Nominees for Geraldton

Premiers Australia Day Active Citizenship Award 2016  

Tanya Amazzini

Tanya coordinated the Country Week Administration for a Geraldton squad of 106 to attend the week long championships in Perth. Administration for this included Registering players and teams, record keeping of health forms, consent forms and health forms. Booked buses, food and accommodation for the camp as well as organised all uniforms for players and staff. Tanya completed all the admin and recording for the major country week raffle whereby 26,000 raffle tickets were processed. Completed all the admin for fundraising and sponsorship events held throughout the year. Geraldton High Performance Camp to Carnarvon – completed all the necessary admin for the weekend camp for 40 players/staff. Carnarvon Junior Soccer Association will be joining with Geraldton Junior Soccer Association (GJSA) for this camp. Provided administration for the GJSA School 7 Aside competition in which 12 Geraldton schools participated with 450 players registered between the ages of pre-primary – grade 7. School coordinator’s files with all the necessary paperwork were compiled and distributed to the schools for the 6 week competition held in March 2015.

Tanya undertook the administration for the GJSA High Performance Centre program which is a 10 week program for players aged 9-13 which had 48 participants. Administration for the GJSA “in school” soccer clinic programs throughout the year. In 2015 programs were conducted at Saint Lawrence’s, Geraldton Primary School, Saint Johns, Holland Street and Flexible Learning Centre.

Administration for the Mini Roos programs and for all of the local coaching accreditation courses held in Geraldton in 2015. 

Tanya was awarded the Centrecare Sporting Volunteer of the year in 2014. Was selected to participate in the Department of Sport and Recreation Women in Sport Program this year. Through working with DSR and Football West a clear working pathway is now available to players and their families. Tanya has been a GJSA board member for 5 years and Football West Midwest Development Officer for 2 years.

Diane Evans

The Old Geraldton Gaol is so thankful for all the work and effort Diane Evans has done over the last year. Not only does she conduct tours at the Gaol with the Volunteer Tour Guides Association, she is very passionate about the history of our Old Gaol and her enthusiasm has given the old building new life. She has dedicated herself to upgrading and improving the presentation of photos, recollections. and information panels to ensure visitors to the gaol have a rewarding experience.

Diane spends many hours researching convict and prisoner history, conducting interviews with past prison officers and inmates and is happy to converse with visitors who wish to know more. Gaol craft members have also learnt more about the building and local history from having Di as part of our little Gaol family. Recently she has assisted other cell mates refurbish their cells to ensure the Old Gaol Craft Group begins 2016 with a new look history and vibrant small craft and business centre.

Jim Evans

Jim is an experienced painter who has coordinated the QEII Community Art Class for 11 years. He has shared his skills with more than 350 people on a one to one basis (beginners to advanced) using various mediums - watercolours, oils and acrylics.

The group's success is due to Jim being friendly, open and welcoming while serving a diverse range of people including those with mental and physical disabilities. The youngest student being 7 and the oldest 104 years old.

Jim was also instrumental in coordinating the group's inaugural art exhibition at Seniors Week 2015 where 9 paintings were sold. The broader benefits of the QEII Community Art Class include the social aspect of the class which promotes mental and social stimulation and active healthy ageing including the many friendships which have been formed.

One of the student's description of the class: "the class is friendly, and we are proud of the diverse range of people who use the class and how they can start as a beginner and the joy they have when they complete a painting.

Gino Fiume

Gino has been involved as a player, coach, administrator in the soccer fraternity since 1971. In 1995 Gino began helping with organisation of the Juniors at La Fiamma and is still coaching a junior team in the local junior league. In 2007, not only was Gino organising the La Fiamma Juniors but he became involved with the La Fiamma committee. Over the years Gino has been elected secretary, treasurer and president, currently Gino is the Junior delegate on the committee. Gino's willingness to help has not just been with the La Fiamma family. He has also assisted with the Geraldton Junior Soccer Association over many years. Currently Gino is on the Geraldton Junior Soccer Association Board of Directors.

Gino has attended Country Week as a coach for many years and coached the under 13 team in 2015. In 2009 at the 50th anniversary for La Fiamma, Gino was bestowed the greatest honour of becoming a life member of La Fiamma. Gino is always ready to lend a hand where one is required that may been working behind the bar, in the canteen, marking pitches, putting up nets and general cleaning up.

