provides children and youths with disabilities access to beach wheelchairs, buoyancy vests, and sand mats, creating valuable beach experiences for all.
- Perth Rhinos Basketball, based in Mirrabooka, received the Active Citizenship Award. The club was originally established to create pathways for South Sudanese youth and has since evolved into a welcoming community for young people, particularly those from refugee backgrounds who have experienced trauma and isolation. The organisation provides a safe, supportive space where participants can build friendships and confidence through basketball.
Citizenship Ceremony Welcomes New Australians
During the same Australia Day event, 143 local residents from 36 different countries were officially sworn in as Australian citizens. City of Stirling CEO Stevan Rodic addressed the new citizens, reflecting on his own family's immigration experience when they moved to Western Australia in the 1950s.
Mr Rodic emphasised the vital role immigration has played in shaping and strengthening the Stirling community over decades. "I know that for some of you, Australia may not yet feel like home," he acknowledged. "But I want you to know you are welcome here, you belong here and we are better because you are here."
He described the City of Stirling as "a place of opportunity" where hard work is respected, diversity is embraced, and community is built gradually through individual stories and family contributions. The dual celebration of community achievement and new citizenship created a powerful testament to Stirling's vibrant, inclusive character.
