Published on Tuesday, 28 January 2025 at 3:35:21 PM
Esperance recognised the outstanding community service of our Citizens of the Year and welcomed five new Australian Citizens at Sunday's Rotary Family Day in the Park event. The generous, community-minded culture of our remote region was highlighted with a total of 13 individuals and groups honoured by a Citizen of the Year nomination.
Our sincerest congratulations to the 2025 Citizens of the Year!
Community Citizen of the Year – Lynn Kidd for her work at Esperance Roo Haven and for protecting local wildlife.
Senior Citizen of the Year – Rod Taylor for being an active community member in many roles, including his work for the Rotary Club of Esperance.
Active (Group) Citizen of the Year – Esperance Fundraising Group for their continued fundraising efforts, and presenting over $289,000 to the Esperance Hospital and St John’s Ambulance.
Acting Esperance Shire President Cr Jennifer Obourne congratulated the Citizens of the Year and thanked them for their service, saying “We celebrate the contributions and achievements of local community legends, through the Citizen of the Year Awards.”
“These Awards not only commend our dynamic community members but also inspire everyday Aussies across our nation to become more active in their local communities.”
“This day is an opportunity to recognise the rich tapestry of cultures we are so lucky to experience in our everyday lives, from the vibrant heritage of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the diverse backgrounds of those who have come from every corner of the globe.”
Our 2025 Australia Day Ambassador, Nick Hudson, Founder of The Push-Up Challenge, is a passionate mental health advocate and inspiring public speaker who transformed his own personal adversity into a nationwide movement. Nick’s passion and bold vision to level up the mental fitness of millions of people around the world has seen his efforts recognised through multiple accolades, including State winner of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2024, Mental Health Advocate of the Year WA 2021 and a finalist in the Telstra Business Awards 2024.
Nominations for the 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards are now open. Acting Shire President, Jennifer Obourne encourages people to nominate, saying “Volunteers should be recognised for the incredible work they do; and the awards are a special way of doing this. We have so many amazing community members here in the Esperance region, making a noticeable difference to well-being across individuals, groups such as sporting clubs and community organisations, and the entire community”.
“Taking the time to recognise the people you admire, that you see making a difference week in and week out, is a valuable contribution to our society. Putting in a nomination with details on how your chosen nominee contributes to the community, demonstrates active citizenship and enhances community life will let them know they are seen and appreciated, and it could lead to further opportunities in their lives as well!”
Visit esperance.wa.gov.au/community-citizen-of-the-year to nominate.
ENDS
Media Contact:
media@esperance.wa.gov.au
Back to All News