Premier's Australia Day Active Citizenship Award nominees and winners.

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Australia Day is one for celebrating our great nation but also for recognising the hard work and dedication of local residents and community groups.

The Australia Day Active Citizenship Awards were announced at a ceremony at yesterday’s Australia Day events in Geraldton and Mullewa hosted by the City of Greater Geraldton.

Local volunteer Maureen Campbell took out Geraldton’s Premier's Australia Day Active Citizenship Award and said she couldn’t be happier.

“I wanted to win this award before I turned 80 and I’m 78 so I’m over the moon that I was awarded such a high accolade,” she said.

“I love volunteering. I have no immediate family here and I live alone so I love going out for the fun and the company.”

Maureen is a much valued volunteer of multiple local organisations including Nazareth House, Neighbourhood Watch, Royal Flying Doctor Service, PCYC Geraldton and Centacare.

She is also part of the Cruise Ship welcome team and regularly assists in the kitchen at Theatre 8 functions.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, praised all the winners and nominees of the Australia Day award.

“All the people and groups that were nominated in the Australia Day awards have a heavy involvement in our community and I am proud to congratulate them for being recognised for their efforts,” he said.

“Active citizens make an enormous contribution to the social fabric and health of our community, that’s why the awards are so important, so we can recognise the tremendous efforts of our residents.”

See below for the full list of winners.

Geraldton

Premier's Australia Day Active Citizenship Award - Maureen Campbell

Premier's Australia Day Active Citizenship Award for group or event - Geraldton Hospital Auxiliary and Rangeway Utakarra Karloo Progress Association (RUKPA)

Premier's Australia Day Active Citizenship Award for under 26 year olds - Emma Howell

City of Greater Geraldton Young Achiever of the Year - Jodie Skennar