The City of Kwinana congratulates the winners of the recent annual Kwinana Community Awards who all demonstrated a dedicated focus to the betterment of their community.
Bonnie Madsen is Kwinana’s Person of the Year for her tireless work to build community connections, including the re-establishment of the Calista Primary School P&C which helped raise more than $100,000 for school improvements and spearheaded initiatives like Fruity Duty and Containers for Change.
Senior Person of the Year is Pauline Hardidge as a valued and enthusiastic member of the Kwinana Senior Citizens Club where she runs several groups, participates in the club choir and says she loves fundraising, including auctions to raise funds for worthy causes.
“But these fundraisers would not happen without the hard work, love and support of family, friends and my community,” Mrs Hardidge said.
“So this award, that I have been given belongs to so many and I accept it on behalf of all those who give so much but may not receive recognition,” she said.
Feed It Forward Inc is Kwinana’s Group of the Year, recognised for its invaluable work as a volunteer-run food rescue organisation that collects 3500kg of surplus food each week from local supermarkets to prevent waste and support more than 600 individuals and families, and supply more than 40 community groups.
Through its environmental impact, cost of living support, and strong volunteer engagement, Feed It Forward Inc plays a vital role in improving food security and reducing landfill across Kwinana and surrounding areas.
Mayor Peter Feasey congratulated all winners, who receive a prize package including a $1000 contribution toward an event of their choosing to receive their certificate and trophy, and $600 capacity building grant for the winner’s chosen club or organisation and a $250 gift voucher. All names will be added to the City of Kwinana Honour’s Board inside the Kwinana Public Library.
“Our community is strongly supported here in Kwinana by dedicated volunteers and the City is honoured to recognise the skills and time invested by individuals and groups like Bonnie, Pauline and Feed It Forward who make a direct impact and meet local needs,” Mayor Feasey said.