Published on Monday, 2 February 2026 at 1:29:12 PM
More than 200 people gathered at Frost Pavilion at 8.30am to kick off Australia Day with a true blue sausage sizzle.
Rotary Club of Mount Barker President Richard Ewen welcomed the crowd and presented the Rotary Club Vocational Awards to Bree Skinner (Vocational Award) and Saxon Rutter (Junior Vocational Award).
Shire President Len Handasyde presented the Community Citizen of the Year Awards, which recognise individuals and organisations making a notable contribution or providing outstanding service to our community.
“There are many people who work tirelessly for our community and most without ever having any recognition at all,” Cr Handasyde said.
“I celebrate these people - they collectively do the lion’s share of the work in any community and without them we would be much poorer.”
Community Citizen of the Year was awarded to Sue Etherington for her decades of service through many non-profit organisations including the Hospital Board, Tourist Bureau, Emergency Services, School Board, Historical Society, Bendigo Bank Board, Plantagenet Village Homes and Rotary Club, in addition to being a Justice of the Peace and long-serving Shire Councillor.
More recently, Sue has tirelessly advocated for the elderly. During the COVID pandemic, she established a grocery delivery service and establish Empowering Plantagenet Seniors after recognising the need for a senior’s hub. Sue was a 2025 WA Senior of the Year Award finalist in the regional category representing the Great Southern.
Senior Citizen of the Year was awarded to Jane Forward for her commitment to wildlife care and community education. Jane has personally overseen the rescue and rehabilitation of hundreds of native animals, often responding to after-hours calls by herself.
She has pioneered training workshops and delivered talks to groups and school children to teach residents how to safely coexist with native fauna, secured vital funding, formed partnerships with likeminded groups and mentored volunteers, leaving a legacy of wildlife conservation and community connection.
Young Community Citizen of the Year was awarded to Ali Jafari for significantly improving the lives of refugees and contributed to a stronger, more inclusive Plantagenet community. By coordinating translation support, helping refugees attend medical and community appointments, and guiding them toward employment, Ali has empowered many to become independent and active community members.
Ali was central in establishing and registering the Mount Barker Hazara Community WA, creating a safe and supportive space where newcomers can connect, share experiences and access resources. Ali regularly collaborates with the Shire Council and the Department of Home Affairs’ multicultural division to represent refugee voices and advocate for fair access to services and opportunities.
The Active Citizenship Award (for community groups or events) was awarded to the Narrikup Sports and Community Group Inc for fostering strong community connections through inclusive events like the annual market and car boot sales, and weekly coffee club mornings.
The volunteer-driven group brings residents together, supports local businesses and funds community projects, creating lasting social ties and positive change within the Narrikup and wider Plantagenet region.
Chief Bushfire Control Officer Iain Mackie presented the Department of Fire and Emergency Services service medals.
5-year medallions were presented to:
Morgan Brown, Narpyn Brigade
Roun Schlottman, Porongurup Bushfire Brigade
10-year long service medals were awarded to:
Andrew Slade, Narpyn Bushfire Brigade
Paul Adams, Porongurup Bushfire Brigade
Andrew Adams, Porongurup Bushfire Brigade
15-year long service medals were awarded to:
Stephen Moir, Porongurup Bushfire Brigade
Robert Baines, Kendenup Bushfire Brigade
Kevin Bransby, Middle Ward Bushfire Brigade
Brenton Kelly, Porongurup Bushfire Brigade
15-year national service medals were awarded to:
Scott Drummond, Porongurup Bushfire Brigade
Scott Clements, Porongurup Bushfire Brigade
Shane Caudwell, Porongurup Bushfire Brigade
Brad Cluett, Porongurup Bushfire Brigade
Daniel Cobain, Porongurup Bushfire Brigade
Grant Cooper, Porongurup Bushfire Brigade
Brenton Kelly, Porongurup Bushfire Brigade
Stephen Moir, Porongurup Bushfire Brigade
Tony Henderson, Perillup Bushfire Brigade
Kevin Bransby, Middle Ward Bushfire Brigade
Robin Ditchburn, Perillup Bushfire Brigade
20-year long service clasps were awarded to:
Tony Henderson, Perillup Bushfire Brigade
Ray Williams, Porongurup Bushfire Brigade
25-year national clasps were awarded to:
Grant Cooper, Porongurup Bushfire Brigade
Daniel Cobain, Porongurup Bushfire Brigade
Brad Cluett, Porongurup Bushfire Brigade
Robin Ditchburn, Perillup Bushfire Brigade
A 35-year second clasp was awarded to:
Robert (John) Russell, Porongurup Bushfire Brigade.
Cr Handasyde conducted the citizenship ceremony and welcomed 12 new Australian citizens from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Vietnam, Canada, Italy, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The event concluded with a spirited rendition of the national anthem.
The Community Citizen of the Year Awards are proudly sponsored by the Department of Communities; supported by Channel 9, 6PR and WAToday; and delivered in partnership with Auspire – Australia Day Council WA.
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