Juliette Bormeh Moe and Leanne Down have been announced as Wyndham’s Young Citizen and Citizen of the Year.
Ms Bormeh Moe arrived from a refugee camp to Australia 11 years ago, and has since dedicated herself to volunteering in the community.
“It’s such an honour for me to receive this amazing award,” she said.
“I wouldn’t be here today without the support and encouragement from everyone.”
Ms Bormeh Moe also works at Utopia Refugee and Asylum Seeker Health in Hoppers Crossing as a practice nurse.
The awards were announced at council’s Australia Day celebrations at Wyndham Park on Thursday, January 26.
Ms Down said she was humbled and overwhelmed with gratitude to learn she had been selected as Citizen of the Year for her work as the chief executive of the Wyndham Health Foundation.
“This accomplishment is not something that I did alone, there are many others who deserve to share in this award,” Ms Down said.
“We are 100 per cent not for profit, and we support the public healthcare needs and hospital needs throughout the city of Wyndham by raising money for four priority areas of healthcare, purchasing equipment, investing in researching and innovation, funding programs and allocating funds to capital builds.
“Over thirty years we’ve been able to provide over $3 million dollars to our public health care services.
“All of this was made possible by you, the wonderful people of Wyndham community.”
Mayor Susan McIntyre said both individuals helped to make Wyndham a better place.
“The awards recognise the outstanding contributions of two Wyndham city residents who, through hard work and dedication, have significantly contributed to our community,” Councillor McIntyre said.
“They offer outstanding service each day and enable our communities to be stronger because of their extraordinary efforts.”
