Published on Monday, 3 February 2025 at 11:47:15 AM

The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale recently celebrated some amazing community champions at the 2025 Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony. The categories of Citizen of the Year Awards which make up the Australia Day Awards are:

• Community Citizen of the Year
• Young Community Citizen of the Year
• Senior Community Citizen of the Year
• Active Citizenship Award
• Clem Kentish Community Service Award.

These prestigious awards were presented to the outstanding individuals and groups who've gone above and beyond in their service to Serpentine Jarrahdale. Get to know the 2025 winners below.

Kenneth Elliott - Clem Kentish Community Service Award

Since its inception in 1989, the Clem Kentish Community Service Award has honoured individuals with at least 20 years of dedicated service to the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale.

Ken Elliott is a deserving recipient, having served 50 years with the Keysbrook Volunteer Bushfire Brigade, joining at just 17. Over the years, he has held multiple roles, from firefighter to brigade captain, and continues as a Local Fire Control Officer, issuing burning permits and advising the community.

Since 1996, Ken has also been the Deputy Chief Bushfire Control Officer, serving on both the Bush Fire Advisory Committee and the District Operational Advisory Committee, offering strategic guidance on fire response.

Originally, local bushfire brigades in farming areas like SJ were resident-funded, with equipment housed on private properties. For years, the Keysbrook unit operated from Ken’s own property, with meetings held in his shed. Today, the brigade has a dedicated facility, but Ken remains a cornerstone of its operations.

As he prepares to retire in the coming years, Ken continues mentoring new Deputy Chief Bushfire Control Officers, ensuring the safety of future generations.

Beyond firefighting, Ken has made significant contributions to the community:

• Hopeland Community Association founding member (1979) and organiser of the annual Hopeland Christmas Tree.
• Serpentine Primary School P&C member (1991–2007).
• Serpentine Fair & Auction committee member until 2006, helping fundraise for Serpentine School.
• Hugh Manning Tractor Museum founding committee member (1992), contributing to its award-winning success in 1994.
• Longtime sheep industry advocate, demonstrating shearing skills at fairs, volunteering at the Royal Show, and supporting Keep the Sheep rallies.

Even after nearly 50 years, Ken remains active in fire response across the Shire. His lifelong dedication to community service is truly commendable. 

Helen Rowe - Clem Kentish Community Service Award

For the first time, we are proud to present a second recipient of the Clem Kentish Community Service Award.

Helen has been a dedicated volunteer in the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale for over two decades, making a lasting impact in people's lives.

From 2000 to 2016, she was an original volunteer for the SJ Community Policing Program, working alongside her friend Pat to visit vulnerable residents, combat social isolation, and connect people with essential services. As part of this program, she also coordinated Christmas hampers for local families.

Helen played a key role in introducing trauma teddies to support police work, ensuring their availability not only in SJ but also for officers relocating to other districts.

In 1984, Helen, her husband Daryl, and a small team established the Uniting Church Op Shop in Byford, where she continues to lead crisis care support. Her outreach extends to victims of domestic violence, homelessness, and a women’s refuge, coordinating donations of food, handmade quilts, children’s clothing, and knitted teddies from generous community members.

She works closely with local schools and chaplains, organising Christmas hampers and essential supplies for families in need. Her leadership has also driven volunteer efforts to collect and distribute food packages, care backpacks, and gifts for children and youth. In one touching act of kindness, Helen even shared her own family’s Christmas lunch with a homeless family in need.

Beyond her direct involvement, Helen has a unique gift for uniting different community groups and individual volunteers toward a common cause. Through her efforts, arts and crafts groups across the Shire have joined forces to support those in need, with their impact reaching beyond SJ to the Wheatbelt region and other areas seeking assistance.

Helen’s tireless dedication and compassionate leadership have made an extraordinary difference in the community.

Bruce Hilliard - Community Citizen of the Year

Bruce Hilliard is a dedicated long-time resident and volunteer, committed to improving his local community. As President of the Darling Downs Residents Association (DDRA), he plays a vital role in organising work streams to benefit the community and working at Busy Bees Nursery in the Darling Downs estate.

He actively collaborates with council, businesses, and residents to secure support for equine facilities and lobbies state government departments for community improvements. His leadership has driven key projects, including car park extensions, resurfaced trails, park seating, and picnic areas.

