THREE volunteers and a community group were recognised at the City of Rockingham’s 2019 Community Citizen of the Year Awards.
The awards recognise individuals and organisations that have made a notable contribution during the current year and/or those who have given outstanding service.
Homelessness advocate Owen Farmer won the Community Citizen of the Year Award, which Mayor Barry Sammels said was richly deserved.
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READ NOW“Owen helps the community on a daily basis by offering assistance to homeless people,” he said.
“Whether it is a cooked meal or a place to sleep, Owen has opened the doors of his own home to help homeless people for many years.
“In some instances, he has even given people the jacket off his own back.
“As a passionate advocate for all issues that impact homeless people, he has given so many people a helping hand when they desperately needed it most.”
The Community Citizen of the Year – Senior (65 years and over) award was presented to joint winners Gordon Crane and Joan Fulford. Both have been volunteers with the Citizens Advice Bureau for more than 40 years combined.
During this time the pair have taken on different roles, all in a bid to help their community.
The Lions Club of Rockingham received the Active Citizenship – Group or Event award for 2019.
It was recognised for its charitable commitment to a number of causes.
The awards were held before the City’s Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony, where 68 residents officially become Australian citizens.