Community contributions recognised, residents become citizens at Shire of Capel Australia Day commemorations

It was a celebration of community on Friday as the Shire of Capel held its 2024 Community Awards and Citizenship Ceremony. Dozens gathered at Boyanup’s Hugh Kilpatrick Hall to watch more than 20 residents become citizens and community stalwarts recognised for their commitment. Shire president Doug Kitchen highlighted the diversity of those in attendance, including those born in the Philippines, Chile, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Egypt and Sweden. “We are united by the diversity of our backgrounds, the uniqueness of our stories, and the common thread of our shared name,” he said. Alongside the citizenship ceremony, seven awards were given out across four categories for individual and group contributions to the community. Simon O’Neill was honoured as the Community Citizen of the Year for his pivotal role in founding and continuing to support the Dalyellup Diamonds Teeball and Softball Club, which is now the biggest in the Bunbury and Districts Softball Association. Fellow nominee Lucy Nolan received the Act Belong Commit Community Citizen award for her work with the Capel Playgroup, where she serves as president. Trevor James’ nearly five decades of volunteering across the Capel Apex Club and Capel Bush Fire Brigade saw him receive the Senior Community Citizen of the Year award. Zoe Wallin was recognised as the Youth Citizen of the Year for her community service, including volunteer work for Vinnies and organising Dalyellup College’s first Sleepout for Homeless event while serving as school captain. Riley Bourke was awarded the Act Belong Commit Youth Citizen accolade for nearly three years working as an ambulance volunteer alongside being an active member of the Boyanup Bush Fire Brigade. Elgin Community Hall Inc. received the Community Group of the Year award, while the Ironstone Adventure Riding Club was honoured with the Act Belong Commit Community Group award. Youth Australian of the Year in Environment for 1999 Nahrel Dallywater was the guest speaker, with the Australia Day ambassador discussing her role in creating the South West recycling collection system - a first in regional Australia. She said Australia Day means different things to different people. “We may not all agree on everything, like the date we recognise as our national day, but I feel we’re so very fortunate to live in a country that relishes the opportunity to voice our differences and opinions,” Ms Dallywater said. “For me, Australia Day is about gratitude, being thankful and celebrating living in a beautiful country, surrounded by sea and abounding of nature’s gifts, and being part of a proud, ancient and multicultural nation.”