Australia Day 2024 - celebration of new citizens and local hero's

Last modified on 05 February 2024

100 people from all over the globe were officially welcomed as Australian Citizens at the Willoughby City Council Australia Day ceremony.  Local community members were also recognised for their hard work, dedication and achievements to the community.

The proceedings commenced with an Acknowledgement of the Traditional Owners by Walangari, Les and Turtle, from the Dimaru Aboriginal Dance and Didgeridoo Group, and members of the Willoughby Community.

Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor congratulated new Australians on their Citizenship.

“By committing yourself to Australia today, you have chosen to embrace our nation and its values. Like so many millions of people throughout our history, you have decided to take on the rights – and responsibilities – of Australian citizenship.”

Mayor Taylor also expressed Council’s commitment to fostering reconciliation with First Nations People, and building greater understanding and respect among all people, through the development of Council’s first Reconciliation Action Plan.

“We value our culturally diverse community and are focused on working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to celebrate and understand more about Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultures, honour local First Nations heritage and make a culturally safe space for First Nations people.

“This day holds a great deal of pain and suffering for Indigenous Australians, as their communities were decimated by violence, disease, and forced removal from their traditional lands. “We highly value the natural environment that envelops Willoughby, the connected and caring nature of our community and the culture of the area that has evolved over the many years. We recognise the original owners and their custodianship of these lands.

“So, on this Australia Day, let’s make a commitment to work together on the relationships with our Aboriginal sisters and brothers – let’s work with patience, wisdom and respect to strengthen those bridges – to build an understanding of the values, places, resources, stories and spiritual connections associated within our area and its natural features for the Gamaragal – let’s all strengthen our understanding and connection to the culture of our first nations people and our commitment to reconciliation,” Mayor Taylor said.

The 2024 Willoughby Cultural and Community Building Award was presented to Glenda Hewitt.  This award recognises the efforts of an individual or group who has developed and fostered cultural and community connections within Willoughby. 

Glenda is the non-executive director of The Housing Connection in Chatswood, providing support to adults with intellectual and other disabilities in helping them to live valued and rewarding lives in the community. Glenda also volunteers her Thursday nights as a Justice of the Peace at the Artarmon library.

Glenda is also the Secretary of the Artarmon Parklands Community Garden and a very active contributor, and on the executive committee of the Artarmon Progress Association (APA) where she has held various roles.

The Willoughby 2024 Environmental Citizen of the Year Award recipient is Dr Bibiana Chan. Bibiana is the president and founder of the Community Flower Studio (CFS), a youth-focused charity. Bibiana was inspired to create CFS due to her own experiences of mental health and clinical depression. Her drive to pursue a PhD exploring help-seeking pathway of Chinese-Australians was from her first-hand experience of navigating Australia’s health system. Through CFS, she has helped many young people in Willoughby that have been dealing with mental health and depression. CFS is a charity partner with the Return & Earn Scheme under the ‘health’ category. Funds raised through the scheme has provided free 'Wellbeing Bouquets' to customers at CFS’ Monthly Pop-up Stalls and other occasions. The goal is to spread kindness with flowers with the funds from ‘Saving the Planet’.

The 2024 Willoughby Senior Citizen of the Year Award recipient is Pam Clifford.

Pam is a pillar of the Northbridge community, with a lifelong dedication to preserving its history and fostering its growth. As the author of 'Northbridge, Building a New Suburb', she has delved deep into the roots of the area, instigating the creation of the Northbridge Public School Archives, which she has diligently curated for 25 years. These archives served as the foundation for the Museum showcased during the schools’ recent Centenary celebrations. Pam has served as the treasurer of the Northbridge Progress Association for 15 years and contributed historical narratives to its publication, 'The 202', for three decades. Her involvement in organising significant milestones, such as the 90th anniversary of the Northbridge Progress Association and the 75th anniversary of Northbridge School, underscores her dedication to community engagement. Pam's efforts extend beyond these endeavours; she orchestrates annual gatherings for former students at the NPA and played a pivotal role in commemorating the Centenary of the Naming of Northbridge. Her selfless dedication also extends to service organisations like Probus and Rotary, where she volunteers her time. 

This year we had two recipients awarded the 2024 Willoughby Citizen of the Year.

The first recipient Grant Berthold, a long term volunteer in the community, generously contributing his time to initiatives such as Parkrun and SES. Grant actively seeks opportunities to bring the community together, and facilitates inclusiveness by encouraging participants of all abilities. Grant is also a big supporter of local students who are undertaking their Duke of Edinburgh award in volunteering.

The second Citizen of the Year Award is presented to John Jung Eun Noh.

John’s initial involvement with the MOSAIC men’s Group was as a student, aiming to improve his English skills in 2007. It was during this time that he became part of the Men's Group. John has held the vital role of Group Coordinator since 2013, guiding the Men's Group on a journey of growth, friendship, and cultural exchange. In acknowledgment of his exceptional leadership and volunteer contributions to the Men's Group, John received a NSW Local Achievements Award by the NSW Premier in 2018.

The awards were presented at Willoughby Council’s Australia Day celebrations at The Concourse, Chatswood, which included a citizenship ceremony and address and performance by Australia Day Ambassadors The StarAbility Dance Group.