Celebrating new citizens and community champions on Australia Day

26 January 2026 • 4 min read

Michael Felix accepting the Community Citizen of the Year award.

70 people from 30 countries officially became Australian citizens today at the City of Perth’s Australia Day Citizenship and Awards Ceremony, held at the historic Perth Town Hall.

The annual ceremony brought together new citizens, community leaders and guests to mark an important milestone for those choosing to make Perth their home.

Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds said the occasion reflected the City’s strong sense of community and shared belonging.

“Today is about welcoming people who are beginning a new chapter as Australian citizens and recognising the role they now play in shaping the future of our city,” Mr Reynolds said.

“To see people from so many different backgrounds come together in the Perth Town Hall is a powerful reminder of the diversity, openness and opportunity that defines our community.”

The ceremony also celebrated local achievement through the announcement of the 2026 Auspire Community Citizen of the Year Awards, recognising individuals and groups who have made an outstanding contribution to the community.

Citizen of the Year – Michael Felix
Youth Citizen of the Year – Zac Cawdron
Senior Community Citizen of the Year – Barbara Harris
Active Citizenship (group or event) – Friends of Kings Park

This year, the City also proudly presented the first City of Light Champion Award to local neighbourhood association, the City of Perth Western Residents (COPWR).

The new award recognises an individual or group whose dedication and leadership have delivered a significant and positive impact for the City of Perth community over the past year.

“The Community Citizen of the Year Awards recognise individuals and organisations whose commitment, generosity and leadership have helped make our city a better place to live,” Mr Reynolds said.

“Each recipient, along with everyone who was nominated, represents the quiet dedication and community spirit that often happens behind the scenes but makes a lasting difference.”

“Our City is greatly enriched by people like Michael, Zac and Barbara, and by the collective impact of groups such as Friends of Kings Park and City of Perth Western Residents, whose work continues to support, inspire and connect others,” he said.

“This year, Council had the opportunity to directly nominate individuals and groups who have made a meaningful contribution at a local level, adding a new and important dimension to the awards.”

The Community Citizen of the Year Awards are coordinated by Auspire – The Australia Day Council of Western Australia, which has partnered with local governments across the State to deliver the program since 2003.

The awards celebrate individuals and organisations that demonstrate outstanding service and a sustained positive impact within their communities.

The awards were presented by the Governor of Western Australia and his wife, patrons of the Auspire awards program, who attended the ceremony to acknowledge this year’s recipients.

The complete list of award winners is provided below:

City of Perth Community Citizen of the Year – Michael Felix

Michael has made a profound and lasting contribution to the local community, and Western Australia, through his leadership across Indigenous empowerment, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, mental health advocacy, homelessness support, and grassroots sport.

His work is defined by a blend of financial expertise, lived experience, and deep empathy that has strengthened organisations, elevated community voices, and created opportunities for people who are too often left behind.

During his significant time as Chair of Pride WA and now as a board member, Michael continues to be a driver of social inclusion and cultural change.

He leads by action as well as strategy.

City of Perth Youth Citizen of the Year – Zac Cawdron

Zac has made his most significant contributions to the Youth At Risk Network (YARN), where he has volunteered since 2020, and is a member of the Perth Inner City Youth Services.

Drawing on his lived experience, he transforms personal challenges into meaningful support for vulnerable young people across Western Australia. Zac has played a major role in assisting at risk youth through events, creative expression, community engagement, the arts, and volunteering with multiple organisations across a wide range of sectors.

He also contributes his insight and leadership through service on several advisory boards, including the WA Mental Health Commission Youth Steering Group and the Homestretch WA initiative.

City of Perth Senior Community Citizen of the Year – Barbara Harris

Barbara makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives through her work at the Citizens Advice Bureau.

She has helped expand access to vital legal services for those in need, ensuring that the most vulnerable members of the community receive timely and appropriate support.

Barbara consistently goes above and beyond in her volunteering, taking on multiple key responsibilities that keep the organisation’s services running smoothly. She steps in wherever she is needed, and her dedication and mentorship continually enhance the experiences of everyone around her.

City of Perth’s Active Citizenship (group or event) – Friends of Kings Park

The Friends of Kings Park have been supporting Kings Park for more than 30 years. With over 250 volunteers across 16 different groups, they contribute countless hours to weeding, planting, cultivating, and maintaining one of Western Australia’s most visited attractions.

In addition to facilitating plant sales, that contributes valuable conservation and research funding, the Friends publish a quarterly magazine, For People and Plant, to educate and engage members and volunteers.

They also produce two educational brochures — ‘Stars of the Botanic Garden’, and ‘Bushland Weeds’.

Their scholarships further support professional development and create opportunities for Kings Park volunteers, staff, and postgraduate students.

City of Perth City of Light Champion – City of Perth Western Residents

The City of Perth Western Residents is an exemplary residents’ association.

Nominated for their exceptional advocacy and significant contributions to the quality of life and future planning of the City of Perth’s western precinct, the association focus on both strategic development and practical local amenities.

They have simultaneously championed long-term preservation and immediate improvements for their local communities making sure residents are informed, aware and included in future planning of the area.

As well as advocating for safety, the association responds to community needs and challenges, ensuring clear and achievable plans for enhanced local living, mitigating environmental threats and a vibrant, safe and functional local hub which supports local business. Through their dedicated work they empower residents and ensure the community has a voice.

Other shortlisted nominees were:

Citizen of the Year