Australia Day: Shire of Manjimup celebrates local legends and welcomes new Australians

Shire of Manjimup residents proudly celebrated their new members and local legends last Thursday at the Shire’s annual Australia Day event.

Supported by the Pemberton Visitor’s Centre, the Shire of Manjimup hosted its annual Australia Day citizenship and community awards ceremony at the Pemberton Pool on January 26 with residents gathering to acknowledge the contribution of its members and celebrate community engagement.

Residents and visitors were joined by Manjimup Shire president Paul Omodei, deputy president Denise Jenkins, councillors Donelle Buegge, Robert Taylor and Kenneth Lawrence.

It was an emotional day for many, with two new Australian citizens welcomed and four winners announced for the Community Citizen of the Year Awards during the formal proceedings.

Jodi Johnston was awarded Community Citizen of the Year for her service to the community through her numerous volunteering roles and encouraging others to participate in the community.

Ms Johnston holds numerous volunteer roles in the Shire currently from president of the Warren Blackwood Cricket Association to representative on the Rea Park/Collier Street Redevelopment Advisory Committee, and actively increases awareness and participation in community volunteer roles.

CCY for youth went to Walpole’s Regan Marsh for his professional growth and community contribution through the Walpole Community Resource Centre. Mr Marsh aspires to be a newspaper editor.

CCY for senior to Northcliffe’s Lynn Minchin — although now retired — has given over 28 years longstanding service to the Northcliffe community through St John Ambulance.

Ms Minchin’s service was described as invaluable to the Northcliffe community who often describe her as warm, caring and welcoming.

The Rotary Club of Manjimup was awarded the Active Citizenship award for their contributions to the Manjimup community, specifically their financial support for local schools, community groups, programs and infrastructure, and their Southern Forests & Valleys Wine Show, Business Service Calendar and youth opportunities and sponsorships.

At the end of the formal proceedings, a round of applause was given to all Citizen of the Year nominees for their initiative, leadership and inspiring qualities and who work tirelessly, and often thanklessly, for their local communities.

2023 Shire of Manjimup Citizen of the Year Nominees (full list)

Alana Moorman

Gary Robinson

Jason Treasure

Jodi Johnston

Kevin and Margo Pierce

Maegen Campbell

Rose Ferrell

Karen Gardner and Noelene Collins

Stephen Burch

Kathrine Taylor

Lynn Minchin

Ashlee Chapman

Layla Dodd

Regan Marsh

Trinity Brickhill

Quinninup Community Association

Rotary Club of Manjimup

Walpole Work Camp