Despite working full-time, Bruce dedicates countless hours to maintaining and beautifying Equestrian Park, leading a team to clear fallen trees and debris from trails. Often seen on the DDRA tractor, he personally helps with mowing and upkeep. Beyond hands-on work, he engages the community through extensive communications, encouraging residents to voice their ideas and ensuring they are considered by the DDRA committee.

His impact extends beyond Darling Downs, leading volunteers to assist residents with storm damage and debris removal in surrounding areas.

Bruce’s tireless commitment and leadership truly embody the spirit of the Community Citizen of the Year Award. 

Margaret Ward - Senior Community Citizen of the Year

For over 30 years, Margaret Ward has been a dedicated leader and volunteer in the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, actively contributing to numerous community groups. Her leadership, organisational skills, and warm nature have made a lasting impact.

Margaret has been a strong advocate for senior initiatives, promoting social connection and quality of life. She also provides personal support to residents in need, particularly during times of ill health.

Her volunteer work spans over 20 years, including key leadership roles:

• Probus Club of Byford & Districts (10+ years) – Served as President during COVID-19, ensuring members stayed connected. Previously held roles as Vice President and Guest Speaker Officer for five years.
• SJ Seniors Group (12+ years) – Chairwoman for seven years, revitalising the group with monthly speakers, outings, and a newsletter, increasing membership.
• Byford Daytime Weight Watchers (18 years) – Held various committee roles, fostering social support within the group.
• West Byford Primary School Board – Community Representative, using her local knowledge to support student welfare.
• Serpentine Jarrahdale Community Resource Centre (CRC) – Committee member since 2020, Vice President since 2022, actively involved in events and formerly volunteered at the SJ Farmers’ Market Café.

Margaret’s dedication, leadership, and generosity continue to enrich the community, making her a truly deserving recipient. 

Ruth Igglesden - Senior Community Citizen of the Year - Certificate of Appreciation

This year, we also recognised Ruth Igglesden for her contributions to the Shire with a certificate of appreciation.

A founding member of the Mundijong Heritage Community Garden, Ruth has played a key role in its development and also assists with church services. She was a committee member for the Serpentine Jarrahdale Library Friends since its inception in 2010 and has helped preserve local history by recording interviews with SJ residents.

Ruth is deeply involved in the community through various roles:

• GROW volunteer, supporting mental health initiatives.
• Active Church of Christ, Serpentine volunteer.
• Member of SJ Keep Fit classes and SJ Community Resource Centre (CRC).
• SJ Seniors Book Club participant and creative writer.
• Member of the Mundijong Ukulele Group, known for writing original lyrics.
• Advocate and guest speaker for ovarian cancer teal fundraising events.

Ruth’s dedication to community, creativity, and well-being is truly commendable. 

Casey Nikola - Young Citizen of the Year

Casey’s dedication to disability employment services goes far beyond her role, ensuring her clients receive holistic support that extends beyond the workplace. She takes the time to listen, understand individual needs, and connect clients with financial counseling, crisis services, food relief, and tenancy support.

Her commitment doesn’t stop at employment—Casey has assisted former clients with Centrelink and GP appointments, advocating for people with disabilities to have a voice in how their conditions impact their work.

In addition to her professional role, she:

• Engaged with Alzheimer’s Australia to help re-establish a support group for carers.
• Volunteers with Foodbank, delivering donated goods to those in need.

A true champion for independence and inclusion, Casey believes her job starts with keeping people employed and ends with empowering them to live their best lives. 

SJ Farmers Market - Active Citizenship Award

The SJ Farmers Market is more than just a marketplace—it's a vibrant community hub, bringing together local residents, producers, and volunteers every Saturday at the SJ Community Resource Centre in Mundijong.

Beyond providing fresh produce and handcrafted goods, the market has become a well-known community meeting place, fostering strong connections and opportunities for local producers and volunteers alike.

Key contributions include:

• Supporting local growers, artisans, and businesses by providing a platform to showcase their work.
• A co-op table run by volunteers, helping smaller growers thrive in a collaborative environment.
• A strong mentoring culture, where senior volunteers guide and train junior volunteers in customer service, event management, and teamwork.
• Youth engagement, equipping young volunteers with entrepreneurial and business skills, preparing them as future community leaders.

Through its commitment to economic growth, sustainability, and mentorship, the SJ Farmers Market continues to enrich the Serpentine Jarrahdale community, making it a truly deserving recipient of this award. 

Homelessness We Care Serpentine Jarrahdale and Surrounds - Active Citizenship Award - Certificate of Appreciation

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