Forced adoption advocate awarded Albany's Citizen of the Year

Published on Sunday, 26 January 2025 at 10:05:44 AM

Albany’s Community Citizen of the Year Award 2025 has been awarded to long-term advocate of forced adoption in Western Australia and Forced Adoption Era survivor themselves, Jennifer McRae.

Jennifer has worked tirelessly for many years supporting a vulnerable community of people that find it difficult to speak out about their own experiences with forced adoption in Western Australia.

Her advocacy work began in 2010 with the Barnett Government’s apology to Western Australians separated by adoption and followed into the Federal Senate inquiry into the forced adoption era and subsequent apology by Prime Minister Julia Gillard in 2013.

Today, Jennifer is the Principal Petitioner for the WA State Parliamentary inquiry into the forced adoption era which is the first inquiry led by the advocacy of an adopted individual.

Mayor of Albany Greg Stocks said Jennifer McRae’s unwavering dedication to raising awareness and supporting those impacted by forced adoption was thoroughly deserving of recognition.

“Her work has not only provided a voice to a vulnerable community but has also been instrumental in driving significant inquiries and apologies at both state and federal levels of government,” he said.

“Jennifer’s courage in sharing her own story and advocating for others is a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and the pursuit of justice.”

Felicity Ericsson was awarded Young Community Citizen of the Year for her commitment to local hockey as an umpire, player, coach and local leader with a passion for shaping the next generation.

Felicity’s dedication to enhancing the local hockey community has encouraged participation, united the community, built relationships and promoted a culture of support and collaboration.

Senior Citizen of the Year was awarded to Steve Marshall for his delivery of the Free Christmas Community Luncheon which has touched the lives of vulnerable residents over the festive season.

Each year, hundreds of residents, whether alone or without a Christmas to celebrate, come together to enjoy a free meal at the luncheon table regardless of their situation or circumstance.

Two Rivers Garden Group won the Active Citizenship Award for Community Group or Event for its support of social inclusion and maintenance of the Albany Community Hospice gardens.

The group of 165 individuals donate funds from their monthly meetings to Albany Hospice and is thriving as it prepares to celebrate 20 years of supporting the Hospice gardens in 2025.

The Annette Knight Community Leadership Medal has been awarded to local Menang-Noongar Elder Averil Dean for the immeasurable value and passion she continues to bring to the local community.

Averil’s influence towards the local community, often in the background, is evident through her cultural leadership, focus on education through a reconciliation lens, and connecting community to country.

The 2025 Active Citizenship Awards and Community Leadership Medal were awarded at a ceremony at Binalup / Middleton Beach on Australia Day.

“We have been overwhelmed by another year of outstanding nominees for these highly valued and prestigious awards,” Mayor Stocks said.

“The passion and dedication that all nominees and winners have given to our local community on a consistent basis is truly inspiring and reflects the strong sense of community spirit we are fortunate to have here in Albany.”

Back to All News