A GRANDPARENTS group, community fundraiser, anti-bullying advocate and senior volunteer were honoured in the City of Joondalup’s Australia Day awards.
Mayor Troy Pickard announced winners of this year’s awards, with Pina Pettinicchio winning the citizen of the year title.
Mr Pickard said the mother-of-four’s dedication to serving the Whitford Catholic Primary School and the wider community as a whole was inspirational.
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READ NOW“Pina is well known for her fundraising expertise, her drive and her determination to see her school and its students be the very best they can be,” he said.
Burns Beach girl Sian Williams (9) won the youth prize. She was recognised for founding Kidzucate in 2013 when she was six.
“She started producing educational videos on YouTube about how to be a better kid,” Mr Pickard said.
“It has inspired many youngsters and Kidzucate has grown into an educational program that retains one simple vision – to make the world a happier place for kids and youth.
“Sian runs her own bully prevention program that teaches children to be strong individuals.”
Beldon resident Sara Munagorri (71) won the senior citizen award for over three decades of volunteering.
“Sara has spent many years assisting the gardening team at the Wanneroo depot of Volunteer Task Force, visiting the homes of elderly and disabled people in our community, doing various gardening chores,” Mr Pickard said.
“She certainly comes with a solid background in the field, having worked as a gardener with the Education Department for near on four decades.
“She puts as much effort into other people’s gardens as she would her own and walks the dogs of elderly people in her church who are no longer fit enough.”
The group of the year was Grandparents Rearing Grandchildren, a not-for-profit group that supports grandparents who are fulltime carers and raise their grandchildren.
“The group offers advice on subjects such as finances, school holiday activities, counselling, childcare, vacation care and food relief assistance,” Mr Pickard said.
“What started as a coffee group in 1998 has grown to provide support, respite and fellowship for 54 families and 93 grandchildren.”
More than 330 residents born in 26 other countries became citizens at the Joondalup ceremony.