Whilst still involved with soccer Gino was asked to play for Suiside Softball Club in 1980 and proceeded to coach the La Fiamma Women’s Softball team and later Suiside Softball Club men’s team. Over the years Gino has been elected secretary and president of the Suiside Softball Club and was honoured with life membership in 1992. Gino was also a committee member for the Geraldton Softball Association. In 1996-1999 Gino coached and umpired T-Ball and elected President for the Geraldton T-Ball Association. He also held the position of head Umpire for T-Ball.

Edna Freeman

Edna was an inaugural member of the over fifties Gentle Gym Program over thirty three (33) years ago when it commenced at the Geraldton Hospital. Twenty two (22) years ago Edna became the organiser of Gentle Gym which is now held at the QEII Seniors & Community Centre. The participation has increased to approximately 350 participants each month.

At the age of 97 ½ she is the most excellent role model for positive healthy ageing to our community. Her commitment and dedication is exemplary. Edna has always participated in the community volunteering for projects at the Geraldton Primary and Geraldton Senior College when her two sons attended she was a volunteer with Meals on Wheels and was instrumental in setting up the Ladies Probus Club in Geraldton. Edna was Vice President and also became the regional representative for the Mens and Ladies Probus Clubs.

Both the Moonyoonooka Horse & Pony Club and the Geraldton Seniors Action Group have recognised Edna's contribution to their organisations by making her a Life Member. Edna continues to be active in the Pensioners Social Club and in organising the Gentle Gym Program.

Christopher Herring

Christopher referees in the My Solar Sunday Division 2 Perth League Competition and was winner of 2015 State League Referee Award.

At the local level, Chris referees in the Geraldton Junior Soccer Association and Midwest Soccer Association competitions and was winner of 2015 Senior Local referee of the Year at the Midwest Sports Awards.

Chris is Vice President of the Geraldton referee association and assists with the allocations for all games both in the GJSA and MSA competitions as well as assisting with the cadet referees when required.

Doreen Howells

Doreen is a people person, and loves people. She uses all her knowledge to help people to become independent and reach their full potential.

1979: Sunshine Festival Coordinator.

1980: Formed Kinderspiel (Child's Play), a children's theatre group at Theatre Eight, this carried on to be Creative Works when Doreen left in 1987. Doreen was asked to take over OSCAR (Out of School Child Care Association) and managed it for 3 years. This included School Holiday programmes.

1985: Elected City Councillor. Unfortunately due to an error in the voting forms this did not last long. Scouts: served as an advisor for Queens Scouts' Awards for 12 months.

1979: Joined Theatre 8 and has had continuous involvement for over 30 years. She has served as Committee member, in charge of front of the house, bar manager, and has successfully both produced and directed major shows with both adults and children. Doreen has recently been elected once again as President of Theatre 8. Since 2007 she has run the Teen 8 and Tween 8 groups on a volunteer basis, spending up to 4 nights a week assisting young people to gain confidence for the present and the future, and be part of a team, learning self-discipline, performing in public “where the Show is the star"!

In 2007 and continuing to now, Doreen has worked tirelessly to save Theatre 8 from demolition when the land was sought to be resumed for other purposes.

1979, 1996-1999: Doreen served as volunteer Sunshine Festival Co-ordinator. In addition Doreen has organised Australia Day Events on more than one occasion. She was an inaugural Relay for Life committee member, and served as entertainment co-ordinator for a 4 year period.

On two occasions Doreen has organised a Vintage Fashion Parade using T8 wardrobe garments, modelled by Teen8 members at Relay for Life, Sunshine Festival and Heritage Car Club events. In 2000 Doreen was employed by Mission Australia as a Trainer and has continued to work in the Job Service area as a Trainer and consultant. with MEEDAC (Midwest Education and Employment Aboriginal Corporation) and also with Skillhire. Doreen enjoyed this work as it gave her the opportunity to help people and find employment or education to better their lifestyle.   Her compassion, care and interest in people led her to open her home to a young person out of home, work and hope, who is now quite independent and studying at University. Doreen is selfless and since her recent retirement has spent most of her time during the week supervising a work for the dole participant who has been helping with the maintenance and cleaning of T8. On other occasions Doreen managed to get some of the unemployed working (under supervision) on the theatre front garden weeding & planting, which is greatly appreciated by both members and patrons. Doreen is a mother of 4 married adult daughters, and 9 grandchildren, all living in Geraldton. Her family is very special to her and can now spend more time with them since retiring.

