WA’s City of Melville Council has recognised local resident, Irina Bradley (pictured), as the Auspire Community Citizen of the Year for her tireless efforts to support Ukrainian refugees arriving in Perth since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.
Council says Ms Bradley has supported 100 Ukrainians families arriving on humanitarian visas by picking them up from the airport, giving them basic necessities and food, providing information, transport, accommodation and working closely with local Australians who were ready to accommodate them.
She was among the City’s four Auspire Community Citizen of the Year recipients who were revealed yesterday at the Australia Day event at John Creaney Reserve in Bull Creek and recognised for their contribution to the community.
Lawrie Carr was announced as the Senior Community Citizen of the Year and the volunteers of Bottle Top Hill received the Active Citizen of the Year (group or event).
Mr Carr has been heavily involved in Lions WA for more than 25 years and has held various key voluntary roles at both a state and local level.
He regularly volunteers at activities such as garden clean-ups, sausage sizzle fundraisers, awards nights presentations and more.
Mr Carr along with wife Janet co-facilitate the University of the Third Age Club in Melville, which is part of a worldwide movement aimed at encouraging older people to remain mentally, physically and socially active.
He is also an advocate for LifeBlood and has donated blood and plasma more than 600 times, resulting in saving thousands of lives.
Australia Day events in Melville included a barbecue breakfast cooked by the Bull Creek Lions Club a flag raising ceremony, an Acknowledgement to Country and a special citizenship ceremony, with 49 City of Melville residents becoming Australian citizens.
City of Melville Mayor, George Gear thanked the Auspire Community Citizens of the Year for their contributions to the community.
“It was inspiring to attend the event at John Creaney Reserve and hear directly about the amazing way these volunteers help our community, each in unique ways,” said Mayor Gear.
“Each of this years Auspire Community Citizens of the Year provide significant contribution to our community and demonstrate the spirit of helping, giving and supporting that defines us as Australians.
“Our community is made richer by the presence of each and every one of our volunteers.”
