Award winners

City of Canada Bay announced the recipients of its Citizen of the Year Awards at an Australia Day ceremony held at Concord Community Centre on Thursday, 26 January.

Reflecting outstanding contributions to the community, winners were announced for Citizen of the Year (aged 25 years and over), Young Citizen of the Year (aged 12 to 24 years), Sport Citizen of the Year and Arts and Culture Citizen of the Year.

Citizen of the Year was awarded to Merv Spencer, president of the Drummoyne Community Centre Management Committee, a position he has held for much of his 16 years involvement with the Centre.  In addition to his management role, Mr Spencer has taken hands on roles with the Centre to ensure its events and activities run as smoothly as possible. Throughout his time, Mr Spencer has been involved in the Centre's subcommittees and has always been on hand to welcome and provide support during events. Mr Spencer's colleagues describe him as even-tempered and level headed, providing support with program planning. Described as a stalwart, Mr Spencer's contribution to the City of Canada Bay through his direction of the essential support programs provided by the Centre has made him an essential part of the team that is Drummoyne Community Centre.

Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Bronwyn Poole for her involvement with a diverse range of community groups and activities, from Sisters Bay Bushcare to sports.

Sports Citizen of the Year went to Olivia Price.  At just 19 years of age, Olivia is the youngest skipper in the Women's Match-Racing crews vying for selection in this year's London Olympics sailing squad.

Arts and Culture Citizen of the Year went to Lydia Burjan.  A parent of Mortlake Public School, Mrs Burjan has been the driving force behind the school's successful music tuition program.