Yvonne Marsden

Yvonne works tirelessly and passionately in everything she does! From shearing sheep on her own at a mature age, to volunteering her time every Saturday coordinating the stall holders and ensuring standards are maintained at the Geraldton Greenough Farmers Markets.

Yvonne is passionate about the 2015 Sunshine Festival and is zealous about the history of the event and how people in Geraldton region have access and a right to preserve this wonderful event. Yvonne started as treasurer but also picked up the role of chairperson and key representative on various committees.

Yvonne is kind and caring and goes above and beyond what most citizens would do or be capable of. She has also been involved with the Northern Agricultural Catchment Council (NACC) since inception in 1999 as she is passionate about the environment and how we "mere mortals" (human beings) take it all for granted. NACC provides opportunity to engage community to value and address sustainable production systems and life on the land, sunlight, water and air as an integrated ecological system. Yvonne's property, Wahroonga Farm has changed on ground practices to demonstrate improved land management and livestock to increase health and well-being whilst remaining profitable.

Don Rolston

For more than 30 years, Don Rolston has selflessly and generously contributed to the community of Geraldton in the following ways: Leader and role model within Vocational Education and Training within the region over an extended period. Director and past President of the Rotary Club of Geraldton. Membership of this organisation spans a period of 30 years and Don was instrumental in major projects over many years such as the planning and building of the HMAS Sydney II Memorial (since 1999), Apprentice of the Year Award (since 1972), Annual Rotary Radio Auction (since 1991), Annual Rotary Seniors Concert, Rotary International Youth Exchange and many other club projects.

Foundation member and/or chair of various Steering Groups and Advisory Committees within the community. Service to many of these groups extended well beyond 10 years and in some up to 15 years. Some of the groups included - Midwest Development Authority (now Commission), Group Apprenticeship Scheme (now ATC), Business Enterprise Scheme (now Small Business Centre), Youth Employment Scheme (now Joblink Midwest), Midwest Labour Market Advisory Council, Midwest-Gascoyne Area Consultative Committee (now Regional Development Australia), Aboriginal Employment Task Force. Current Chairperson of District Health Advisory Council (Geraldton Hospital) with the aim of ensuring the continual improvement of health services for the Geraldton hospital and the wider Midwest community. Current warden for HMAS Sydney II Memorial (as appointed by the Council of the City of Greater).

Don has demonstrated absolute commitment to service for others for the betterment of the wider community. In addition, his constant devotion to the maintenance of the world's best standards of upkeep to ensure that the HMAS Sydney II Memorial in Geraldton continues to retain its reputation as an internationally recognised and acclaimed icon while at the same time remaining as a place of solace and remembrance to those who bravely gave their lives is to be applauded. He has freely given countless hours of hard work over many years in the establishment, promotion and maintenance of the Memorial.

Don's contribution to vocational education and training was recognised in 2015 when the Midwest Training Group, trading as ATC Midwest, struck a new award called 'The Don Rolston Honorary Fellow Award' to honour him as a learned member of this community who has worked as a role model, advocate and ambassador to support the growth and practice of engaging, inspiring and developing tomorrow's workforce.   This Award has been established to acknowledge exceptional achievement and service and to honour contributions related to the Midwest Training Group trading as ATC Midwest from someone who is professionally outside of it. The inaugural winner was presented in 2015.

Don has been presented with life membership of the Geraldton City Band and has been twice recognised by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International (2007 and again in 2012) as a Paul Harris Fellow for dedication of service and in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.

Premiers Australia Day Active Citizenship Award 2016  - Community Group or Event

Diwali Festival of Lights

In November 2015 members of the Midwest Multicultural Association (MWMA) coordinated the second Diwali - Festival of Lights celebrations which attracted more than 4,000 people of different cultural backgrounds.

 The event aimed to bring people from all cultures together and featured a smorgasbord of cultural food stalls, live entertainment and a fireworks display. It was one of the biggest cultural events in the history of Geraldton

The MWMA is comprised of all the main ethnic groups residing in Geraldton and the Midwest region of Western Australia. Members of the association include Indians, Pakistanis, Filipinos, Fijian Association, Islamic Association, Midwest African Association, Vietnamese community and some of the more settled groups from Europe such as Italian and German clubs.

