Karratha’s local heroes and emerging role models were celebrated at the annual 2022 City of Karratha Australia Day Awards on January 26.
15 nominations were received across three award categories with winners announced at the community celebration hosted by the City of Karratha and supported by Rio Tinto, Pilbara Ports Authority and Woodside.
Robert Graham was named 2023 Citizen of the Year for his dedication to the wider Karratha community and his commitment to supporting grassroots sports.
Mr Graham was recently deployed with the DFES to assist during severe weather events in NSW and has logged more than 4,200 hours of volunteer service with the Karratha SES.
He is an active member of the Port Walcott and Dampier Surf Life Saving Club and has been coaching Auskick for four years.
City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long said the awards highlighted and celebrate the community spirit across all City of Karratha towns.
“I would like to personally congratulate and thank all our nominees and award winners. Your unwavering commitment to the community is inspiring and helps improve the liveability of our towns,” he said.
“These awards are an opportunity for us to shine a light on our unsung heroes in the community who sacrifice their own time to help others.”
2022 Australia Day Award winners:
Citizen of the Year – Robert Graham
Presented by Rio Tinto
Robert Graham has been an outstanding contributor to the Karratha community for more than a decade. Volunteering a minimum of 2 hours a week at the Surf Life Saving Club in Port Walcott and Dampier. Robert has also been coaching AusKick for four years and serving on the Karratha Primary School board for seven years.
Rob is always there to lend a hand in the community, recently being deployed with the DFES to assist during severe weather events in NSW. He has logged more than 4,200 hours of volunteer service with the Karratha SES, as well as being a leader and mentor for Emergency Services Cadets. With 13 years of service, he is a valued guide and mentor, providing future generations of volunteers with endless inspiration and motivation.
Active Citizenship Award – Brenton Johannsen
Presented by Woodside Energy North-West operated Shelf Project
Over the past three years, Brenton Johannsen has dedicated countless hours to helping his community. As part of his community outreach, he offers free lifts to those who are in need, holds free sports sessions for the community of Roebourne, and removes weeds from public areas.
As a well-known advocate of community well-being, Mr Johannsen runs an annual suicide prevention campaign from November to December. His generosity and willingness to volunteer his time and services to the community goes a long way in supporting those in our community who are struggling.
Young Citizen of the Year –Emer O’Brien
Presented by Pilbara Ports Authority
As a Youth Ambassador, Emer sets the gold standard, volunteering at Dampier Primary School after high school finishes in term 4. Assisting teachers with administrative tasks to wrap up the school year and prepare for the upcoming one.
Emer has also volunteered for the Dampier Community Association (DCA) for the past 5 years as well as serving for her 3rd consecutive year on the City of Karratha Youth Advisory Group (YAG).
Emer has recently been elected to St. Luke`s Executive leadership group as the Cultural Captain for 2023. She is establishing a soft plastic recycling program at school, hoping to raise awareness across the school community of the environmental need for change.