Arts doyenne Rosslyn de Souza has been named 2025 Community Citizen of the Year, for her contribution to Fremantle's artistic scene over many years.
With a passion for promoting local artists, Ros has created platforms that offer exposure and sale opportunities, particularly through the Street Gallery Fremantle Project.
Over the past three years, Street Gallery has transformed vacant windows in Fremantle's CBD into dynamic displays of art. The project has not only supported local artists but also helped foster a sense of pride in the community.
She has also led the Outside the Box Gallery in Woodsons Arcade, for young creatives and managed ArtWalk Freo a biannual event that attracts thousands of visitors.
"I've never won anything. I'm more of a behind-the-scenes person. I was thrilled to be nominated, then when I heard the list of names and the things that people had done, I just thought 'wow, there's no way I'm going to win this'. I'm just glad to be here," Ms de Souza said.
The awards were presented by Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge at a ceremony at Walyalup Civic Centre on Thursday evening, where Mayor Fitzhardinge noted a record number of nominees this year.
"Through their selflessness, dedication and commitment, this group of nominees has not only enriched the lives of those around them but has also strengthened the foundation of our community.
"They have inspired us to be better, to do more and to serve with purpose.
"We don't just recognise their achievements; we express our deepest gratitude," said Mayor Fitzhardinge.
Robert Chapman was awarded Senior Citizen of the Year for his countless hours of volunteer work, especially for helping to transform the Fremantle Men's Community Shed into an iconic and essential community hub.
"It's a fantastic pat on a back," Mr Chapman said. "I'm a serial volunteer. It keeps me busy, especially now that I'm retired. I just can't help but teach and I like to help people experience success."
The Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Rosie Shute, who by organising a monthly poetry event at the Buffalo Club, has provided a safe haven for young adults from diverse backgrounds, including queer, disabled, neurodiverse, and artistic individuals.
The Active Citizenship Award went to the Hilton Precinct group which under the stewardship of new convenors Emma Livesey and Dani Melo has breathed new life into this community initiative, hosting dozens of events, coordinating verge makeovers and securing funding for traffic calming and art projects.
"It's just lovely to be recognised for all the work that we've done in the community, and to see everybody else that we were up against and see what they've achieved, it's quite overwhelming to be the recipient.
"None of us knew each other a year ago. So, to see what we've achieved and how close we've become in the past 12 months is impressive," said Ms Livesey.
"Community connection is the number one objective. Getting to know our neighbours. I think we've achieved bringing not only families but also elderly people and all corners of the community together for many great events and intergenerational connection," said Ms Melo.
Clive Morrison was presented with the Sealin Garlett Award, included for the first time as part of this event, which honours the late Reverend Sealin Garlett who was an outstanding contributor to reconciliation both with the Nyoongar community and non-Aboriginal community of Perth.
Clive's journey has been one of immense resilience and transformation. He was removed from his family at 11, suffered an alcohol addiction and spent time in jail before turning his life around at 64. He is now dedicated to supporting others, especially his own community, through his work with Unitingcare WA, as a member of Tuart Place and as an outreach worker.
"I feel grateful. I never thought I'd win something like this in my life," said Mr Morrison.
Arts doyenne Rosslyn de Souza has been named 2025 Community Citizen of the Year, for her contribution to Fremantle's artistic scene over many years.
With a passion for promoting local artists, Ros has created platforms that offer exposure and sale opportunities, particularly through the Street Gallery Fremantle Project.
Over the past three years, Street Gallery has transformed vacant windows in Fremantle's CBD into dynamic displays of art. The project has not only supported local artists but also helped foster a sense of pride in the community.
She has also led the Outside the Box Gallery in Woodsons Arcade, for young creatives and managed ArtWalk Freo a biannual event that attracts thousands of visitors.
"I've never won anything. I'm more of a behind-the-scenes person. I was thrilled to be nominated, then when I heard the list of names and the things that people had done, I just thought 'wow, there's no way I'm going to win this'. I'm just glad to be here," Ms de Souza said.
The awards were presented by Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge at a ceremony at Walyalup Civic Centre on Thursday evening, where Mayor Fitzhardinge noted a record number of nominees this year.
"Through their selflessness, dedication and commitment, this group of nominees has not only enriched the lives of those around them but has also strengthened the foundation of our community.
"They have inspired us to be better, to do more and to serve with purpose.
"We don't just recognise their achievements; we express our deepest gratitude," said Mayor Fitzhardinge.
Robert Chapman was awarded Senior Citizen of the Year for his countless hours of volunteer work, especially for helping to transform the Fremantle Men's Community Shed into an iconic and essential community hub.
"It's a fantastic pat on a back," Mr Chapman said. "I'm a serial volunteer. It keeps me busy, especially now that I'm retired. I just can't help but teach and I like to help people experience success."
The Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Rosie Shute, who by organising a monthly poetry event at the Buffalo Club, has provided a safe haven for young adults from diverse backgrounds, including queer, disabled, neurodiverse, and artistic individuals.
The Active Citizenship Award went to the Hilton Precinct group which under the stewardship of new convenors Emma Livesey and Dani Melo has breathed new life into this community initiative, hosting dozens of events, coordinating verge makeovers and securing funding for traffic calming and art projects.
"It's just lovely to be recognised for all the work that we've done in the community, and to see everybody else that we were up against and see what they've achieved, it's quite overwhelming to be the recipient.
"None of us knew each other a year ago. So, to see what we've achieved and how close we've become in the past 12 months is impressive," said Ms Livesey.
"Community connection is the number one objective. Getting to know our neighbours. I think we've achieved bringing not only families but also elderly people and all corners of the community together for many great events and intergenerational connection," said Ms Melo.
Clive Morrison was presented with the Sealin Garlett Award, included for the first time as part of this event, which honours the late Reverend Sealin Garlett who was an outstanding contributor to reconciliation both with the Nyoongar community and non-Aboriginal community of Perth.
Clive's journey has been one of immense resilience and transformation. He was removed from his family at 11, suffered an alcohol addiction and spent time in jail before turning his life around at 64. He is now dedicated to supporting others, especially his own community, through his work with Unitingcare WA, as a member of Tuart Place and as an outreach worker.
"I feel grateful. I never thought I'd win something like this in my life," said Mr Morrison.
