Council recognises outstanding citizens
Published on 27 January 2022
The 2022 Burwood Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year awards have been officially announced with the recipients a glowing example of kindness, selflessness and community participation.
At a ceremony on Australia Day, Mayor John Faker announced Dr Faryal Zehra as Citizen of the Year. Dr Zehra has been honoured for her outstanding contribution to the community over many years particularly her work with connecting children to the elderly.
Some of her many achievements include running a number of projects for local nursing homes in the Burwood LGA and co-ordinating kindness activities during Christmas and NSW Seniors Week. It was her tireless efforts during the pandemic that are truly special.
Over the last 12 months she has supported local, regional and remote communities through relief projects and was quick to recognise the potential of contactless technology to ensure people living in Aged Care facilities still felt connected and could overcome their loneliness in spite of the COVID restrictions.
As founder and CEO of the charity Little Helpers on the Run she continues to make a difference in not only the Burwood community but across the globe. Her passion for volunteers and her desire to encourage the next generation to make a difference has created a positive legacy.
This year, instead of recognising one individual for the Young Citizen of the Year award, Mayor John Faker announced the Burwood Scout Unit and Canterbury Vale District Venturer Unit through a collective effort as the 2022 Young Citizens of the Year.
In keeping with the theme of concern for the environment – a major issue for young people, last July the group set an ambitious goal to sew over 100 reusable bags made out of recycled fabric.
The ‘Repurpose, Reuse and Recycle’ program aimed to reduce the use of single-use plastics in the Burwood LGA, helping local residents, workers and visitors be part of the solution to plastic pollution.
Following the program’s success, they have committed to continuing their efforts to create a more sustainable Burwood, working with Council to develop longer term sustainability practices including the recycling of Council materials such as street flags into sustainable products for our community to use for years to come.
Mayor John Faker congratulated both Dr Faryal Zehra and the Burwood Scout Unit and Canterbury Vale District Venturer Unit on their awards.
“Overwhelmingly what drives volunteers is not recognition but simply a desire to make the world a better place.
“This year we’ve got two examples of Burwood citizens making an outstanding contribution to the betterment of our community,” said Cr Faker.
“What is particularly notable is they have done this in the face of extraordinary challenges posed by the pandemic.
“Dr Faryal Zehra and the Burwood Scout Unit and Canterbury Vale District Venturer Unit are worthy recipients of this award and on behalf of the people of Burwood and Council I thank them for their efforts and for the legacy they continue to create each day,” the Mayor concluded.
Representatives from the Burwood Scout Unit and Canterbury Vale District Venturer Unit accept their Young Citizen of the Year Award from Mayor John Faker
Dr Faryal Zehra was named the 2022 Burwood Citizen of the Year for her outstanding contribution to the betterment of the community.