Local role models and grassroots heroes will be celebrated at the annual 2023 City of Karratha Australia Day Awards on January 26.
Nominations were received across three award categories with winners to be announced at the community celebration hosted by the City of Karratha and supported by Rio Tinto, Pilbara Ports Authority and Woodside.
The Awards celebrate the dedicated community members in the City, and cover Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Active Citizenship (for a group or event).
The nominees for Citizen of the Year are Brenton Johannsen, Robert Graham and Jo-Anne Turner.
Mr Johannsen has a large community outreach and offers free lifts to those who are in need, holds free sports sessions for the community of Roebourne, and removes weeds from public areas.
Meanwhile Mr Graham has logged more than 4,200 hours of volunteer service with the Karratha SES, and was recently deployed with DFES to assist during severe weather events in NSW.
Ms Turner is one of the highest achievers in generating funds for Red Kite a charity dedicated to helping families of children who are diagnosed with cancer.
The Young Citizen of the Year nominees are Charlotte Ball, Archer Challis and Emer O’Brien.
Meanwhile there are nine nominees for Active Citizenship Award including Anna Vitenbergs, Marion Cheedy, Ashley Eversden and Karratha Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Lolly Run.
The other nominees are Jodie Cawthray. Karratha Community House, Adam Duncombe, Wickham Wallabies Cricket Club and Brenton Johannsen.
City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long said he would like to thank everyone that took time to nominate members for the Australia Day Awards.
“Each and every person or group nominated for one of these categories should be incredibly proud in knowing the community recognises and appreciates their commitment,” he said.
“It is so important that we do take time to acknowledge the people in our community who go above and beyond, without your support this simply would not happen.
“Congratulations to all our City of Karratha Australia Day Award nominees, I am very proud that we have so many outstanding residents living here in Karratha ready to lead our community into 2023.”
The City of Karratha’s Australia Day program will continue with the annual Australia Day event at Dampier Foreshore from 6pm, culminating in a Firework Display at 8pm.