Published on Tuesday, 27 January 2026 at 4:00:00 PM
Shire of Mundaring proudly welcomed new Australian citizens and celebrated outstanding local volunteers at its annual Citizenship and Community Awards Ceremony, held at Boya Community Centre on Australia Day, Monday 26 January.
Thirty new Australians from 12 countries were officially welcomed into the community, alongside the recognition of four residents whose dedication and service have made a lasting impact across the Shire. Citizen Awards were presented across three categories, acknowledging contributions that strengthen community connection, inclusion and sustainability.
The 2026 Citizen Award recipients are:
- Inspirational Volunteer: Joan Quinn
- Inspirational Volunteer: Marjorie Moyle
- Young Citizen of the Year: William Pether
- Long Service: Jane Brook Catchment Group
Shire President Paige McNeil said the ceremony provides a meaningful opportunity to both welcome new citizens and acknowledge those who give their time and energy to supporting others.
“Australia Day provides an opportunity to reflect on what brings us together as a community,” President McNeil said.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have passionate volunteers and community leaders who go above and beyond to make Shire of Mundaring such a connected, inclusive and caring place to live.”
“I congratulate Joan Quinn, Marjorie Moyle, Will Pether and Jane Brook Catchment Group and on their well-deserved recognition. Their generosity, leadership and commitment truly reflect the spirit of our community.”
Inspirational Volunteer – Joan Quinn
For more than a decade, Joan Quinn has helped shape Mount Helena into the connected and community-driven place it is today. As President of the Mount Helena Residents and Ratepayers Progress Association, Joan has encouraged people of all ages to get involved, share ideas and take pride in their town.
Joan stepped into leadership at a time when the Association needed new direction. She brought energy, warmth and a strong focus on working together. Under her guidance, the group has become a trusted voice for the community and a champion for local projects.
Her support for young people has been especially important. Joan led community efforts to upgrade the Mount Helena Skate Park, delivering new facilities that young people now enjoy every day.
She has also been a strong advocate for local sport. Her work has helped secure improvements at Elsie Austin Oval, including new accessible changerooms. These upgrades support All Abilities players, girls’ and juniors’ teams, and the broader Mount Helena community.
Joan’s passion for local heritage has helped reconnect residents with places that matter. Her work to restore the WWI Lion Mill Roll of Honour, revive the ANZAC Day Service and support the Mount Helena Swim Club has strengthened our shared story.
Inspirational Volunteer – Marjorie Moyle
For more than forty years, Marjorie Moyle has been a much-loved and dependable presence in the Mundaring and Eastern Hills community.
Marjorie has devoted decades to the Country Women’s Association, serving as Treasurer of the Mundaring branch for 40 years and remaining an active member for 49 years.
She has guided and supported generations of young athletes. Her roles in Little Athletics include club manager, coach and Life Member of the Eastern Hills Little Athletics Centre. Marjorie also helped re-establish the Mundaring Little Athletics Club and coached across several local clubs for many years.
Her service extends beyond sport. In 2024, Marjorie received two Hasluck Volunteer of the Year Awards. She has also supported the Firefighters School in Stoneville by preparing lunches for volunteers since 2015.
Marjorie’s lifelong commitment reflects the heart of our community. She has lifted and supported countless families across the Shire of Mundaring.
Young Citizen of the Year – William (Will) Pether
Will Pether has been a proud part of the Stoneville Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade since he was 15. He qualified as a Firefighter a year later and has been showing up for his community ever since.
Will gives his time generously. He has completed all required training, built strong skills and is always ready to lend a hand, no matter the task. Brigade members describe him as respectful, reliable and a great person to work with.
He represents the best of the brigade’s young volunteers. His commitment shows how much young people contribute to the Shire of Mundaring, and how their energy and leadership strengthen our community.
Long Service – Jane Brook Catchment Group
The Jane Brook Catchment Group has been caring for the local environment for more than 25 years. Their work protects the natural beauty of the Jane Brook Catchment and helps make the Shire of Mundaring a healthier, more sustainable place for everyone.
The group began in 1989 as the Bugle Tree Creek–Jane Brook Protection Society and became the Jane Brook Catchment Group in 1998. Since then, volunteers have restored bushland, improved habitat and shared their knowledge across the community.
Members apply for and manage grants, lead restoration projects and support the Railway Heritage Trail and nearby wildlife corridors. They run displays, lead bushwalks and work together with other environmental groups to build local understanding and stewardship.
Most members are part of Shire Friends Groups, but the organisation remains proudly independent. This allows the group to speak up on local environmental issues and advocate for long-term protection of natural areas.
Their dedication helps protect the landscapes that make the Shire of Mundaring such a special place to live.
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