Geraldton City Band

The Geraldton City Band (in its current formation) has been serving the community for around 53 years, with its first official function being ANZAC day services in 1962. Since then, the band has been actively involved in many community functions every year. These have included Australia Day events, ANZAC Day services, Sunshine Festival parades and concerts, Remembrance Day services, The Sydney Memorial services, and Carols by Candlelight community event concerts and carols. In the past, the band has also played for other major events, including visits from members of the Royal Family.

The band plays an integral part in the annual Anzac Day services, providing buglers for the Last Post and Reveille, as well as the whole band accompanying singers for the hymns during the main service. Marches are also played during the traditional main service parade which adds to the atmosphere of the event. Each year as more people become aware of the significance of ANZAC Day, the number of requests from schools and community groups for a bugler for their own events during the week prior to ANZAC Day, is increasing. This year, buglers played at around fifteen services. The band also travelled by bus to Dongara this year immediately after Geraldton's service had finished, to provide the Dongara community with entertainment.

Remembrance Day and Sydney Memorial services are another two events where we provide buglers to play the Last Post and Reveille. The band as a whole also plays hymns for the Sydney Memorial service to accompany the choir. The solemnity of all above-mentioned events is a priority with the band, which always dress and behave appropriately to keep within expected community standards.

Most years, the band entertains some of Geraldton's senior citizens with concerts at the QEII centre on Australia Day, and a few months later at Harbour Pines Retirement Village. 'Carols on Tour' is also done every year where the band travels to several nursing homes before Christmas, to provide their residents with carols and some Christmas cheer. For many years, Mother's Day concerts were held in the QEII centre, although last year, the concert was held to the side of Dome Restaurant on the Foreshore.

The Geraldton City Band is proud to present the annual 'Bands Spectacular', a concert event held each year at the Queens Park Theatre. This event is a platform for local school bands to perform both on their own, and then as a combined massed band. All these school children are exposed to performances by other schools and also the Geraldton City Band. It is encouraging to see the theatre filled to capacity each year with the families of all those involved in this community event.

August 2015 saw about 30 of our members travel to Bali. This was a totally self-funded trip and although it included holiday downtime, the band also spent considerable time rehearsing and performing. Indonesian Independence Day celebrations were happening at the time and we were asked to perform at a cultural celebration evening. The band also visited a local primary school and performed and interacted with the children, who thoroughly enjoyed our visit.

Each year, the band joins with choirs for different events and public concerts held at the Holy Cross Cathedral. These are usually open to all members of the community and a good working relationship is held between the Church, several Geraldton choirs, and the band. The band also plays at other varying concerts around Geraldton and surrounding regions on invitation.

The Geraldton City Band is proud to contribute to so many community events in the region and hopes to continue doing so for many years to come. The band has always been aligned with the governing council of the City and is proud to hold the City's name. Our priority is to entertain, and also to foster and promote the enjoyment of music within the Geraldton community. This will hopefully develop further from 2016 as we plan to expand our performance capabilities by introducing a couple of smaller sub-groups from within our membership, to encompass different genres. This is a truly exciting step forward as we hope to expand our audience demographic within the community, adding to the increasing vibrancy and attraction of Geraldton to our residents and visitors.

Potential new members and playing visitors are always welcome at our rehearsals, which are held in our custom-built bandroom in Durlacher Street, next door to the QEII Centre. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings from 7.30pm.

Geraldton Harriers Runfest Committee

This hard working, volunteer committee dedicate over 6 months of their time to organise this premium event.  In 2015 there were over 570 participants in walking and running races, including many from Perth and beyond.  The event showcases Geraldton and our beautiful foreshore.  Much work is required around fund sourcing and sponsorship, planning the course, council approvals, road closures, traffic management and public liability.  With just one of these failing, the whole event would be cancelled but instead it is run professionally, smoothly and with very positive feedback.

Visit 'Geraldton Runfest" on Facebook  to read more feedback.  It is also an inclusive sporting event that welcomes athletes with mobility disability (wheelchairs).  It brings together community groups and charities who opt to walk or run for a cause.  A $1,000 donation to charity is awarded for the biggest group doing this.  The events cater for all ages.

