Shellene Remihana, Matilda Thompson, George Pitt and HARTZ Hedland Arts Council took the top honours at the Town of Port Hedland’s Community Citizenship Awards as 34 new Australians were welcomed into the fold.
The awards and citizenship ceremony were held at Wanangkura Stadium as part of the Town’s Australia Day celebrations on January 26.
Ms Remihana won the community citizen of the year award for providing key leadership at the Hedland Women’s Refuge which provides crisis accommodation to women and children escaping domestic violence and homelessness.
Ms Thompson won the young community citizen of the year award for her leadership work on the Hedland Youth Advisory Council, the Youth Week Photography Exhibition, and campaigns such as Hedland Says No To Family Violence.
Aboriginal elder Mr Pitt was honoured with the senior community citizen of the year award for his dedication to preserving and promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
The HARTZ Hedland Arts Council won the Julie Freeman MLC active citizenship award after hosting more than 40 open studio sessions for the community.
The hub now has 32 financial members.
Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel congratulated the winners for their dedication to Port Hedland and its community.
“These awards recognise individuals and organisations making a notable contribution or providing outstanding service to our community, and we celebrate all nominees and recipients as role models who inspire us with their achievements,” he said.
“Congratulations again to all our 2026 Community Citizen of the Year Awards nominees and winners. Your dedication reminds us that when we come together, we create a thriving, resilient and inclusive future for our diverse community.”
Town of Port Hedland Commissioners chair Jessica Shaw said the winners had helped make Hedland a more vibrant and connected community.
“I commend all the nominees and winners of awards this year for your dedication and leadership over the past 12 months,” she said.
Mr Michel, who first came to Australia in 1990, said it was always an honour to welcome and congratulate new Australian citizens.
“As a migrant myself who went through this same process many years ago to become a citizen, it makes me feel so happy to see the smiles on the faces of our new citizens, and thanks for choosing Port Hedland to live, work and make it your home,” he said.
“On this significant day, I want to highlight the stories that have shaped this nation. Many of our proudest chapters have been written by people just like you — who arrived filled with dreams and aspirations.
“From building our iconic landmarks to pioneering advancements that we cherish, it is often those who’ve journeyed from afar who have left unforgettable contributions to our society.
“Congratulations once again to all of you on this transformative milestone. I wish you all a journey in Australia filled with joy, prosperity, and fulfilment.”
ITOCHU young community citizen of the year finalists
- Regan Hulse
- Kenneth Mcnicol
- Erin Nelson
- Heidi Roil
- Felicity Stewart
- Matilda Thompson (W)
- Ezekiel Uiduldam
Senior community citizen of the year finalists
- George Pitt (W)
- Mavis Taylor
Julie Freeman MLC active citizenship award finalists
- HARTZ Hedland Arts Council (W)
- Hedland Tongan Brass Band
- Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation
Mineral Resources community citizen of the year finalists
- Shellene Remihana (W)
- Hannah Simpson
- Adrian Wells
- Catherine Widdup
https://thewest.com.au/news/north-west-telegraph/port-hedland-honours-community-citizens-of-the-year-at-australia-day-awards-ceremony-c-21436235
