Australia Day: Choir leader and community hero Margaret Duce recognised as Bunbury’s Citizen of the Year

An inspirational woman who brings the power of music to people who might otherwise miss out has been recognised as Bunbury’s top citizen this year. Margaret Duce, who is also a long-time foster mother and cares for her husband, was awarded the Citizen of the Year in front of hundreds of people at the City’s Australia Day ceremony on Wednesday morning. Mrs Duce, who was taken aback by the recognition, described the award as an “honour” and said seeing older people revel in music brought her great joy. “Over the years I have taken three singing groups that visit nursing homes,” she said. “Older people, especially in nursing homes, get so much out of it. “They deserve to see a good quality performance because in most cases they can’t get out to enjoy that sort of thing otherwise.” Through her choirs and ensembles, Mrs Duce also raised funds for 30 swags to go to people sleeping rough in Bunbury as the City continues to battle its ongoing homelessness crisis. She was recognised alongside fellow nominees Dianne Tate, president of Bunbury’s ZONTA Club, social worker and South West Migrant Women’s Group founder Adelin Taylor, carer Maggie Hall and community radio show host Ron Moffat. Talented young basketballer Cadence Edwards was awarded the City’s Young Citizen of the Year for her work mentoring young members of the community through sport and was described as a “natural leader” by Bunbury MLA Don Punch. Meanwhile, the South West Aboriginal Medical Service’s mental health youth committee and Bunbury’s PCYC shared the Community Group of the Year award for their joint work on the Making Good Pathways project. As part of the project, a stunning mural was painted on the side wall of the Bunbury PCYC.