Indi-genious

Over the last 3 years the Rangeway Primary School has conducted the 'Indi-genious' program for boys to learn the Didgeridoo and play at local and state events such as Telethon 2015, NAIDOC events, GNFL Grand Final, NACC Endangered Species Forum, and opening of the Indigeneous training facility at Durack. Indi-genious was one of two groups playing at the West Australian Premiers Teacher Awards Ceremony in Perth on 30 November 2015. Teacher, George Scicluna, has organised day workshops where over 200 children from neighbouring schools were invited to participate in learning to play the didge.

These boys attitude have changed tremendously and are now wanting to turn up at school so they can be part of the Didgeridoo group therefore; attendance has improved. Each year a new bunch of boys join Indi-genious and by the end of the year 100% of them are proficient in playing the didge, and a good percentage reach a higher level where they can circular brerather and perform solo pieces and improvisations.

This programme is unique and the only one in the state of Western Australia.

Geraldton Senior Week Committee

The Geraldton Seniors Week Committee is made up of seven senior volunteers who, with the assistance of the City of Greater Geraldton staff, organise Seniors Week events in the Midwest region.

Seniors Week is an annual event celebrated nationally to acknowledge and thank seniors for their valued contribution in our community.

In 2015 the Geraldton Seniors Week Committee liaised with government departments, local community groups and businesses which resulted in a program which included 32 events promoting positive, active ageing throughout the City.

The Seniors Week Committee contributed over 200 hours to obtain sponsorship which included discounts from local business, assist with the promotion as well as coordinate events, provide catering and serve the community.

Geraldton Scout Group

Geraldton Scout Group has been helping the youth of Geraldton since 27 April 1931. Scouting has helped to guide countless youth of the town to become productive and responsible members of society and to become leaders in both business and industry.

The aim of Scouting is to encourage the physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual development of young people so that they take a constructive place in society as responsible citizens, and as a member of their local, national and international communities. This is achieved through the scout program run in each section, it is aimed to encourage them to grow through adventure by experiencing new challenges, making new friends, building confidence, taking responsibility for themselves, and being provided with opportunities to explore their own abilities and interests. The most important thing is Scouts have fun.

The Scout age range is from 5.5 years old to Adults with five youth sections: Joeys for ages 5.5 to 8 years; Cubs for ages 8 to 11 years; Scouts for ages 11 to 15 years; Venturers for ages 15 to 18 and Rovers for ages 18 to 26 years.

In 2015 the Geraldton Scout Group assisted at the Relay for life, tidied up pensioner’s gardens, helped with clean up Australia and numerous other activities. The Geraldton Scout Group had one Scout achieve their Scout Medallion (Highest achievement for the scout section) and two Queen Scout Awards (Highest award in the venture section) which can be used towards their WACE Certificate. Several camps were held during 2015 for the different sections with one major camp for Scout groups from all over the district.

Sunset Beach Community Group

In June 2015, the resident run Sunset Beach Community Group (SBCG) outlined concept plans for two areas of land. The SBCG obtained seed funding from the City of Greater Geraldton in 2014 and grant funding from the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council to help protect the coastline at Sunset Beach.   The SBCG engaged a consultant to find options for transforming land at Triton Place and Eastbourne Reserve on Bosley Street. The community consultation was extensive, culminating in a 2 hour meeting with slides and explanation by Steve Vigilante (Concept Planner) at the Spalding Park Tennis Club. The event was well attended by the community. It is intended that the development of these places will enhance community life by increasing the aesthetic appeal and the liveability of our home.

The SBCG meets on the 4th Wednesday of every month to discuss any impending projects, issues and new ideas.

In October 2015 the SBCG held the very successful and unique "Grunge Markets" on the Eastbourne Reserve for kids between the ages of 5 to 15 years. The markets gave the younger members of our community the opportunity to sell unused items such as toys, games and sporting equipment, under the supervision of a parent. Everyone had a wonderful time and the community have asked SBCG to make the Markets on the Eastbourne Reserve a regular event. The Markets advertised and promoted the SBCG and brought many new members to our not for profit organisation.

Woorree Scout Group

The Woorree Scout Group started as a discussion on a weekend amongst some friends. Lorraine Bowen took over the Group leader role assisted by Group Leader Wendy White and two Joey Leaders came on board.

