The brains behind a local food relief program, which provides thousands of meals to homeless people each month, has been awarded the City of South Perth’s 2024 Community Citizen of the Year.
Josh Serafini, founder of HOME Karawara Food and Relief Program, was presented with his award at the city’s Australia Day citizenship ceremony at Sir James Mitchell Park last week.
The program, which was established by the South Perth local five years ago, cooks, packs and distributes food to people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.
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READ NOWFormer Perth College student Lucienne Willenge — who was also the school’s 2023 dux — was recognised as the city’s highest achieving Year 12 student for 2023 and was awarded the city’s Ted Maslen University Exhibition Prize.
Ms Willenge achieved a Certificate of Distinction, General Exhibition, Subject Exhibition in Politics and Law, Subject Certificate of Excellence in Politics and Law and Subject Certificate of Excellence in Biology and hopes to further her studies to become a paediatrician.
“Lucienne is an outstanding young lady,” City of South Perth mayor Greg Milner said.
“Her commitment to her studies, her perseverance, and her pursuit of knowledge and academic excellence have set her apart.
“The achievement of such exceptional academic results demonstrates Lucienne’s determination, hard work and a strong sense of purpose.”
Aquinas College student Jack Zaninovich was crowned Young Community Citizen of the Year for his volunteering efforts in Clean Up Australia, Winter Sleepout, Point Fraser Tree Planting and Edmund Rice Camp for Kids.
Rick Sneeuwjagt, a founding member of the Rotary Club of Mill Point, was recognised as Senior Community Citizen of the Year while the Manning Men’s Shed was awarded the Active Citizenship Award for a group or event.
“The dedication and passion of these volunteers and community members is incredible,” Mr Milner said.
“The City of South Perth is very fortunate to have dedicated and wonderful people enriching our community and making it an even better place to live.”
The awards were presented by Mr Milner and South Perth MLA Geoff Baker.