Two local citizens have been recognised for their community service and awarded Citizen of the Year accolades at the Strathfield Council Australia Day celebrations.

Ms Ivana Morris and Jafer Naim were announced as the recipients of the Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year awards respectively today.

The pair were presented with their awards by Mayor of Strathfield, Cr Sang Ok and Australia Day Ambassador, Mr Justin Herald at Strathfield Council’s Australia Day celebrations at Strathfield Park.

Both received their awards in recognition of their extensive community work, which has made a valuable contribution to Strathfield.

2016 Strathfield Citizen of the Year – Ivana Morris

Ivana is a resident of Strathfield and has dedicated more than 10 years of her life volunteering for the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Starlight provides tailored distractions to brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families by removing pain, fear and stress of hospitalisation and medical treatment. Ivana has contributed around 1250 hours to the Starlight Foundation on a fortnightly basis, rarely missing a shift.

Her volunteer work includes personal donations, as well as interacting with the children who visit the Starlight Express Room (SER) between treatments and doctor’s visits. This includes coordinating activities such as arts and crafts, video games, song and dance, quizzes and much more.

2016 Young Citizen of the Year – Jafer Naim

Jafer is a student at Strathfield South High School and participates in a variety of extracurricular activities. He was involved in the planning, coordination and running of Strathfield Council’s 2015 Youth Week celebration. Working closely with his teachers, Jafer motivated his fellow students to attend the event as well as assisting speakers, and organising catering.

Jafer volunteers his time through Strathfield’s Youth Engagement Advisory Committee “Technology for Seniors” program, providing senior citizens with a student mentor, teaching them how to use new pieces of technology. He is also a valued member of his school’s Student Representative Council and helps produce the school newsletter.

Strathfield Council congratulates to the 2015 Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year, and thanks them for their support of the Strathfield community.