We knew the aim of Scouting was to encourage the physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual development of young people so they can take a constructive place in society as responsible citizens and also as a member of their local, national and international communities. We hoped we could do this. The Group was formed in December 2011 and the first meeting was with 5 Joeys on February 2, 2012 at the Woorree Community Hall. Our Joey Mob grew to 9 enrolled by August. By February 2013 a Cub Section with 8 excited youth had been formed. GL Lorraine then took on the Cub Leader role with a helper. By June we had 10 Cubs and 6 Joeys. On December 18, 2013 the first Joey had made it right through to the Highest Award in the Joey section - a proud moment.

By February 2014 the Group had grown in numbers of youth to 15 and had 4 leaders but our desire was to have a permanent place of our own. With the amazing help from Ian Darwen, Woorree Scout Group Families, Scouts WA and others for their donations and time with renovations, the dream became a reality and we had our own Hall. The Group moved into the Bluff Point Scout Community Centre in June 2014 with 19 Youth Members which has now grown to 28 in total.

Woorree Scout Group receives acknowledgement from Scouts WA as we are part of their new pilot program in the way our hall is run as well as positive feedback from the local community and parents.

If more youth were encouraged to have a go at scouting we would have more responsible young people in our midst. Our scouts are encouraged to be in the public often in different ways and know how to conduct themselves and be seen.

Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Award (under 26)  & City of Greater Geraldton Young Achiever of the Year

Mitchell Badat

Mitchell has been an active volunteer at PCYC since 2009. Each week Mitch contributes more than 10 hours of his own time assisting in junior boxing classes, helping to run the Bike Shed, engaging with local youth as well as fundraising events and community activities. Mitch is an extremely mature and competent (16yo) young person who gives 100%. He has a unique empathy for children with special or extra needs and always ensures children are included and safe in their environment.

Mitch was awarded the PCYC Junior Volunteer of the Year in 2014.

Julian Canny

For the past 3 years, Julian has brought and grown the amount of laughter and laughter creators to Geraldton. Julian started off with simply creating stand up comedians from the local community and mentoring them with international talent. Now Julian works with youth from local high schools, and adults from anywhere, by creating a Improv Comedy Troupe providing local people a fantastically fun but challenging and empowering leisure activity/release from life.

Julian has worked very hard to grow the local performers of Geraldton to build a sustainable industry and place Geraldton on the map as a performing arts capital of Regional WA. To make this all happen, Julian utilises talent from WITHIN the community. Julian is also working hard to export Geraldton performers outside of the city.

Claudia Dahlberg

Claudia may only be 10 years old but she is already proving herself to an asset to the community. During 2015 she has taken part in many volunteering roles and always does so with enthusiasm.

As a scout she has involved herself with activities such as visiting residents at Hillcrest handing out Christmas gifts to the elderly residents and assisting on the drinks station during Runfest.

To assist the Rangeway Utakarra Karloo Progress Association, Claudia and her brother Ethan devote themselves on Sunday afternoons to pick up rubbish along Rifle Range Road and their local park.

Most recently she has taken on a role at the Old Geraldton Gaol as a resident inmate, helping some of the local volunteer tour guides to meet and greet visitors during weekends and school holidays.

Sharnee Freeman

Sharnee has had an active involvement in a variety of Geraldton Senior College events including the Year 12 Ball, Swimming and Athletics Carnivals, as well as numerous fundraising activities. This young lady could be relied upon to demonstrate leadership in encouraging participation by others in House carnivals and College events. Her role as a formal leader during Year 12 propelled her into the limelight but it has been her presence and ability to lift others that has really stood out. When this young lady enters a classroom for example, her mere presence and positive outlook gives others the confidence to interact in the group setting and come out of their shell a little. This informal ability to involve others has added to the positive culture at GSC and an aspect of Sharnee's personality really appreciated by the staff of the college.

Students have a high level of respect for Sharnee and in talking with others, it is her ability to communicate with students and staff from all walks of life that drives this respect. She talks with passion and motivation and energy. Sharnee is a young lady of integrity who welcomes responsibility, and willingly performs all tasks asked of her. Her sense of fairness is paramount as is her willingness to accept challenges then rise to the occasion. She also has the ability to just 'go with the flow', depending on the situation.

