Mandurah's local heroes recognised at 2026 Community Citizen of the Year awards

Mandurah's local heroes have been recognised at the 2026 Community Citizen of the Year Awards. 

The annual awards celebrate individuals and groups that have made notable contributions to their communities during the year, and those who have given outstanding service over several years. 

Mayor Amber Kearns said the winners and finalists of the Community Citizen of the Year Awards make a significant difference to Mandurah’s community.   

“I am so proud of the people of Mandurah; the everyday people who create the fabric of our community,” Mayor Kearns said. 

“We all can make a difference, and this year it is such a privilege to honour and celebrate the stories of the winners: Professor Lyn Beazley AO, John Stone, Millie Penman, and the Backpack Buddies Program. I am so grateful for the work that each of our winners does, which is often unseen, but without them, we wouldn’t be who we are.   

“The Community Citizen of the Year Awards are an important way to celebrate the good work in our community.” 

The Community Citizen of the Year Awards are organised by Auspire – the Australia Day Council of Western Australia and have been running since 2003. 

Mandurah’s 2026 Community Citizen of the Year Award winners are: 

Community Citizen of the Year: Emeritus Professor Lyn Beazley AO 
Former WA Chief Scientist and a nationally recognised advocate for science, sustainability, and education, Lyn has made a profound impact on Mandurah through decades of voluntary service.

A passionate environmentalist, she has championed citizen science initiatives like Dolphin Watch and supported the Mandurah Environment and Heritage Group, mentoring volunteers and youth to protect local ecosystems.  

As founder of the Lyn Beazley Academy, she provides tailored enrichment programs for neurodiverse and homeschooled youth, creating confidence, life skills, and career readiness.

Lyn is Patron of Halls Head College and has leadership roles in Mandurah’s Strategic Economic Advisory Group, Mandurah’s CoderDojo, and initiatives like YourToolKit.com, promoting inclusive education and women’s empowerment.

Recognised with numerous honours including Officer of the Order of Australia, WA Australian of the Year, and having a cancer-fighting sea sponge named after her, Lyn’s legacy continues to inspire across generations.  

Community Citizen of the Year Emeritus Professor Lyn Beazley AO with Mayor Amber Kearns. PIC: Supplied

Senior Community Citizen of the Year: John Stone 
Founder and Chair of the Australian Multicultural Philippine Society (AMPS), John has led efforts to provide free food to more than 200 families weekly and supply fresh produce to more than 20 local charities and schools, including breakfast clubs at Mandurah Primary School.   

John is integral in operating the AMPS Op Shop which raises funds to support community food programs and purchasing vital equipment such as a cool room, forklift, and sea container to expand outreach.

With quiet but impactful leadership, John personally collects food donations from farms, warehouses, and stores across WA, working seven days a week to ensure no one in the Peel region goes hungry.   

Senior Community Citizen of the Year John Stone with Lisa Munday MLA. PIC: Supplied

Young Community Citizen of the Year: Millie Penman 
Millie demonstrates exceptional commitment to community service through her involvement with the Mandurah State Emergency Service (SES), TS Comet Royal Australian Navy Cadets, West Murray Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade, Coastal Waste Warriors, and the Meadow Springs Resident Group.   

Millie started volunteering at just four years of age and now contributes six to seven hours per week to training, and most weekends to events, including 12-hour fire brigade shifts.  

At the age of 12, she saved a woman’s life using CPR and a defibrillator, showcasing bravery and skill.   

A finalist in the 2025 WA Young Volunteer of the Year Awards, Millie leads cadets and volunteers in emergency operations, promotes fatigue management, and supports environmental and civic initiatives.   

Young Community Citizen of the Year Millie Penman with Rhys Williams MLA. PIC: Supplied

Active Citizenship (group or event): Backpack Buddies Program  
A local initiative tackling child hunger in Mandurah, the Backpack Buddies Program - delivered by Bridge Builders - discreetly provides weekend food packs to students who may otherwise go without meals outside school hours.

Since launching with just five children, the program now supports more than 250 students across 14 schools, offering meals in a way that preserves dignity and avoids stigma.

The group works closely with schools, chaplains, and volunteers to identify need and deliver support, improving student wellbeing, attendance, and engagement.

Their model of community-driven care has inspired widespread collaboration, strengthened local resilience, and raised awareness of food insecurity.

Active Citizenship Backpack Buddies Program with Mayor Amber Kearns. PIC: Supplied