The Community Citizen of the Year Awards recognise those in our community who are doing extraordinary work, making our Shire a better place to live.
This year, the Shire of Irwin received seven nominations across four categories and were proud to present the Citizen of the Year Awards to the following individuals and groups:
Community Citizen of the Year (Overall) – Kirsty Wilson
Senior Citizen of the Year – Frances McAllen
Young Citizen of the Year – Mieke Polam-Short
Active Citizenship Award (Group) – Roadside Rubbish Relics
The Shire of Irwin Australia Day Citizen of the Year Awards were proudly assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council.
Nominations and recipient of the Senior Community Citizen of the Year
Janette Jones
Janette has made an outstanding contribution to the Dongara community through her long-standing dedication to the Dongara Public Library.
She devotes countless hours of her own time creating elaborate and engaging displays for holidays, Book Week, and community events, bringing colour, creativity, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere to the library. Her Book Week preparations begin months in advance, as she plans vibrant displays and activities that bring stories to life and ensure every child enjoys their experience at the library.
Janette’s artistic flair and enthusiasm shine through in every project she undertakes, transforming the library into an inspiring space for visitors of all ages. Beyond the visual presentation, her commitment encourages literacy, strengthens community connection, and reflects quiet leadership through action, making the Dongara Public Library a place where people feel welcomed, inspired, and engaged.
We thank you, Janette, for your commitment, passion, and the positive impact you continue to make within the Shire of Irwin community.
Frances McAllen
Fran has dedicated over 22 years of service to the Dongara-Denison Fire and Rescue and Bushfire Brigades, making a lasting contribution to the safety and wellbeing of our community.
Throughout her service, she has taken on key roles, including secretary and treasurer, providing consistent logistical and administrative support to the brigades, often at all hours and always with dedication and care. For five years, Fran also delivered Bushfire Ready community education, working closely with rural residents to improve fire preparedness and resilience.
At a regional level, Fran has represented local brigades as the VFRS (Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service) Association Northern Zone Representative for ten years and continues to support members as a DFES Midwest Peer Support Officer following critical incidents.
Through her long-term commitment, quiet leadership, and willingness to extend her skills, Fran has played a vital role in strengthening emergency services across our region.
Thank you, Fran, for your dedication and service to the Shire of Irwin community.
Nominations and recipient of the Young Community Citizen of the Year
Mieke Polman-Short
Mieke has served as Secretary of the Dongara Netball Club for the past two years, demonstrating exceptional dedication and professionalism in this demanding role.
Alongside her administrative responsibilities, Mieke coaches the B Grade team, sharing her extensive knowledge of the game and helping players build skills, confidence, and teamwork. She is widely respected for her calm, patient, and approachable manner, which contributes to a positive and supportive club culture.
Mieke is also deeply committed to the development of umpires within the club. She has hosted umpiring workshops locally and regularly travels to Geraldton to support young umpires in achieving their C Badge accreditation.
Through her leadership, commitment, and passion for netball, Mieke has made a significant contribution to the growth of the sport and to the Dongara community.
Thank you, Mieke, for your dedication and outstanding service.
Skylah Wilson
Skylah is an outstanding role model for young people in our community, consistently demonstrating leadership, confidence, and a strong commitment to others.
She has been actively involved in both sporting and cultural activities and is a long-time team leader of the award-winning Yohfest Dance Team. Skylah has also served as House Captain for several years and is widely respected by fellow students and younger peers, who look to her for guidance and support.
Beyond school, Skylah has volunteered her time as a dance assistant and has supported numerous community and fund-raising events, including drive-in canteen shifts, raffle tables, kids’ activities, and local art projects and workshops.
Most notably, Skylah planned and delivered the 2025 Year 11 & 12 Dongara Youth Ball, which was an outstanding success and a memorable night for all who attended.
Through her leadership, generosity, and dedication, Skylah has made a positive and lasting impact on the youth of our Dongara community.
Thank you, Skylah, for your incredible contribution and inspiring example.
Nominations and recipient of the Active Citizenship Award for Community Group or Event
Roadside Rubbish Relics
Roadside Rubbish Relics are a dedicated group of local volunteers who give up their weekends to keep our community clean by collecting roadside litter. Over the past 14 months, this trio of retirees has collected between eight and ten tonnes of rubbish—including more than 13,000 drink containers—along local roads and the Brand Highway, helping to noticeably reduce litter and protect our environment.
Their efforts were recently recognised at the 2025 WA Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Awards, where they were named WA State Winners in the Litter Action category, acknowledging their outstanding work in improving the town’s presentation and reducing waste.
Their commitment not only enhances the appearance of our area but also inspires civic pride and environmental awareness across our community.
Nominations and recipient of the Community Citizen of the Year
Kellie Wilson
Kellie has played a significant leadership role across many not-for-profit organisations within the Shire of Irwin in recent years, holding executive positions and dedicating countless hours to delivering activities and events that support the whole community.
Her contributions have spanned children’s services, discos, talent shows, craft workshops, fundraising events, environmental clean-ups, river rehabilitation programs, skate park development, and placemaking projects involving community art and workshops.
Over many years, Kellie has actively supported diverse community groups, often taking on demanding executive roles. She has been a strong leader and mentor for children and young people, bringing people together through inclusive events, programs, and workshops.
Today, Kellie continues this commitment by running her own shop, providing a safe, welcoming space for young people, sponsoring children in local sporting clubs, and supporting individuals and families in times of need. Her generosity, care, and welcoming nature reflect the spirit of community, faith, and humanity she brings to both locals and visitors.
Thank you, Kellie!
Kirsty Wilson
Kirsty is an active and highly valued member of the Shire of Irwin community, generously giving her time to support a wide range of local organisations.
She volunteers with St John Ambulance, assists the Dongara Netball Club, supports Girl Guides, and contributes to the DDHS Yoh Fest dance—demonstrating a strong community spirit and a willingness to help wherever she is needed, even beyond personal commitments.
Throughout the season, Kirsty devoted countless hours to the Dongara Netball Club, contributing to menu planning, cooking, baking, and coordinating successful fundraising events for the club’s 2025 season. As D Grade Team Manager, she consistently went above and beyond her role, always bringing a positive attitude and a readiness to lend a hand.
Kirsty demonstrates outstanding leadership through her initiative, reliability, and service to others. Her positivity and dedication inspire those around her and make a lasting difference to our community.
Thank you, Kirsty, for your commitment and contribution to our community.
Congratulations to all nominees and award recipients this year. The Shire acknowledges the huge contribution that each of you makes and are truly thankful to have you in our community.
