Australia Day: City of Cockburn awards community leaders in citizen of year awards
Community leaders who have taken a stand to improve the lives of others have been recognized at the City of Cockburn’s annual Australia Day community citizen of the year awards.
The award winners were announced at the city’s annual Australia Day citizenship ceremony on January 26, where approximately 130 new Australian citizens were sworn in.
Community health expert and advocate Clory Carrello was named community citizen of the year.
He supplements his full-time role as CEO of Cockburn Integrated Health with volunteer hours for the benefit of Cockburn residents.
As CEO of Cockburn Integrated Health, Mr. Carrello supports innovative health including Cockburn Aboriginal Ear Health, Healthy Lifestyle, school nutrition and children’s eyeglass programs.
The award-winning $1.2 million community-led Aboriginal ear health initiative delivers culturally safe, collaborative care that closes the ear health gap for many young people in Cockburn and further afield.
Mr. Carrello’s commitment extends far beyond his professional role. He devotes time and energy to volunteer work in mental health management, serving as president and board member of numerous organizations.
City of Cockburn Youth Advisory Collective member Lilijana Nicholls has been named youth (16-30 year old) community citizen of the year for her work in ensuring young people’s voices are represented in local decision-making.
He attends council meetings, mentors youth, and contributes to safety initiatives such as Neighborhood Watch.
She founded the Australian STEM Project, a not-for-profit organization designed to make science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) more accessible, particularly to girls and those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Their programs have reached hundreds of young people across WA through hands-on workshops designed to inspire curiosity and confidence.
Lilijana has also been appointed to the WA Ministerial Youth Advisory Council, where she contributes to the development of youth policy on education, wellbeing and inclusion.
Mike Graham’s unwavering dedication and service to Marine Rescue Cockburn over 45 years was recognized with the title of senior (over 65) community citizen of the year.
He served in many roles at Marine Rescue Cockburn, including 20 consecutive years as commander, as well as captain, radio officer and providing administrative support during post-rescue communications.
He guided the team on numerous rescue missions and was also instrumental in creating the infrastructure to enable Marine Rescue Cockburn to operate 24/7.
Mr Graham spent hundreds of hours fundraising for essential equipment, delivering marine safety training and broadcasting marine radio from his home seven days a week.
The active citizenship – group or activity award was awarded jointly to Community Collective Hamilton Hill Inc and Harvest Lakes Residents Association.
Community Collective Hamilton Hill Inc operates a pantry open seven days a week in Cockburn to combat food insecurity and the rising cost of living.
It helps up to 3,000 people each month by providing essential items like bread, fresh produce, pantry staples, frozen foods, pet supplies and sanitary products.
The volunteer group also distributes emergency food baskets to those in dire need.
Based at Southwell Community Centre, the collective collaborates with other local groups such as Freo Street Doctor, City of Cockburn financial advisors and Freo Street Kitchen, whilst also supporting schools and other community groups.
The Harvest Lakes Residents Association has enabled the Harvest Lakes community in Atwell to blossom.
It offers a variety of initiatives such as cultural events, wellness programs, environmental stewardship, youth engagement and history education.
Activities include an annual Christmas concert, school holiday workshops, clothing swaps, community clean-ups, youth mentoring and turtle conservation.
Cockburn mayor Logan Howlett said he had witnessed the tangible benefits the 2026 award winners had brought to the quality of life of the Cockburn community.
“I am grateful every day for the passion and compassion of those working hard behind the scenes in our community,” he said.
“Without these people, we would be so much poorer in hearts and in the knowledge that they served as inspirational role models for the tradition of helping others that has made Cockburn the vibrant and caring community it is today.”
