On the 26th of January 2009, Bronwen Merrigan of Duke St Community House was awarded Brimbank’s highest honor: Citizen of the Year. Hundreds of people including Bill Shorten Parliamentary Secretary, Brimbank Mayor and Telmo Languiller attended a glittering Australia day ceremony at Sunshine Marketplace Shopping Centre to both bestow Australian citizenships to new citizens and to announce Bronwen Merrigan’s Citizen of the Year Award.

Read the speech Bronwen gave on the day: (click on 'Read more' below)

Firstly I would like to thank the City of Brimbank, Mayor and Councilors, for this wonderful award. I am very humbled at being selected the citizen of the year for 2009 as I know that there are many individuals in this city who would be worthy recipients of such an honour. These people work hard for their communities carrying out much needed voluntary work and few receive the recognition that they deserve.

Secondly I would like to thank the people who make up my community, especially at Sunshine Presbyterian Church and Duke Street Community House who have given me many opportunities to serve, volunteer and work here in Brimbank. I have had the privilege of working beside many fine people in Sunshine and the wider area of the western suburbs to improve local community opportunities and resources. This work has been a great pleasure and it never ceases to amaze me how generous people are with their time and effort to assist others and make their community a better place for all.

I would also like to thank my family for their support and not complaining too much when I have been off to another meeting, activity or event. I am very proud of their contribution to the local community through their work at the Sunshine Presbyterian Church and in western suburbs schools.

To my colleagues and friends at Duke Street Community House, you have been a constant support to me over many years and have provided the base from where much has been accomplished for our local community. To the Committee, volunteers, staff and those who attend our programs each week I thank you.

To my church community, you have always been there for me giving me love and encouragement to keep going when times have been tough, you have inspired me to continue to work for God and to do his work in our community.

Lastly to those who have just become new citizens of Australia I urge you to seek out opportunities to join with those that you live and work with to make a contribution to your local community. I can highly recommend this as not only will you see the benefits to others but you will learn new skills, make lifelong friends and gain a great deal of pleasure from knowing that you have contributed to the betterment of your community and new country.

Thank you all again for this wonderful award.