Gosnells’ hometown heroes took centre stage at Centennial Pioneer Park during the Australia Day Big Breakfast last weekend as the 2025 Citizen of the Year winners were announced.
The annual awards celebrate and recognise the outstanding efforts of local people who have positively impacted our community.
Four awards were given out—the Senior Citizen of the Year Award, the Youth Citizen of the Year Award, the Active Citizenship Award for a group or event, and of course, the 2025 Citizen of the Year.
The 2025 Citizen of the Year Award was presented to local resident Rodney Glossop.
Through his dedicated volunteer work with Thornlie Homestead Parkrun and the Thornlie Junior Football Club, Mr Glossop is a passionate advocate for health and wellbeing and has fostered a strong sense of inclusivity while helping to break down social barriers, making a positive impact on the local community.
Allen Holloway was named the recipient of the Senior Citizen of the Year Award.
Mr Holloway has generously given his time and energy to various volunteer roles in the City of Gosnells, including serving as the former Chairman of the Gosnells Men’s Shed and volunteering as a bus driver for the Ronald McDonald House Charity.
The Youth Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Emily Dutton.
Miss Dutton is a young community leader who, by establishing and running her school’s opportunity shop, has helped local families access essential items at affordable prices.
She has also participated in the school’s Harmony Across Borders cultural group, promoting cultural diversity, and was a member of the City of Gosnells Young Change Makers for the past three years.
The Active Citizenship Award was presented to Sam’s Spares, a local not-for-profit organisation that refurbishes e-waste into usable electronic devices, which are then given to those in need free of charge.
Founded by Sam Thomas, who has Autism and Tourette’s, Mr Thomas also mentors other neurodivergent young people, providing training in IT and computer repair that leads to long-term employment opportunities.
City of Gosnells’ Mayor Terresa Lynes praised this year’s recipients and all nominees for their outstanding contributions to the local community.
“The Awards recognise local people who have had a positive impact on the community, whether it is through bringing about positive change or inspiring others,” Mayor Lynes said.
“Congratulations to the winners and all of the nominees for the difference you have made to our community and for helping to make the City of Gosnells a great place to live.”
