Citizen of the Year Awards
Each year the Community Citizen of the Year Awards allow us to recognise individuals and organisations who have made notable contribution within the Shire of Northam. It is these people who help make the Shire of Northam such a great place to live and visit.
Nominations can be made for contributions to education, health, fundraising, voluntary services, business, sports, arts, the environment, social inclusion or any other area that enhances the wellbeing of the community.
There are four award categories:
- Community Citizen of the Year (for individuals over 16 years)
- Young Community Citizen of the Year (for individuals aged 16-30 years)
- Senior Community Citizen of the Year (for individuals aged 65 years or over)
- Active Citizenship Award (for community groups or events)
Let's shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals and organisations that make the Shire of Northam a better place for all of us.
2026 Awards
2026 nominees and winners were recognised at an event on Australia Day.
Nominees for Category 1 - Active Citizenship - Group or Event
- Northam Netball Association
- Nominated for its long-standing commitment to youth development, inclusion, and community connection through sport.
- Clean Up Northam Community - Winner
- Nominated for its innovative, hands-on approach to environmental care and community engagement.
- Stryka Fight Team
- Nominated for providing free, inclusive sporting opportunities for young people while fostering discipline, confidence, and community spirit.
Nominees for Category 2 - Young Community Citizen of the Year
- Eliza Bidstrup
- Nominated for her leadership and ongoing volunteer contributions to Northam Women in Business and the Northam Chamber of Commerce.
- Tayah Joy - Winner
- Nominated for her leadership, commitment to Pony Club, and volunteering, consistently giving her time to support events, mentor younger riders, and contribute to major local and international competitions.
Nominees for Category 3 - Senior Community Citizen of the Year
- Kenneth Bainbridge - Winner
- Nominated for more than three decades of dedicated volunteer coaching, mentorship, and leadership in karate, shaping generations of young people.
- Susan Rodgers
- Nominated for her leadership and commitment to environmental stewardship through founding and coordinating the Clean Up Northam Community.
Nominees for Category 4 - Community Citizen of the Year
- Fiona Mead
- Nominated for her dedication to youth mentorship, community support, and women’s safety through her leadership of Stryka Fight Team
- Justin Fox
- Nominated for his leadership and long-term service to the Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades across the Shire of Northam.
- Kristafer Brown
- Nominated for his volunteer service in emergency response, leadership within the Bush Fire Brigade, and dedication to community safety education.
- Kym Edwards - Winner
- Nominated for his leadership, compassion, and contribution to community connection through events, youth sport, pastoral care, and social support.
- Robyn MacMillan
- Nominated for hervolunteer service across emergency services, veterans’ organisations, equestrian groups, and community events.
- Steven Douglas
- Nominated for more than 40 years of volunteer service with St John WA, including his leadership in youth training and major community events.
- Kevin Augustynek (posthumous nominee)
- Honoured for his lifelong generosity, compassion, and willingness to help families in need in any way possible. His quiet acts of kindness, fundraising efforts, and community involvement left a lasting and deeply positive legacy.
Impact at a Glance
Past Winners and Nominees
Take a look back at the incredible individuals and groups who’ve been recognised for their outstanding contributions to our community.
2025 Awards
2025 Nominees were recognised at an event on Australia Day. Those nominated were:
Nominees for Category 1 - Active Citizenship - Group or Event
- Comfort Quilts Against Cancer
- Nominated for providing quilts to those battling Cancer aiding their Mental Health and Wellbeing.
- Northam Swan Guardians
- Nominated for their conservation work with Northam’s White Swans.
- Northam Town Team - Winner
- Nominated for empowering the community through inclusive, community-driven events and projects.
- Northam Women in Business
- Nominated for their work fostering engagement, development, and positive change for Northam businesswomen.
- Wheatbelt’s Got Talent
- Nominated for their work in giving people in the Wheatbelt of all ages and abilities a platform to share their talents.
Nominees for Category 2 - Young Community Citizen of the Year
- Lilly Kennedy
- Nominated for her work in the area of healthcare, and for her volunteering and fundraising efforts for the community.
- Zoe Blurton - Winner
- Nominated for mentoring local youth, volunteering her time across community groups, and fostering community engagement in Northam.
Nominees for Category 3 - Senior Community Citizen of the Year
- Brenton Haynes - Winner
- Nominated for his support of local community groups and events, and for being a dependable and selfless asset to the community.
- Bronwyn Dunn
- Nominated for her work in founding and operating Comfort Quilts Against Cancer.
- Kevin Holland
- Nominated for his ongoing support of community events, activities, and sporting clubs.
Nominees for Category 4 - Community Citizen of the Year
- Freedom Bradbury
- Nominated for her rescue work for local animals in need.
- Kevin Augustynek
- Nominated for his continued support of local residents in need.
- Jessica Joy - Winner
- Nominated for ongoing support of community events, groups and her many fundraising activities and donations across the years.
Updated 28.01.26