Published on Sunday, 26 January 2025 at 1:49:25 PM
Shire of Mundaring recognised its outstanding community heroes and officially welcomed its new Australian citizens at the Citizenship and Awards ceremony held at Boya Community Centre on Australia Day, Sunday 26 January.
The Shire officially welcomed 33 new Australians from 11 countries and acknowledged four outstanding locals for their contribution to the community with the presentation of Citizen Awards across four categories.
The 2025 Citizen Awards award winners are:
- Access Mundaring: Bruce Watkins
- Inspirational Volunteer: Darren Rullo
- Long Service: Max Hore
- Young Citizen of the Year: Amariah Stenton
Along with welcoming our newest Australian citizens, Shire President Paige McNeil said the volunteer work of the 2025 award winners is highly valued and inspirational.
“Australia Day is an exciting time of year and an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary efforts of our community members,” she said.
“Shire of Mundaring is incredibly fortunate to have such passionate and dedicated people contributing to our strong, connected and supportive community.
I’m proud to announce the winners of this year’s Citizen Awards are Bruce Watkins, Darren Rullo, Max Hore and Amariah Stenton. Their generosity and commitment to enhance our community is a true reflection of the spirt of these awards.”
Access Mundaring - Bruce Watkins
Bruce Watkins, founder and Board member of Parkerville Community Care (Parky Care), has dedicated decades to supporting community resilience and charitable initiatives. Driven by compassion, he has worked tirelessly to help local individuals and families thrive.
Bruce played a pivotal role in securing incorporation status for Parky Care, enabling access to grants and donations. His efforts have supported key programs like ‘The Village’ creche service, the Community Pantry, and parenting courses. He also worked on fire recovery projects following the 2021 Wooroloo-Gidgegannup fire and the 2014 Parkerville-Stoneville bushfire, coordinating volunteers and aiding affected properties.
A leader in the Parkerville Baptist Church and a modest team player, Bruce’s consistent leadership has been vital to these achievements.
Inspirational Volunteer - Darren Rullo
Darren Rullo has been a dedicated volunteer and leader in the Swan View Football Club for many years. Starting as a junior player himself and with both of his young sons now playing in the juniors, Darren is serving his second term as club president.
Under Darren’s guidance, the club has achieved remarkable milestones. He was instrumental in securing talented local coaches for the senior team, leading to a grand final win in the Hills Football Association for 2024. Darren also played a key role in establishing a Year 11/12 team, which also triumphed in its grand final. His efforts contributed to the Club being recognised as the WA Football Commission Metro Central Junior Club of the Year.
Darren’s contributions go beyond the football field; as a construction business owner, he often takes on the physical work of improving club facilities. His dedication and enthusiasm have been vital to the club’s success, enriching the community and fostering a love of sport.
Long Service - Max Hore
Max Hore has been a dedicated resident for 38 years, contributing tirelessly to his local community. A founding member of the Hovea Residents and Ratepayers Association in 1989, Max has served as secretary since 2006, leading projects like the Victoria Road playground construction, Landcare working bees, and the 2022 playground upgrade.
Max’s commitment extends beyond Hovea, including volunteering with the Jane Brook Catchment Group, supporting the Glen Forrest Primary School fetes, and helping relocate the Mundaring Community Men’s Shed in 2017. He has also assisted the Mundaring Historical Society and continues to organise events and fundraising efforts through the Men’s Shed and Perth Hash House Harriers.
Max’s dedication to enhancing local landscapes and community life makes him a deserving recipient of this year’s Long Service Award. His enduring contributions have made a lasting impact on the Shire and its residents.
Young Citizen of the Year - Amariah Stenton
Amariah Stenton, a Year 12 student at Eastern Hills Senior High School this year, is a dedicated young leader, active community member and inspiring mentor to other young people. As a student councillor for four years and now part of the Year 12 Student Executive, Amariah has helped organise fundraising events, Anzac ceremonies, sports carnivals, and breakfast clubs, inspiring her peers through her dedication and leadership.
A talented musician, Amariah has played the clarinet since Year 5, performing at festivals and concerts, including a recent tour to Sydney, where her school band earned a silver medal at the Sydney Opera House. Amariah’s love for theatre has seen her perform in school productions and mentor younger students through the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy.
As a fourth-generation member of the Country Women’s Association Forrest Darlings branch, Amariah has helped raise thousands of dollars for causes like the Cancer Council and contributed to community events like the Darlington Arts Festival and Shire of Mundaring’s centenary celebration.
Photographed left to right: Cr Jo Cicchini, Darren Rullo, Amariah Stenton, Jenny Johnston (accepting the Long Service Award on behalf of partner Max Hore, Bruce Watkins, Shire President Paige McNeil and Cr Neridah Zlatnik
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