Cockburn honours its Citizens of the Year for 2019

Christine Duckham is the City’s Community Citizen of the Year for 2019, in recognition of her efforts to establish the Hamilton Hill Hub, the first community-run community centre in the City of Cockburn.

The awards were presented by Mayor Logan Howlett at the City’s annual Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony where 97 new Australian citizens pledged their commitment to our country on the 70th anniversary of Australian Citizenship.

Mayor Logan Howlett said the City’s annual Australia Day awards recognised the individuals and groups that made a difference through their inspiring actions and dedicated service.

“Our recognition of these people, who reflect positive Australian characteristics, is integral to fostering community pride and an important thread in the fabric of the Australian story,” Mayor Howlett said.

This year’s winners are:  Community Citizen of the Year – Overall: Christine Duckham Community Citizen of the Year – Youth (under 25 years of age): Eliza Blight Community Citizen of the Year – Senior (over 65 years of age): Geoff Webb Active Citizenship – Group or Event: Beeliar Community Voice Inc

Christine Duckham has created a place where community can come together to learn, celebrate and form new friendships at Hamilton Hill Hub. She volunteers hours of her time to ensure the Hub operates seamlessly, is clean and well organised and she makes everyone feel welcome and valued.

Eliza Blight is an energetic volunteer with the Cockburn Youth Advisory Collective (CYAC) and fundraises for Native ARC, a Bibra Lake wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre. She also helps organise local youth events including Battle of the Bands, FROSH Festival and the Youth ANZAC Parade and Service. Since joining CYAC a year ago, she has significantly developed the volunteer group of young people aged 12-24 where her passion and skills as a leader are inspirational to her peers.

Geoff Webb has been instrumental in the realisation of Cockburn Community Mens Shed since joining the steering committee in 2011. Geoff, named the City’s 2017 Inspirational Volunteer of the Year, has a long history of active citizenship and volunteering in the community. His energy, commitment and tenacity to see the project come to fruition is inspiring, with the purpose-built shed opening in June 2018. Geoff’s deep commitment was motivated by the community’s need for an inclusive community men’s shed.

Beeliar Community Voice is a residents group whose purpose is to make Beeliar an exceptional community-focused suburb. The committee, led by president Wendy Campbell and vice president Leah Bruce, works to build local participation and pride, and create a stronger sense of inclusiveness and wellbeing. It strives to make the suburb safer and collaborates to promote a healthier environment, build relationships with businesses, the City of Cockburn, government agencies and other local community groups. Along with meetings, it has held a twilight market, a seniors morning tea, clean-up day and a community coffee crime and safety forum. The Beeliar Big Birthday Bash attracted hundreds of people to celebrate the suburb’s 25th anniversary. Local artist Jack Bromell painted a unique mural on the community centre wall, contributing to the revitalisation of the centre and improving the heart of this suburb.