Shire of East Pilbara honour dedicated community in Citizen of the Year awards

The Shire of East Pilbara recently held celebrations in Newman and Marble Bar to recognise the efforts of more than 20 individuals and organisations for their dedication to the community.

The Community Citizen of the Year was Lee-Anne Ugle, who was recognised for her support and dedication to children and young people’s services in Newman.

Emilja Kiernan, from Marble Bar, won the Youth Citizen of the Year award for her work with young people in the town and Dennis Ward, also from Marble Bar, took home Senior Citizen of the Year for his famous community barbecues.

The Community Group or Event of the Year award went to the East Pilbara BMX Club, in recognition of their dedication in improving local BMX facilities.

Shire president Anthony Middleton said it was difficult selecting the winners from among the impressive list of nominees.

“We have such an amazing group of individuals across the shire, all nominees, not just the winners, are deserving on recognition for the work they do in the community,” Cr Middleton said.

“Congratulations to all the winners and nominees across the shire, we thank you for the vibrancy you bring to our region.”

The event held on Australia Day in Newman also featured a keynote speech by 2020 WA Australian of the Year Local Hero Award winner and 2020 Community Citizen of the Year winner for the Town of Victoria Park, Julian Pace.

Mr Pace spoke about his inspirations and his journey, which included the founding of the organisation Happiness Co.

On Australia Day 20 people in Newman and Marble Bar became Australian citizens.

“It was an incredible honour to help welcome our region’s newest Australian citizens and be part of such an important journey for them,” Cr Middleton said.

The Shire of East Pilbara’s Australia Day activities also included barbecue breakfasts in Newman, Marble Bar and Nullagine, as well as pool parties in Newman and Marble Bar, and water activities in Nullagine.