Albany’s best and brightest recognised in Australia Day Citizenship Awards at Binalup/Middleton Beach Festival

Outstanding members of the Albany community were recognised at Sunday’s annual citizen of the year awards with Noongar leaders, youth sport advocates, community event organisers and gardening groups among the winners.

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.

Jennifer McRae won the 2025 citizen of the year honour for her long-time advocacy for forced adoption survivors and her work on government inquiries into the extent and impact of the forced adoption era in Australia.

She said she was “blown away” to receive the prestigious award.

“It’s a really important acknowledgement because a lot of the survivors of forced adoption, a lot of the time we are ignored, so to be recognised with this award, it’s not just for me, it’s for everyone who has been impacted by forced adoption practices,” Ms McRae said.

“It’s for the whole community, that’s how I see it.”

Young citizen of the year went to Felicity Ericsson for her work in the Albany hockey community as a player, umpire and coach encouraging people to be part of the hockey community and shaping the next generation of players.

Steve Marshall was named senior citizen of the year for his work organising the city’s free Christmas luncheon, which has given food and community support to thousands of residents over the years.

“This award is for all those people who believed in me over all the years, and also all of those who have donated time or money,” Mr Marshall said.

“There’s just too many people to name, so this award is an amazing way to say thank you for all they’ve done.”

The active citizenship award for a community group or event went to Two Rivers Garden Group for its work fundraising and supporting Albany Hospice through monthly gardening meetings.

“We were amazed to have won, it’s unbelievable, and its lovely to be recognised by the City of Albany and to be part of this special day,” club coordinator Jo Smyth said.

“We do it for those people, the staff, the families and the residents at Albany Hospice, and it’s so nice to give something back to the community.”

The gathered crowd rose to a standing ovation as Menang elder Averil Dean received the Annette Knight Community Leadership Medal for her years of cultural leadership.

She said it was a “wonderful feeling” to be recognised for her many years of hard work.

“I do what’s in my heart, I never expected accolades or anything but it’s really nice to be recognised, and even better to be told that you’re appreciated in the community,” she said.

As part of the Australia Day ceremony, more than 20 people received Australian citizenship.