Published on Friday, 26 January 2024 at 12:14:00 PM
Your 2024 Citizens of the Year
Esperance recognised the outstanding community service of our Citizens of the Year and welcomed four new Citizens today at the Rotary Family Day in the Park event. The generous, community-minded culture of our remote region was highlighted with a total of 15 individuals and groups honoured by a Citizen of the Year nomination.
Our sincerest congratulations to the 2024 Citizens of the Year!
Community Citizen of the Year – Trudy Pengilly
Trudy’s unwavering commitment to serving her local area through St John Ambulance has rightfully earned her this year's Citizen of the Year. Her profound sense of community responsibility saw her complete the necessary training to become a first responder, recognising the critical need for swift assistance in her rural area. Trudy’s dedication extends beyond her local community. Her involvement with the Ag Show display showcases her commitment to first aid education, and she regularly volunteers with the Esperance Crew, and, at times, transports patients back home because “it’s on my way”.
Senior Citizen of the Year – George Starcevich
George embodies the spirit of service and camaraderie, starting in the Royal Australian Navy. His roles within the community range from serving as a Shire Councillor and supporter and President of the Esperance RSL. He is still involved in the RSL as Vice President and Welfare Officer, embodying the spirit of service and camaraderie. George volunteers his skills as a cook for the Pink Lake Bush Fire Brigade and graces the airwaves as “George the Janitor” at community radio station Hope FM 103.9.
Youth Citizen of the Year – Hannah Lauritsen
Hannah is a dedicated, thoughtful, and inspiring young person both to her peers and adult community members. She works hard to enrich her local community wherever she can. Hannah has volunteered with the Goldfields Esperance Surf Life Saving Club teaching surf club nippers and at the Esperance Scouts teaching cub scouts. Hannah helped to organise and perform at the Esperance Music Festival, is a piano and swimming teacher, and works with young children at the Education Department.
Group Citizen of the Year – Esperance Senior Citizen Centre
Run by passionate volunteers with diverse interests, the Esperance Senior Citizen Centre offers a wide range of activities that challenge and engage its members. From dancing, singing, mah-jong, tai chi, and knitting, to porcelain painting, the Centre caters to various interests, ensuring there's something for everyone.
The monthly quiz and Death Café provide unique and thought-provoking experiences, fostering intellectual stimulation and meaningful conversations. The Centre also promotes health by offering exercise classes, including Fab Fit, Gentle Gym, and even boot scooting for those looking to stay active.
The Wednesday home-style meals, cooked by dedicated volunteers, not only provide nourishment but also create a sense of community and togetherness among seniors. This communal dining experience is a wonderful way for members to connect and share in a friendly atmosphere. With over 300 strong members, the Esperance Senior Citizen Centre plays a vital role in providing a safe space for socialisation, contributing to the physical health and mental well-being of its members through a variety of engaging activities and classes.
Esperance Shire President Ron Chambers congratulated the Citizens of the Year and thanked them for their service, saying “We have seen today that it doesn’t matter where you live, your age, or what you do, there is a place for you within our diverse community to share your skills and make a difference.”
“January 26 has many meanings to everyone in our community. To some, it is Australia Day, a day of celebration, and to others a day of mourning and survival, and I want to recognise this. Survival Day emphasises the strength of the Indigenous culture, and celebrates the positive and living identities of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”
“It's important that we respect all views, and we continue to have conversations about our history and seek ways to move forward together.”
“Today we come together as a community to reflect, respect, and celebrate. We reflect on our history, its highs, and its lows. We respect the stories of others, and we celebrate our community and nation, its achievements, and more importantly, all its people.”
Our 2024 Australia Day Ambassador, Nilesh Makwana is a technology CEO and entrepreneur dedicated to making a social impact through his business and community activities. He focuses his efforts on workplace diversity, social inclusion and digital literacy. Nilesh works tirelessly to improve business and social causes through collaboration and diplomacy. Perhaps his greatest strength is identifying how business, government, academia and community can collaborate in mutually beneficial ways.
Nominations for the 2025 Citizen of the Year Awards will be opening soon. Shire President, Ron Chambers encourages people to nominate.
“We are honoured to highlight those among us providing an outstanding contribution and community service in areas such as education, health, fund-raising, charitable and voluntary services, business, sport, arts, the environment, social inclusion or any other area that contributes to the advancement and wellbeing of a community.”
“This is an opportunity to detail how your chosen nominee contributes to the community, demonstrates active citizenship and enhances community life, and also provide additional material on their achievements.”
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