Sharnee is friendly and has a fantastic sense of humour. She is also very inclusive of students from a variety of year and friendship groups and she encourages others to do their best.

Sharnee was the recipient of the Suzette Carr Memorial Citizenship Award at the Geraldton Senior College Year 12 Valedictory.

Tyson McEwan

Sense of direction was co-founded by Tyson McEwan. He used the Changemakers funding from the City of Greater Geraldton to construct the logo and develop the project for its first event in January of 2015.

Sense of Direction has identified four areas youth in the Midwest need support with these are Health, fitness and wellbeing, money and finance, Careers, Education and Employment and Travel.

The project invites local businesses and organisations to participate in the event but also engage with the youth and attendees on the day. The first event held in January at Pollinators which delivered a wonderful atmosphere and provided a platform for next Sense of Direction project. On that day approximately 60 people attended with 10 exhibitors on display. The feedback from both participants and exhibitors were encouraging and positive, this was enough feedback for Tyson to start planning for the next event.

On the 3rd of December 2015 at the Geraldton Universities Centre was the second launch of Sense of Direction. This time it was called an Expo with 25 exhibitors respectively representing the four key areas of Sense of Direction. The event was supported by the University of Western Australia Aspire program which Tyson made a strong relationship with the department and Christine Bryant who liaises with Tyson. The event had over 500 participants’ including school students, parents and school leavers which were Sense of Direction target audience. The event went really well and Tyson continues to work closely with business leaders and the Midwest community to bring new direction for the youth.

Tyson’s role as co-founder of Sense of Direction is completely voluntarily and does it for the passion in helping youth make smarter decisions in life and provide everyone with an opportunity to achieve their ambitions.

Tyson wants to make Sense of Direction an annual event for Geraldton and the Midwest Community, bigger and better things in 2016.

Olivia Murfit

Olivia has been an active member of Girl Guides in Geraldton for a number of years. In 2015 she completed the peak award, becoming a Queens Guide. She belongs to the Geraldton Abrolhos Girl Guide Unit and has held the positions of President and Treasurer. During this time she has promoted Girl Guides and served the community. Her service has included attending ANZAC vigils and marches, organising an Easter egg hunt for disadvantaged children (including obtaining generous donations for eggs from Geraldton businesses) and a member of the Girl Guide group in Relay for Life as well as being involved in numerous fundraising activities. Some of these activities include raffles to raise funds for Carnarvon Guides affected by the floods and Victoria Guides affected by bushfires. Olivia has promoted and raised funds for Guides by selling Girl Guides biscuits every year.

In 2014 Olivia organised and conducted for her unit a camp to York called "Frozen in York" which was enjoyed by all. This involved budgeting, setting a programme, risk management, making bookings, organising transport, setting the menu, taking the girls shopping for food and liaising with tourist venues in York. This was all done at a very high level, to a standard expected for an adult leader. This camp was assessed by a leader from Perth, who came and visited during the camp to complete the assessment. Olivia is now qualified to conduct indoor camping in her own right. Olivia has also organised district events such as the "Winter Wonderland" Christmas

wind-up for all Geraldton Guides, which was an absolute hit with the younger guides Olivia has very strong leadership skills and has attended leadership weekends in Perth run by Girl Guides as well as attending skill weekends run locally by Scouts. She has been a youth helper with a Joey Scout unit for 2 years and is training to be a qualified leader.

Having learnt music, by learning to play clarinet she has become a member of the school band. The band performs for the community, at events for various schools and at Band Spectacular at QPT. In addition to the clarinet she has started to learn the oboe as an extra interest. Having gained her applied first aid certificate, she used this knowledge to teach basic first aid skills to the younger Girl Guides and the Midnight Basketballers.

Olivia has gained her bronze medallion certificate and has furthered this with teaching qualifications. This has allowed her to teach swimming to children in our community.   She is also a qualified life guard and has used this skill as a volunteer enabling Joey Scouts to participate in water activities.

With her high school, Geraldton Senior College, Olivia participated in fundraising, then travelled to Cambodia to do community and charity work and donate all the proceeds raised.

Olivia is very community minded and volunteers where possible. Having gained various qualifications she shows she has been generous with her time and skills, not just within Guiding, but in the wider community. She is a team player and is well respected and loved by her peer group. Olivia is reliable, dedicated, and can be trusted to see challenges through to completion - at a high standard. Olivia is willing to tackle anything that is thrown at her - all this while completing year 12 (ATAR). Throughout all her achievements she has been an inspiration and role model to others.

