An advocate striving to create greater opportunities for Aboriginal families in the Fremantle area has been named Fremantle’s Citizen of the Year.
Heidi Mippy has worked as a youth worker, police officer, child protection worker and in many other roles before focusing on establishing the Djidi Djidi Girls Academy at Fremantle College.
Heidi was announced as Citizen of the Year at the City of Fremantle’s Citizenship Ceremony and Citizen of the Year awards today (Sunday, 26 January).
As a director of the Djidi Djidi Aboriginal Women’s Corporation, Ms Mippy volunteers her time helping to develop better relationships between families in need and support agencies.
She also sits on Fremantle College school board as a community representative.
Nyoongar Elder Betty Garlett was named Fremantle’s Senior Citizen of the Year.
Ms Garlett is a member of the City of Fremantle’s Walyalup Reconciliation Reference Group, the Board of Management of Fremantle Women’s Health Care and the Silver Chain Community Advisory Group.
She has also been active in community engagement for the City of Fremantle’s Age Friendly City Plan 2019-24.
Fremantle’s Young Citizen of the Year was artist Alice Ford, who has painted two murals in North Fremantle.
Ms Ford has completed commissioned works for local businesses, bands and artists including Spacey Jane, as well as assisting in running art classes for young students.
The Active Citizenship Award was won by Hilton Harvest Community Garden, which on a weekly basis has dozens of volunteers who come together to garden, work in the new nursery, exercise and build community spirit.
Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said the Citizen of the Year recipients embodied the qualities that make Fremantle such a special community.
“Every day around Freo I see generous and passionate people sacrificing their time and effort to support our community,” Mayor Pettitt said.
“The Citizen of the Year awards recognise and celebrate active citizenship and significant contributions to the life of our community.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to be able to recognise their contributions and celebrate their achievements through these awards.”
