Published on Tuesday, 27 January 2026 at 9:07:25 AM
Port Hedland’s outstanding citizens have been acknowledged at the 2026 Community Citizen of the Year Awards.
Shellene Remihana, Matilda Thompson, George Pitt and HARTZ Hedland Arts Council took the top honours at the Australia Day celebration.
Chair of Commissioners Jessica Shaw said the awards were recognition for the nominees and winners who helped make Hedland a more vibrant and connected community.
Shellene Remihana won the Community Citizen of the Year award for her commitment to safety, empowerment and wellbeing of women and children during her time as a key leader at the Hedland Women’s Refuge.
Her leadership extends to community education through initiatives like 16 Days in WA and White Ribbon events - mobilising schools, businesses and volunteers to stand united against family violence.
Matilda Thompson won the Young Community Citizen of the Year award for her work championing youth voices through the Youth Advisory Council and school programs.
She has led initiatives including local leadership camps, the Youth Week Photography Exhibition and campaigns such as Hedland Says No to Family Violence.
The Senior Community Citizen of the Year award was won by Uncle George Pitt, a deeply respected Elder who has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal culture.
The HARTZ Hedland Arts Council won the Active Citizenship Award. The vibrant hub now has 32 financial members and hosted over 40 open studio sessions for community connection and artistic expression.
“I commend all the nominees and winners of awards this year for your dedication and leadership over the past 12 months,” Commissioner Shaw said.
“I would also like to thank sponsors Mineral Resources, Itochu and Julie Freeman MLC for their support of these awards.”
The awards were held at an Australia Day ceremony at Wanangkura Stadium, which also included a citizenship ceremony.
ITOCHU Young Community Citizen of the Year
Regan Hulse
Kenneth Mcnicol
Erin Nelson
Heidi Roil
Felicity Stewart
Matilda Thompson (W)
Ezekiel Uiduldam
Senior Community Citizen of the Year
George Pitt (W)
Mavis Taylor
Julie Freeman MLC Active Citizenship Award
HARTZ Hedland Arts Council (W)
Hedland Tongan Brass Band
Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation
Mineral Resources Community Citizen of the Year
Shellene Remihana (W)
Hannah Simpson
Adrian Wells
Catherine Widdup
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Pictured L-R: Erin Nelson – HARTZ (Julie Freeman MLC Active Citizenship Award), Silke Becker – HARTZ (Julie Freeman MLC Active Citizenship Award), Richard Brooks – HARTZ (Julie Freeman MLC Active Citizenship Award), Uncle George Pitt (Senior Community Citizen of the Year Award), Shellene Remihana (Community Citizen of the Year Award) and Matilda Thompson – Young Community Citizen of the Year Award (pictured is mum, Amy Shinnick, collecting on Matilda's behalf)
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