Published on Sunday, 26 January 2025 at 10:19:51 AM
Port Hedland’s outstanding citizens have been recognised at the annual Community Citizen of the Year awards.
Jacinta Behrend, Betty Steer, Janet Stewart and the Hedland Bush Fire Brigade took the top honours at the Australia Day celebration.
Mayor Peter Carter said the awards honoured the contributions of the nominees and winners in making Hedland a more connected and inclusive community.
Jacinta Behrend won the Pilbara Ports Community Citizen of the Year Award for her contributions to teaching dance, as a P&C member, Chairperson of the Hedland Well Women’s Centre and as an advocate for people living with illness.
Betty Steer took out the Itochu Young Community Citizen of the Year Award for her contribution to the Youth Involvement Council and as a youth mentor to young people in Hedland.
Janet Stewart won the Senior Community Citizen of the Year Award for her work in teaching Aboriginal language at South Hedland Primary School and working with young people to inspire and provide a positive impact to younger generations.
The Hedland Bush Fire Brigade won the Mineral Resources Active Citizen of the Year Award for the efforts of the volunteer firefighters in keeping our community safe.
“The nominees and winners should be proud of the amazing contributions they have made in our community over the past 12 months,” Mayor Carter said.
“Their leadership and dedication is appreciated by all of us.
“I would also like to thank our sponsors Mineral Resources, Pilbara Ports and Itochu.”
The awards were held at an Australia Day ceremony at the Civic Centre, which also included a citizenship ceremony.
Award nominees were:
Community Citizen of the Year Award
- George Rueben
- Helen Mason
- Catherine Widdup
- Philip Page
- Lorraine Butson
- Karen Cooper
- Jacinta Behrend (W)
- Toni McMahon
Young Community Citizen of the Year
- Betty Steer (W)
- Lakaii Merritt
- Ashley Dwyer
Senior Community Citizen of the Year
Active Citizenship (group or event)
- Hedland Bush Fire Brigade (W)
- Coles Supermarket
- Arting Around (Junction Co)
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