Local WA leaders and changemakers recognised in the 2026 Community Citizen of the Year Awards
Australia Day 2026 saw hundreds of individuals, groups and events recognised for the positive contribution they make to community, in the 2026 Community Citizen of the Year Awards.
Presented by Auspire in partnership with participating Local Government Authorities, the Community Citizen of the Year Awards celebrate and inspire active citizenship across a wide range of areas that support the community, such as health and wellbeing, cost of living, education, the arts, youth support, and many more.
60 Local Governments announced their recipients on Australia Day 2026. These include inspiring people such Dandelions WA Co-Founder and President, Vicky Young, from the City of Stirling; City of Joondalup’s Senior Citizen of the Year, Russell Wright, for 64 years of commitment to Sorrento Surf Lifesaving Club; and Norseman PCYC in the Shire of Dundas – given the Active Citizenship Award for supporting young people, and promoting safety and respect.
Following the announcement, Dandelions WA said of Vicky Young’s recognition: “Vicky’s passion and drive has seen Dandelions WA grow to running the largest Back to School campaign in WA…helping over 18,000 children go to school with a new backpack and stationery, ensuring they have equality, confidence, inclusion and an excitement to learn.”
Individuals who feature on the Australian of the Year Awards’ honour roll were also recognised by their local council, including 2015 WA Australian of the Year, Professor Lyn Beazley AO, who was celebrated by the City of Mandurah for her decades of active volunteering in programs such as Dolphin Watch and the Mandurah Environment and Heritage Group. Meanwhile, No Limits Perth founder, Janine Wood, who was a WA 2023 Local Hero finalist, was recognised by City of Wanneroo; and WA 2024 Young Australian of the Year finalist, Madison Heady, collected City of Joondalup’s Young Citizens of the Year Award on behalf of The Periscope Crew.
Visit the Community Citizen of the Year Awards website to find out who has been recognised in your local community and don’t miss the Awards Ceremony photos!
LGAs with no entries are yet to be announced. Contact the LGA to enquire when recipients will be announced.
The 2026 Community Citizen of the Year Awards are proudly supported by the Department of Communities, 9 News Perth, 6PR Perth and WAToday.