Published on Wednesday, 26 January 2022 at 12:36:03 PM
A number of outstanding Hedland locals and community organisations were recognised this morning at the 2022 Community Citizen of the Year Awards.
Mayor Peter T Carter commended this year’s nominees for exemplifying citizenship and contributing to the backbone of the Hedland community.
“I would like to congratulate everyone who was nominated for all your hard work in making our town a better place to call home.
“Australia Day is our time to reflect on the diversity of our community and thank those who selflessly give of their time.
“These awards are one of my favourite events on the Calendar, as we get to shine a spotlight on the volunteer efforts that may go under the radar.”
Please see a list of the winners and details below:
Citizen of the Year – Rachel Mullins:
In addition to being a full-time primary school teacher, Rachel volunteers her time at SAFE Hedland as the cat coordinator. Not only saving and rehoming cats and kittens, Rachel also works hard collecting and saving all animals from properties and liaises with potential foster carers to keep the animals safe until they find their forever home. She collects animals that have been surrendered at the vets and pound to give them a second chance of life.
Rachel is also a strong advocate for SAFE Hedland. When times are tough, Rachel stays positive and ramps up the fundraising efforts to ensure SAFE Hedland can continue to operate.
Young Citizen of the Year – Kohbi Barrow:
At the age of 12, Kohbi’s focus is kindness. Kohbi wants to put a stop to bullying and is committed to inclusion and making the world a better place. Kohbi has initiated and managed his own Pilbara based Coffee Lid Project and subsequent events to raise awareness and money for Dolly’s Dream, who aim to reduce bullying and prevent youth suicide.
Kohbi’s first event raised more than $1000 and he was the only WA student to win a $1500 grant to expand his Coffee Lid Project.
In addition, Kohbi is very active in the community by:
• Speaking at RUOK? presentations at mine sites for the past three years
• Raising money for Cancer Support Group
• Leading and supervising the Operation School Stationary Share
• Participating in the Commissioner for Children Change Champion 2021 Initiative
…just to name a few!
Kobhi also has a long list of achievements he has been recognised for, including:
• Finalist for Regional Achievement – Young Achievers Awards
• Finalists in the 2021 Fred Hollows Kindest Year Six student
• Youth Week Youth Involvement Council Leader of the Year for under 17 in Hedland
Active Citizenship – HATch - Hedland Amateur Theatre:
HATch Theatre Company is just over one year old but since its inception, has been making waves in the Hedland community. HATch aims to provide a meaningful, challenging and safe springboard into confidence, identify and accomplishment through theatre and performance.
HATch invites all ages and walks of life to participate in theatre, song and dance. HATch also provides performance opportunities for their students at community events which ‘bring joy’, just as their motto states.
Pictured below: Citizen of the Year Rachel Mullins and Founder and Artistic Director of HATch, Elise Batchelor, hold their certificates alongside Mayor Peter T Carter. Please note that Young Citizen of the Year, Kohbi Barrow, was not in attendance at this event.
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