Anaia Kakulas | Young Community Citizen of the Year

Be The Reason – Christmas For Kids

Anaia established a community initiative called Be the Reason – Christmas for Kids, which provided music, drama, and dance workshops for children during the school holidays. She developed the workshop program, recruited volunteers, and coordinated their efforts to deliver engaging and creative experiences for local children.

The initiative had a broad and positive impact. Children gained opportunities to explore and develop their artistic skills, volunteers experienced the rewards of giving back, and local parents benefited from having a safe and enriching space for their children during the holidays—allowing them time to work or recharge. Funds raised through the initiative brought joy to recipients, further extending its reach within the community.

In her role as a Nulsen Youth Patron, Anaia also built meaningful relationships with residents and actively worked to raise awareness of disability-related issues, demonstrating her commitment to inclusion and social change.

Janet Millar | Senior Community Citizen of the Year

Seniors Open House at Nedlands Uniting Church

Janet was actively involved in running the Seniors Open House at Nedlands Uniting Church, a weekly community event that welcomed senior citizens from the local area to enjoy morning tea, fellowship, and board games. She led this initiative for approximately 15 years.

Each week, Janet consistently arrived early, often collecting participants on her way. She brought much of the morning tea, set up the space, served refreshments, engaged warmly with attendees, and encouraged participation in board games—activities that supported social connection and mental wellbeing. After the event, she assisted with cleaning up and ensured some participants were safely returned to their homes.

Janet’s role extended beyond the weekly gatherings. She regularly kept in touch with attendees, offered support when they were unwell, and even visited them in hospital. Her commitment demonstrated genuine leadership and significantly enriched the lives of those in her community.

Scott Bailey | Community Citizen of the Year

Leadership at Dalkeith Nedlands Junior Football Club and commitment to youth wellbeing

Over a five-year period, Scott dedicated himself to ensuring the sustainability and long-term success of the Dalkeith Nedlands Junior Football Club (DNJFC), with a strong focus on supporting families, youth, and Indigenous communities.

In 2019, the club was on the verge of closure due to declining membership. Having lived in the area for most of his life, Scott stepped in to revive it. He approached local businesses for sponsorship and secured support from Ray White, Porsche, and Revo. He took on a range of responsibilities, from organising uniforms and marketing to training coaches, managers, and players. He also led community engagement efforts, including sausage sizzles and media coverage.

Scott initiated a cultural exchange between DNJFC and Aboriginal football teams in Wiluna. He organised trips for all DNJFC teams to travel to outback Wiluna to play matches and learn about Aboriginal culture. In alternate years, he arranged for Aboriginal children and their families to visit Perth, coordinating transport, accommodation with local billets, and cultural experiences, including attending AFL matches at Optus Stadium and participating in halftime games.

To further foster community spirit, Scott established regular parent–child sunset fun nights at the club. These events created a vibrant and inclusive club culture.

From 2020 to 2024, Scott took part in the Ride for Youth, a 700km cycling event that raises funds for youth suicide prevention. He and fellow participants visited regional schools to mentor teenagers, raising awareness about mental health, substance abuse, and the importance of seeking support.

Melon Hill Bushland Group | Active Citizenship Award

Protecting and restoring Swanbourne’s bushland

The Melon Hill Bushland Group is a dedicated community volunteer group committed to preserving and rehabilitating the valuable bushland on Melon Hill in Swanbourne. Formerly known as the Friends of Allen Park, the group remains highly active in its conservation efforts.

Volunteers meet regularly on Tuesday mornings from 9:00 to 11:00 am, as well as on the first Saturday of each month between March and December, to carry out hands-on bush regeneration activities within the Allen Park bushland reserve.

A watering roster is maintained throughout the summer and into autumn to support the health of the native vegetation.