Paul Sleeman named Youth Citizen of the Year after saving dad’s life and raising $32k for Royal Flying Doctors

Paul ‘Pablo’ Sleeman, who saved his father’s life following an horrendous tractor accident, has been named the Shire of Denmark’s Youth Citizen of the Year.

The 13-year-old, known by all as Pablo, called 000 and alerted his mother when his father, Dr Alex Sleeman, was critically injured after his tractor rolled in September last year, pinning him underneath.

The popular Denmark GP suffered serious spinal injuries, but his son’s quick actions helped get him to Denmark Hospital within the hour and then, via the Royal Flying Doctor Service, to Perth.

Since the accident, with his father learning to walk again, Pablo has raised more than $32,000 for the RFDS, which has also included a family fitness challenge.

Deputy shire president Jan Lewis said he had also helped rescue swimmers from local beaches.

“He has shown exceptional bravery and compassion, leadership and dedication to community safety, making him an inspiring role model,” she said.

Shaun Ossinger, a dedicated environmentalist, sports coach and mentor, was named the shire’s Community Citizen of the Year.

Cr Lewis said his leadership of the Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee was testament to his dedication to environmental matters.

“Shaun’s unwavering commitment to our environment and community has left a profound and lasting impact on the shire,” she said.

As well as being an environmental champion, Mr Ossinger is also a basketball coach, a student mentor and drives a sailing safety boat.

The Senior Citizen of the Year was Lesley Murphy, recognised for her tireless volunteer work with St John WA, the St Ayles Skiffs and the Bowling and Recreation Club.

“Her dedication, leadership and quiet acts of kindness make her an inspiration and deeply deserving community champion,” Cr Lewis said.

Capt. Darin Hockey accepted the Group Citizen of the Year award, representing the Denmark Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service.

A shire statement said the group was recognised for “over 60 years of courage, leadership, and community spirit, in responding to emergencies, educating the public, and mentoring future volunteers”.

In the sport presentations, Anthony McEwan earned the senior award having been recognised for his contribution to Denmark’s surf lifesaving club.

Mountain biker Jy Drummond, 15, won the junior award while the Service to Sport award went to Bradley Woodruff for his commitment to supporting young athletes across multiple sports.

The awards were announced at a volunteer appreciation sundowner at the town’s Resource Centre Gallery on Saturday.

The theme of the evening was National Volunteer Week’s Connecting Communities.