Albany’s dedicated and inspiring locals recognised at 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards at Binalup Festival

From quiet volunteers to community leaders, the amazing people who help shape the Albany community were recognised on Monday at the annual citizen of the year awards.

The City of Albany’s Australia Day citizenship ceremony and community citizen of the year awards were held as part of the Binalup-Middleton Beach Festival.

Event emcee Jason Jordan said there were 28 people nominated across all award categories this year for their dedication and contributions to the local community.

“Nominees were judged on the following; their contribution to the community, their demonstration of leadership, their inspiring qualities as a role model for the community, the time they’ve dedicated to the community, the value of work that they’ve done and other special circumstances,” he said.

Carol Petterson received the prestigious Annette Knight Community Leadership Medal for her tireless leadership, having supported and empowered Aboriginal communities since 1975.

The honour highlighted her work for women in areas such as policy, development, education, justice and employment, as well as her role in the Equal Opportunity Act in 1984.

Other nominees for the showpiece award were Asha Bhat and Fiona Remaj.

Guiseppe (Joe) Lembo was named Albany’s citizen of the year for his generous donations, event contributions and his positive impact on the Albany Community Hospice, the Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Around the Houses Albany Classic.

Mr Lembo is known for opening his former business, Motel Le Grande, at no cost to service organisations and providing mentorship to young people beginning their careers in hospitality.

Brian and Carol Appleby, Sarah Carroll, Lesley Forrester, Steve Marshall, Mervyn Pegler and Helen Ralph were also all nominated for the citizen of the year award.

The Community Bank All Abilities Ball won the the active citizenship group or event award.

The organisers of the event, Carol and Brian Appleby, were recognised for their commitment to ensuring people of all abilities and financial circumstances can take part in fun events by creating an inclusive ball that brings the community together in celebration.

Other nominees in the category included Art South WA, Free Community Christmas Luncheon, Keep Albany Beautiful, Great Southern All Ability Festival, Great Southern FM and Veterans Assist.

Peter Findlay was recognised as youth citizen of the year for his commitment to volunteering — something he started doing at the age of nine.

Mr Findlay has taken on multiple roles with the Albany City Wind Ensemble, About FACE Youth Choir, About FACE Kids Camp, and led Scripture Union Youth Camps as well as supporting young dancers at the Albany Ballroom Dance Studio.

Joshua Boocock, Joey Dijkstra, Charlie Hill and Hazel Young were other locals nominated for the youth award.

Dorothy Field was named senior citizen of the year for her two decades of dedicated service across the areas of sports, arts, community welfare groups and for her volunteer support at Albany Community Hospice and at St Vincent de Paul.

Other nominees within this category were Brian Appleby, Roslyn McKinven, Steve Marshall, Michael Tugwell and Joan Ward.

As part of the Australia Day ceremony, 25 people received Australian citizenship.

Albany mayor Greg Stocks said it is important to recognise and thank these members of the community.

“Australia still provides the opportunity for everybody to achieve their full potential,” he said.

“These recipients reflect the very best of Albany — people who lead with compassion, give their time freely and work tirelessly to make our community stronger, more inclusive and more connected.”