Published on Wednesday, 29 January 2025 at 11:41:28 AM
The Murray community gathered at Edenvale Heritage Precinct on Australia Day to enjoy the annual Lion’s Club of Pinjarra breakfast, celebrate the winners and nominees of the Community Citizen of the Year Awards and welcome ten new Australian citizens to Murray.
Shire President, David Bolt said the Shire always receives an outstanding calibre of nominees for the Australia Day Community Citizen of the Year Awards and the 2025 awards were no exception.
“The awards celebrate many citizens and groups who go above and beyond in serving our district”, Shire President Bolt said.
“This year we received eight nominations across three award categories of Community Citizen of the Year, Community Group of the Year and Senior Community Citizen of the Year. Each of them helps make Murray an outstanding place for community, lifestyle and opportunity.”
Tanya Langford was named the Community Citizen of the Year in recognition of her work in the Murray community supporting mental health, domestic violence, supporting women in the community and the Pinjarra Community Garden.
For 15 years, Tanya has worked in the Shire of Murray and the Peel Region providing support and advocacy to women and children impacted by domestic violence, and family hardship.
In the past three years she has created the Community Group for Women called ‘Heartspace’, and she became the Vice Chairperson of ‘Pinjarra Community Garden’. She has also recently written a book to help women and families with experience of domestic violence.
Tanya demonstrates active citizenship and leadership in the three organisations she is involved in – each of which are addressing numerous community issues and contributes to enhancing the lives of individuals young and old in Murray.
The Senior Community Citizen of the Year award was presented to Mervyn Williams. Mervyn was nominated for his work in financial support services and health care through the community.
Mervyn is a retired accountant who has been an active member of the Pinjarra Rotary Club for eight years. In this time, he has been the President and Treasurer. Mervyn is also the Treasurer of St Francis of Assisi Anglican Church Pinjarra, Director of Bendigo Bank Pinjarra, and Board Member of Bedingfeld Park. Merv has been a key player in community projects and fundraising throughout Murray.
The Community Group of the Year award was awarded to the Murray Toy Library for their work in the area as a non-profit organisation assisting with youth engagement and development.
Murray Toy Library and its committee has an unwavering commitment to making the community a better place through the power of play, connection, and inclusivity. By providing access to high-quality toys at an affordable annual fee. The toy library has significantly reduced barriers for families, ensuring that all children, regardless of their socio-economic background can enjoy the benefits of imaginative play and learning.
In essence, the Murray Toy Library enhances the quality of life by fostering connections, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to play, learn, and grow.
“On behalf of Council, I’d like to acknowledge and thank all nominees for their contributions to Murray,” added Shire President Bolt.
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