Zoe Rowcroft

Zoe is an active member of the Geraldton Surf Life Saving Club as an Age Manager helping to coach and mentor the various age groups ranging from Under7 to Under 14 members and is a Patrol member helping to keep our beaches safe.

As a member of the Murchison Hockey Club she umpires senior games and helps coach new aspiring young players with the Hook in 2 Hockey program run by the Geraldton Hockey Association. Zoe also helps junior water polo players through her club Serpents coaching the boys and girls and umpiring.

Through Geraldton Senior College Zoe has helped fundraise by holding cake stalls and making bread boards to sell for various charities in Cambodia two years in a row. She also visited the places that the monies were raised for.

In 2015 Zoe was the captain of the Geraldton Senior College Country Week winning Hockey team. Zoe has represented Geraldton for many years at State Hockey level for the Geraldton Hockey Association. She has also represented Geraldton at State level for Water polo and was a member of the WA State Country Water polo teams in 2014 (Woy Woy) and 2015 (Karratha) and attended Nationals in Canberra for the U16 competition in 2014. Zoe represented the 2015 WA State Schools Girls U17 Water polo in Sydney heling bring home the Bronze medal.

Zoe is the first Water polo player to be accepted into the Midwest Academy of Sports.

Lexie Stoner

Lexie Stoner is a very caring young lady which she demonstrates in all aspects of her life. A quiet achiever she is respectful and helpful when dealing with people of all ages from her peers to the elderly and the very young.

Having just turned 16, Lexie exhibits a maturity beyond her years. She is a confident public speaker and has a relaxed, communicative and approachable persona.

From a young age Lexie became interested in athletics and her natural ability combined with her dedication to a rigorous training regime has seen her represent Geraldton many times and Western Australia on three occasions to date. Lexie was selected, invited and subsequently attended an athletics camp in Portland USA with the Carey Right Track Foundation. Lexie is a member of the Geraldton Little Athletics, Mid West Academy of Sport and the WA Athletics Talent ID Squad.

A great sportswoman Lexie is also a keen observer of human behaviour, she both loves to learn and to share her knowledge and expertise. Lexie is a volunteer and willingly and generously assists with coaching and mentoring fellow athletes at training sessions within, Little Athletics, her Geraldton training squad and the Carey Right Track Foundation.

Lexie encourages and supports, sharing her experience and knowledge with others to assist them to reach their maximum potential. Lexie is not afraid to take the lead and does not shirk from responsibility; she sets high personal standards and is an exemplary role model to young people. Lexie is engaging, enthusiastic and a positive mentor of all the athletes in her team/s. She is tireless in her own pursuit of excellence and manages her school study and homework around her passion and commitment for athletics to attain high marks.

Outside of the athletics arena and as part of her school community service Lexie volunteered to work with the elderly in a nursing home where she demonstrated her kind, compassionate, patient and considerate nature. Lexie also babysits on a voluntary and sometimes paid basis, she has participated and volunteered at Geraldton Harriers for the last nine years helping set up and pack up courses in and around Geraldton.

Lexie raised the idea of a 2km junior course at the Harriers AGM at the tender age of 12. When this was taken up by a progressive committee it resulted in a rapid expansion of junior participation within Harriers.

In term three 2015 on a day she was not required to attend her own school, Lexie volunteered for a full day at a primary school sporting carnival. Lexie does not expect reward or even acknowledgement for her volunteering efforts demonstrating her active citizenship and potential to develop into a community minded adult. 

Lexie leads a busy life for a teenager, juggling school, a part time job, volunteering, sporting commitments and friendships. As a high achieving member of an expansive blended family across two households, Lexie takes her role and responsibilities seriously. Lexie is quick to assist her grandparents as required, with shopping or to negotiate the complexities of the internet.

Savannah Tuari

Savannah is a genuine friend and supportive member of Geraldton Primary School. She upholds the school's positive behaviour expectations and is always willing to help in the playground. Her natural instinct is to quietly listen and encourage other students who appear lost, alone or hurt. Savannah is well liked amongst staff and students and upholds the Geraldton Primary School ethos. Congratulations Savannah!