City of Stirling honours local leaders and welcomes new Aussies on Australia Day
“The Community Citizen of the Year Awards recognise individuals and organisations who have made our community a better place through their contributions and service,” Mayor Irwin said.
The City of Stirling has celebrated local champions and welcomed 143 new citizens at an Australia Day event full of emotion and inspiration.
Nyoongar Elder Di Ryder OAM, an Australian Army veteran and member of the Western Australian Women’s Hall of Fame, opened today’s event with a Welcome to Country.
City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin said it was always an honour to lead the City’s annual Community Citizen of the Year Awards and Citizenship Ceremony.
He reflected on the significance of the event and the story of Australia – the home of the world’s oldest continuous living culture.
“Today, as we meet on the ancient lands of the Wadjak Nyoongar people, we will welcome our newest Australians,” Mayor Irwin said.
“Australia Day is about the ever-evolving story of our nation – our history, our identity and most of all our people – and you are all part of that story.”
The Community Citizen of the Year Awards, delivered in partnership with Auspire – Australia Day Council of WA, are an opportunity for the City to acknowledge the incredible efforts of local leaders.
The City’s 2025 Community Citizen of the Year is Carol Marinkovich, the long-time president of Hamersley Rovers Soccer Club and a passionate advocate for female and grassroots sport.
“The Community Citizen of the Year Awards recognise individuals and organisations who have made our community a better place through their contributions and service,” Mayor Irwin said.
“The awards allow us to give those people and groups the recognition they deserve, while giving the wider community local role models to look up to.”
After the awards, the City celebrated 143 new Australians from 44 different countries as they took their final step to citizenship.
Addresses were given by Dr Anne Aly MP, the Federal Minister for Youth and Early Childhood Education, and Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA, the WA Minister for Health and Mental Health.
The City is one of the most diverse local governments in the State, with more than 40 per cent of residents born overseas.
In recent years, the City has partnered with the community to create a Multicultural Framework, a document which underpins the City’s vision of an inclusive and harmonious community.
The City has also developed a Newcomer’s Guide, which is available in a range of languages.
“We know cultural diversity makes our community more vibrant and gives us a broader skills base, but our nation needs to continue working hard to make the most of that diversity,” Mayor Irwin said.
“New arrivals to Australia shouldn’t face barriers to employment – they should be supported and empowered to enter the workforce.
“In our increasingly multicultural nation, it’s important for all levels of government to dedicate time and energy to making new citizens feel a sense of belonging.”
Once all 143 new Australians had made the Citizenship Pledge, attendees were invited to Maloup Gardens for Indigenous catering by Gather Foods, a sausage sizzle by Wembley Downs Scouts Group, a native wildlife display, live music and more.
Mayor Irwin said today’s event was an example of what makes Australia special.
“Perhaps one day, we’ll see some of these new citizens back here, receiving a Community Citizen of the Year Award,” Mayor Irwin said.
City of Stirling 2025 Community Citizen of the Year Award winners:
- Carol Marinkovich, Community Citizen of the Year
As the longest serving president in Hamersley Rovers history, Carol Marinkovich has overseen a period of enormous growth for the soccer club, which now has more than 180 seniors and 500 juniors. She is also the president of the Carine Hall Management Committee and engages with the City and other user groups to ensure it remains a valuable and well-maintained community space. A champion for female sport and community sport in general, she juggles a high-pressure career with her service to the community and a passion for charity.
- Doug Simpson JP, Senior Community Citizen of the Year
Doug Simpson is a shining example of community service. A Surf Life Saving WA member for almost 50 years, he has served as an examiner, a trainer, a drone patrol operator and more. A former member of the Royal Australian Air Force Reserve, he has also filled a range of roles with the RSL since joining the organisation in 1997. He has been a Justice of the Peace for 25 years, an SES volunteer for 18 years and a marine rescue volunteer for 16 years.
- Peyton Maguire, Young Community Citizen of the Year
Peyton Maguire is a passionate surf lifesaver and already a very valuable member of Trigg Island Surf Life Saving Club. Not only is she a successful competitor, but she is also an emerging leader at the club. Already serving as a Nippers Age Group Manager – a role usually filled by much more senior members – she has a big future in surf lifesaving.
- Friends of Inglewood Triangle, Active Citizenship Award
Friends of Inglewood Triangle is a community conservation group that cares for a precious patch of remnant Banksia woodland in inner Inglewood. While protecting and enhancing the bushland is the group’s main focus, they do a lot more than that, engaging with young and old in the community and advocating for the natural environment and their local area.
