A MAN who helps feed as many as 1500 people a week has been named the City of Gosnells’ Citizen of the Year during the weekend’s Australia Day celebrations.
Joel Cornwall, known as Birdman, was recognised for collecting unsold fruit and vegetables through his Cocky’s Corner at the Canning Vale Markets before delivering them to people in need through organisations such as The Salvation Army, Mission Australia and women’s refuges.
The Youth Citizen of the Year was awarded to Tenuun Sanjaadorj, an active volunteer and community leader who helped run local Afghanistan food nights and has been involved with the Friends of Mary Carroll Wetlands and Gosnells Foothills Toastmasters.
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READ NOWThe Gosnells Football and Sports Club won the Active Citizenship Award for their contribution to a multicultural sports program and their support of other community groups and organisations such as the Gosnells Men’s Shed, Beyond Blue, the local Muslim community and the Gosnells Laurel Club.
Gosnells mayor Glenn Dewhurst said the winners were deserving of the accolades.
“A fair go for everyone and leading by example are qualities that have long been valued across Australia and in our community – our Citizenship Award recipients demonstrate these qualities in action,” he said.
“Congratulations to Joel, Tenuun and the Gosnells Football and Sports Club for all your endeavours, you’ve done us proud.
“I look forward to seeing how your great work inspires other individuals and groups in our community in the coming years.”
The City also used the Australia Day celebrations to announce their Safe City Award recipients.
Save the Children’s Strengh2Strength program won the Community Initiative Award, Gosnells Youth Advisory Council’s Elizabeth Gibson won the Constable Peter Ball Memorial Youth Award while Caladenia Primary School won the Community Kids Award.