Mandurah community stalwarts: From left, Lorraine Webb, Bev Jackson and Allison Dixon
Camera IconMandurah community stalwarts: From left, Lorraine Webb, Bev Jackson and Allison Dixon Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson www.communitypix.com.au d478308

Mandurah’s top volunteers given Australia Day honours

Staff writerMandurah Coastal Times

GROUPS and individuals that have made a positive contribution to the Mandurah community were recognised at a ceremony on the eastern foreshore on Australia Day.

The Community Citizen of the Year is Allison Dixon.

Dixon fights to protect local flora and fauna and helps raise awareness of environmental issues and animal protection.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

She is a fauna handler called out, for free, by residents needing an unwanted or injured animal removed or relocated.

The many projects with which she has been involved include the installation of osprey nesting poles, ringtail possum dreys and nesting hollows.

She is also passionate and willing about sharing her knowledge and skill with others.

Ayesha Patterson is the Young Community Citizens of the Year under 25.

Patterson acts as a consultant for access and inclusion plans and advocacy networks across the Peel region and organises the Dining in the Dark fundraiser to raise money for Guide Dogs WA in Mandurah.

The Senior Community Citizen of the Year Award went to Margaret Rogers.

Ms Rogers has contributed to Mandurah Sustainable Home, Peel Community Kitchen, Men of the Trees and has also been involved with environmental research in Yalgorup National Park and studying migratory birds.

The Zonta Club of Peel is the Active Citizenship Group of the Year.

Examples of the club’s work include the Missing Persons Memorial, scholarships to help further tertiary studies for young women in financial difficulty, the breast surgery cushion project and work with local migrant women.

More than 80 people attended the citizenship ceremony.

Mayor Rhys Williams said Mandurah was a special place, made greater by incredible people.

“We are not just WA’s largest regional city, we are a connected community full of passionate and motivated people,’’ he said.