Each year on Australia Day, the awards acknowledge leading citizens who are role models and who inspire us with their achievements, and challenge us to make our own contribution to creating a better community. The recipients will be selected from people and groups who have made a noteworthy contribution during the current year or given outstanding service to the community over a number of years. The awards are presented at the City's Citizenship Ceremony on 26 January.
There are four categories in which to nominate:
- Community Citizen of the Year (individuals over 16 years)
- Community Citizen of the Year - Youth (individuals aged 16-30 years)
- Community Citizen of the Year - Senior (individuals aged 65 years or over)
- The Active Citizenship Award (community groups or events).
Please note the following guidelines when nominating a Community Citizen:
- A person or group must first be nominated to be considered for the Awards
- Nominees should live or work primarily within the City of Cockburn
- Groups of people or couples will not normally be eligible except when meeting the criteria for a community group
- A couple may be recognised in an individual category
- A person may receive an award on more than one occasion in recognition of particularly outstanding community contribution or involvement in an alternative initiative
- Awards may be granted posthumously in recognition of recent achievements
- Self nominations are not accepted
- Individuals must be at least 16 years of age on 26 January, though younger nominees may be considered for exceptional contribution
- Unsuccessful nominees may be nominated in future years
- Nominations must be apolitical in their nature and should not in any way bring the awards program or local government area into disrepute
- Sitting members of State, Federal and Local Government are not eligible.
Community Citizen selection criteria
Winners are judged to have shown active citizenship and:
- Significant contribution to the local community
- Demonstrated leadership on a community issue resulting in the enhancement of community life
- Contributed to a significant initiative which has brought about positive change and added value to community life
- Inspiring qualities as a role model for the community.
Nominations for the 2026 awards are now open, until 31 October. Category finalists will receive an invitation to attend the awards presentation ceremony which will be held on 26 January 2026.
For more information and to make a nomination for the 2026 awards, visit the official
Community Citizen of the Year Awards website.
Community Citizen of the Year 2025
Maureen Fisher-Sim
Maureen Fisher-Sim has a talent for connecting people and fostering a sense of unity and belonging while encouraging others to join in.
Maintaining the community spirit showed by her great grandmother Maud Mary Winfield in the early 1900s in Hamilton Hill, she has lived and worked tirelessly in Cockburn for decades. Mrs Winfield jointly laid the foundation stone at Hamilton Hill Memorial Hall with then Governor, His Excellency the Governor Sir William Campion K.C.M.G. on 21 March 1925, after leading a community effort to build the iconic landmark.
Over the past eight years she has enabled Friends of the Community to provide substantial financial assistance for a variety of causes including migrants learning to swim, student scholarships, children’s medicines, meals for people experiencing homelessness, people with disability, junior sporting clubs, local schools and community groups.
Maureen is the founder of Hami Helps Inc which has held events including Hami Eats at Memorial Hall in Hamilton Hill, providing nutritious free meals for locals.
Amounting to hundreds of hours in a variety of roles, Maureen champions Hamilton Hill Community Group, Hamilton Hill & Surrounds Pets Facebook Page, Cockburn 4WD Club, and the former Cooby Cares food charity.
Community Citizen of the Year 2025 - Youth
Atlas Pillinger
Atlas Pillinger has made significant contributions through various roles and initiatives that showcase their dedication, leadership, and innovative approach to community service.
As a member of the Cockburn Youth Advisory Collective, Atlas has consistently ensured the voices of young people are heard and that local projects and events are responsive to the community's needs.
Helping to stage the PRIDE & Progress Ball, and Rotary Spring Festival for 2024, their advocacy for fellow young people in Cockburn and the general community is an example of community spirit and leadership from which the community benefits greatly.
Community Citizen of the Year 2025 - Senior
Lucia Scata
Spearwood’s Lucia Scata began filling in during her spare time at the Silver Chain Social Centre in Fremantle over 32 years ago, after arriving in Australia from Italy about 60 years ago.
Her volunteering soon became a weekly commitment, cooking an amazing array of traditional Italian food for the centre’s residents, guests and clients.
Now aged into her 80s Lucia still volunteers regularly at the centre, cooking large group meals, providing social interaction and friendly company for many guests.
Active Citizenship Award 2025 - Group or Event
Treeby Community Association
Treeby Community Association has made an outstanding contribution to the local community through its dedication to creating a vibrant, connected, and supportive environment.
It organises numerous initiatives and events including sausage sizzles to fund and maintain the community garden, and free twice-weekly wellness sessions which include a playgroup, gym, yoga, meditation, board game nights, and craft sessions.
Other initiatives have included an annual Halloween event, Australia Day and Christmas breakfasts, and the International Day of Yoga celebration, promoting improved health and wellbeing and reducing isolation and loneliness by fostering strong social connections in the community.
It has taken a leadership role in advocating for community improvements, campaigning for better Telstra reception, a bus stop, and road safety. It also supports neighbouring communities, making popcorn at the South Lake Fair and sponsoring Yangebup Community Eats.
Association members demonstrate a creative approach to combating social isolation through initiatives like meet-and-greet barbecues, free movie nights, Harmony Day celebrations, establishing two book exchange libraries and offering free equipment hire, encouraging the growing community to make meaningful connections.
To find out more, visit the
Auspire Australia Day Council of WA website.