By Molly Magennis
Hobsons Bay have announced their 2022 Citizens of the Year, who have been awarded for their work providing food safety to vulnerable members of the community.
In a ceremony on Australia day, Seaholme mum Kate De Marco was announced as Citizen of the Year, while 24-year-old admin officer Tahlia Kotiau was awarded Young Citizen of the Year.
Ms De Marco was awarded the honour for establishing a community pantry in her driveway to allow those in need access to food and other staple items.
During the ceremony, Ms De Marco said she felt ‘totally overwhelmed’ to have received the award.
“In accepting this award, I wish to acknowledge all those people who have contributed to my crazy ideas and who have got on board to help realise those dreams,” she said.
“This wonderful community that I belong to has created opportunities to flourish, and for that I am so deeply grateful.”
Ms Kotiau was recognised for spearheading a number of initiatives to support students experiencing disadvantage, such as providing free frozen meals for students and local staff in need in partnership with Laverton Community Integrated Services.
“This is the greatest honour of my life so far,” Ms Kotiau said.
“I love everything about my community, I grew up in Altona and there’s definitely something to say about the way it really is home to me.”
