LEADERSHIP and community spirit are among the strengths shown by winners in this year’s City of Wanneroo Australia Day Awards.
The City announced winners at its biggest annual citizenship ceremony, held at Wanneroo Showground on January 26.
More than 1000 residents from 65 countries were invited to take the pledge to become an Australian citizen at the ceremony officiated by Mayor Tracey Roberts.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWGuests gathered under a large marquee at Wanneroo Showground and dignitaries included Premier Mark McGowan, Opposition Leader Liza Harvey, Pearce MHR Christian Porter.
Former WA Governor Kerry Sanderson was the guest speaker and Scouts cooked a free breakfast before the ceremony.
The City scheduled the inaugural Wanneroo Festival to follow the ceremony on Sunday evening and make the most of hiring the marquee.
Charles Searson Australia Day Youth Award
Jayda Feifar received the Charles Season youth award for being an active member of her school and community and showing strong leadership skills.
Jayda is an active member of her school and community who has demonstrated strong leadership skills and has been recognised for her remarkable abilities.
She was described as being a strong and respectful representative for all Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal young people.
She willingly gave her time to coach and umpire sport and to organise community cultural sporting events.
Jayda also volunteers, helping prepare meals for families in need and those experiencing hardship and plays a leading role in a literacy mentoring program to help primary school students improve their skills.
She has been a positive role model to younger and older students, an advocate for the value of education and the recipient of multiple awards for her various endeavours.
City of Wanneroo Australia Day Individual Award
Daniel McEvoy received the individual award for his determination to help others thrive in education over almost a decade.
Mr McEvoy has helped younger students who did not have ready access to the support, guidance and inspiration they needed.
His work has had a huge impact on the community, helping children from refugee and lower socio-economic backgrounds with their studies.
Mr McEvoy is president of the Achievers Club WA, based in Girrawheen, through which more than 25 mentors help more than 20 children with their homework.
He never gave up, showing great resilience, even when funding was scarce or non-existent.
His dedication, combined with his upbeat and bright approach, has ensured that the young students in the Achievers Club were always given priority assistance.
City of Wanneroo Australia Day Community Award
The community award went to BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Perth, a community group based in Wangara.
The Hindu group embodies the spirit and values of a multicultural community, and the diversity celebrated in the City.
Its volunteers work tirelessly to enrich the community, offering support and help through a range of outreach programs.
The committed volunteers have rallied the community to support causes including Clean Up Australia Day, the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation, and the annual ‘food can’ drive to support the Spiers Centre and Salvation Army.
BAPS has also helped with grass-roots level blood donation drives, education seminars, tree planting and coastal rehabilitation projects.
Members also proudly share their culture and food through Diwali and New Year celebrations.
