The annual awards provide local governments around the state an opportunity to acknowledge exceptional residents and groups across four categories:
Community Citizen of the Year
A person you believe has delivered outstanding service to their community.
Young Community Citizen of the Year (16 – 30 years)
A young person you believe has delivered outstanding service to their community. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years of age on 26 January 2026, though younger nominees may be considered for exceptional contribution.
Senior Community Citizen of the Year (over 65 years)
An older person you believe has delivered outstanding service to their community. To be eligible, the person must be over 65 years of age on 26 January 2026.
Active Citizenship – group or event
A group you believe are delivering outstanding work for our community. This includes events staged during the past year.
Nominations close Friday 31 October 2025.
For more information and to nominate, visit the Community Citizen of the Year Award website.
Learn about the 2025 Community Citizen of the Year winners below.
Community Citizen of the Year - Christina Papafilis
Christina is a compassionate support worker for people living with disability who has campaigned for many years to improve lives.
Her tenacity and fighting spirit has allowed her to champion the rights of people living with disability, campaigning for change at a State and Federal level.
While many will accept defeat if the system says no, Christina is one of those rare individuals who doesn't give up. She truly goes above and beyond – giving a voice to others and battling to ensure a fair go for all.
If you’d like to nominate someone like Christina in the category of Community Citizen of the Year, visit the Community Citizen of the Year Award website.
Young Community Citizen of the Year - Aimee Wright
Aimee is a 19-year-old with a passion for helping other young people in need.
For several years, she has worked with the Spiers Centre, sorting through various donations to create fresh produce and hygiene bags, helping to run a community closet of donated clothes, and assisting with the Centre’s social club and craft group where she engages with people facing isolation or with disabilities, and provides activities and conversations to support them.
Aimee is also a RightByYou youth ambassador for suicide prevention, supporting young people to have an open conversation around mental health and running self-care workshops.
And if that’s not enough, Aimee is also a youth representative on the City of Joondalup’s Strategic Community Reference Group, advocating for initiatives and projects for young people.
To nominate someone like Aimee in the category of Community Youth Citizen of the Year, visit the Community Citizen of the Year Award website.
Senior Community Citizen of the Year - Roger Howell
As a former Commander at Marine Rescue Whitfords, Roger has demonstrated strong leadership and a passion for community service.
Currently a member of the Joondalup City RSL, Roger tirelessly volunteers at the Veteran Support Centre, advocating for military compensation on behalf of veterans.
Roger mentors trainee advocates, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide high-quality support. His expert guidance makes a meaningful impact in the lives of those who have served their country.
If you’d like to nominate someone like Roger in the category of Community Senior Citizen of the Year, visit the Community Citizen of the Year Award website.
Active Citizenship Award - Dolphin Program – Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club
Dolphin Program fosters an inclusive community where children and adults with additional needs can participate, learn and enjoy surf lifesaving activities.
Starting in 2015 with just four young people with special needs, the program has grown to support over 20 participants, creating a safe, and supportive environment for all involved.
The program aims to immerse participants in surf club culture, teach surf awareness and basic first aid skills, encourage and maintain physical fitness and help participants form new friendships and establish positive networks.
If you’d like to nominate someone like Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club in the category of Active Citizenship, visit the Community Citizen of the Year Award website.
