Each year on Australia Day, the awards acknowledge leading citizens who are role models and who inspire us with their achievements, and challenge us to make our own contribution to creating a better community. The recipients will be selected from people and groups who have made a noteworthy contribution during the current year or given outstanding service to the community over a number of years. The awards are presented at the City's Citizenship Ceremony on 26 January.
There are four categories in which to nominate:
- Community Citizen of the Year (individuals over 16 years)
- Community Citizen of the Year - Youth (individuals aged 16-30 years)
- Community Citizen of the Year - Senior (individuals aged 65 years or over)
- The Active Citizenship Award (community groups or events).
Please note the following guidelines when nominating a Community Citizen:
- A person or group must first be nominated to be considered for the Awards
- Nominees should live or work primarily within the City of Cockburn
- Groups of people or couples will not normally be eligible except when meeting the criteria for a community group
- A couple may be recognised in an individual category
- A person may receive an award on more than one occasion in recognition of particularly outstanding community contribution or involvement in an alternative initiative
- Awards may be granted posthumously in recognition of recent achievements
- Self nominations are not accepted
- Individuals must be at least 16 years of age on 26 January, though younger nominees may be considered for exceptional contribution
- Unsuccessful nominees may be nominated in future years
- Nominations must be apolitical in their nature and should not in any way bring the awards program or local government area into disrepute
- Sitting members of State, Federal and Local Government are not eligible.
Community Citizen selection criteria
Winners are judged to have shown active citizenship and:
- Significant contribution to the local community
- Demonstrated leadership on a community issue resulting in the enhancement of community life
- Contributed to a significant initiative which has brought about positive change and added value to community life
- Inspiring qualities as a role model for the community.
Nominations for the 2027 awards are now open, until 31 October. Category finalists will receive an invitation to attend the awards presentation ceremony which will be held on 26 January 2027.
For more information and to make a nomination for the 2027 awards, visit the official
Community Citizen of the Year Awards website.
Community Citizen of the Year 2026
Clory Carrello
As CEO at Cockburn Integrated Health, Clory Carrello champions innovative health including Cockburn Aboriginal Ear Health, Healthy Lifestyle, school nutrition and children’s spectacles programs.
The award-winning $1.2m community-led Aboriginal ear health initiative delivers culturally safe, collaborative care that closes the ear health gap for many young people in Cockburn and further afield.
Clory’s dedication extends far beyond his professional role. He generously invests time and energy into volunteer work in mental health governance, having served as Chair and board member for multiple organisations over many years.
Clory is not just a leader – he is a hands-on advocate for health equity, a tireless collaborator, and a driving force behind programs that make a real difference. His passion and perseverance have transformed lives, and we celebrate his outstanding contribution by naming Clory Carrello as Cockburn's Community Citizen of the Year 2026.
Community Citizen of the Year 2026 - Youth
Lilijana Nicholls
Lilijana Nicholls demonstrates an inclusivity that makes space for young people in Cockburn, as an active member of the City of Cockburn Youth Advisory Collective.
She elevates the voice of local youth to ensure their perspective is represented in important decision-making, she mentors fellow young people, and contributes to safety initiatives like Neighbourhood Watch.
Lilijana founded the Australian STEM Project, a not-for-profit organisation designed to make science and mathematics more accessible, particularly for girls and those from underrepresented backgrounds. Its programs have reached hundreds of young people across WA.
Lilijana’s advocacy also has a state-wide impact as an appointee to the WA Ministerial Youth Advisory Council, where she contributes to youth policy development. We are proud to name Lilijana as Cockburn’s Young Community Citizen of the Year.
Community Citizen of the Year 2026 - Senior
Mike Graham
Mike has been a dedicated volunteer with Marine Rescue Cockburn for an incredible 45 years. He has served in many roles including 20 consecutive years as Commander, along with Skipper, Radio Officer, and providing administrative support during post-rescue communications.
Guiding the team through numerous rescue missions, Mike has also been instrumental in building the infrastructure that allows Marine Rescue Cockburn to operate 24/7.
He has spent hundreds of hours fundraising for essential equipment, providing marine safety education, and conducting marine radio coverage from his home seven days a week.
We are very proud to name Mike Graham Cockburn’s Senior Volunteer of the Year.
Active Citizenship Award 2026 - Group or Event (Joint Winner)
Harvest Lakes Residents Association
Harvest Lakes Residents Association has enabled the Harvest Lakes community in Atwell to blossom into a vibrant, connected and caring place to live and visit.
The association offers a variety of initiatives including cultural events, wellness programs, environmental stewardship, youth engagement, and historical education that build meaningful and sustainable connection in the growing community.
Activities include an annual Christmas concert, school holiday workshops, clothing swaps, community clean ups, youth mentoring and turtle conservation.
The Association’s work reflects thousands of volunteer hours and a deep commitment to community wellbeing, and is a worthy recipient of the Active Citizenship Award.
Active Citizenship Award 2026 - Group or Event (Joint Winner)
Community Collective Hamilton Hill Inc.
Community Collective Hamilton Hill Inc operates an open pantry seven days a week in Cockburn to tackle food insecurity and the rising cost of living.
Every month they help up to 3,000 people by providing essential items like bread, fresh produce, pantry staples, frozen food, and pet supplies.
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 groups including Freo Street Doctor, City of Cockburn financial advisors, and Freo Street Kitchen, while also supporting schools and other community groups.
We recognise the difference they make to so many people in need by naming Community Collective Hamilton Hill as the joint winner of the Active Citizenship Award.
To find out more, visit the
Auspire Australia Day Council of WA website.