Published on Tuesday, 28 January 2025 at 11:47:34 AM
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Congratulations to the Town of Cottesloe 2025 Citizen of the Year Award winners, announced on Sunday, 26 January at a Citizenship Ceremony and Citizen of the Year Awards event held at the Town of Cottesloe.
The Town of Cottesloe Citizen of the Year award was presented to John Robertson, in recognition of his significant contribution to the Cottesloe and wider community through Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club. John has been a member of Cottesloe Surf Live Saving Club since he joined at the age of 14 in 1950. He gained his bronze medallion two years later, and has been an active member of the Club since that time. As well as many years spent patrolling the beach, John has been the Club’s Secretary and Administrator, and has coached, trained and mentored young members of the Club. John also spent many years competing for the Club, was a member of State teams at the Surf Life Saving National Titles and competed at the Surf Life Saving World Titles. In addition, John has been an active fundraiser and his contribution to the Club and community saw him awarded Life Membership in 1998.
The Town of Cottesloe Senior Community Citizen of the Year award was presented to Don Howe, in recognition of his significant contribution to the Cottesloe and wider community through his establishment of the ‘Secret Garden’ on Little Marine Parade. Don started the ‘Secret Garden’ 55 years ago, growing trees from seed which now form a hidden canopy that children play under. The garden is visited by children, parents and grandparents from all over Perth. Don spends many hours in the garden raking leaves, repairing toys and ornaments, and chatting to visitors. Over the years, over $1,000 per annum has been donated to Telethon through the donation box located in the garden. Don was also President of Cottesloe Rotary Club and Freshwater Bay Rotary Club. During his time on Rotary, Don spent a lot of time in the community organising events, fundraising and working on projects. He is also a member of the WA Naturalists’ Club and Mosman Park Probus Club, and offered his time as a volunteer guide for Rottnest Island and Kings Park for many years.
The Town of Cottesloe Award for Active Citizenship (group or event) was awarded to Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club for their ongoing service to the Cottesloe and wider community. Founded in 1909, Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club has been patrolling Cottesloe Main Beach for many summers. The Club currently has 180 active members, who completed over 5570 patrol hours in the 2023/2024 season. During this season, patrol members performed three rescues and performed first aid 119 times. The Club runs many programs for all ages, starting with Nippers and progressing to Youth and Junior programs, as well as many opportunities for members to gain qualifications each season.
The Town of Cottesloe congratulates our 2025 Community Citizen of the Year Award winners and thanks them for their continued contribution to the community.
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