Meet your Australia Day Award Winners

Clem Kentish Community Service Award

The Clem Kentish Community Service Award aims to recognise long standing contributors to the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale community. This year's winner is Neil Kentish. 

Neil Kentish has dedicated more than 50 years to serving the Serpentine Jarrahdale community through leadership, sustainability and emergency response.
A strong advocate for local business, Neil is a life member of Business SJ and has operated SJ Farm Grown Firewood for more than 20 years, producing sustainably grown eucalyptus firewood.

Neil’s service spans sport, land care and community development. He has held leadership roles in local sporting clubs, community groups and land management organisations, including 25 years as Secretary of the Serpentine Jarrahdale Land Conservation Committee. He also developed Cockatubes - artificial nesting hollows now used across Australia to support endangered Black Cockatoos.

For nearly 50 years, Neil has served with the Keysbrook Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade, including 48 years as a Response Officer, earning lifetime membership in 2024. His contribution reflects a lifetime of generosity, service and commitment to the SJ community.

Cr Matthew Scott, Shire President Rob Coales, Neil Kentish, Senior Community Citizen of the Year Merri Harris, and Community Member Bill Denholm 

Community Citizen of the Year Awards

The Auspire – Australia Day WA Community Citizen of the Year Awards are presented by local governments across Western Australia each year.

The Community Citizen of the Year Awards celebrate the positive news stories of our citizens who are worthy of the community's attention, recognising those who are role models and who inspire us with their achievements and challenge us to make our own contribution to creating a better community.

This year's award winners are: 

Community Citizen of the Year: Stuart McLellan

Stuart McLellan is the founder and driving force behind Homelessness We Care Serpentine and Jarrahdale. Each Friday night at the Byford Library, Stuart and his volunteers provide meals, hot drinks and conversation to around 40 people, offering not just food but dignity, warmth and human connection.
What began as a small grassroots idea has grown into a vital lifeline for vulnerable residents.

Drawing on his health care experience, Stuart takes a holistic approach, helping people connect with essential services and supporting them on a path from crisis to stability. In 2024, Stuart also organised the first Christmas celebration for people experiencing homelessness or social isolation, complete with entertainment, a festive meal and presents for all ages. Known for his consistency, warmth and compassion, Stuart’s impact is felt across the SJ community.

Stuart McLellan and Shire President Rob Coales 

Senior Community Citizen of the Year: Merri Harris

For more than 17 years, Merri Harris has been a driving force for seniors’ wellbeing in the Shire. She runs Senior Keep Fit classes focused on strength, balance and falls prevention, while also creating welcoming spaces for social connection. 

Merri’s contribution extends well beyond fitness. She is involved with Friends of the Forest, helped organise the Food and Farm Festival, and played a key role in reviving the Mundijong Community Resource Centre after its closure, bringing vital services back to the community.

Her generosity, knowledge and positive presence have created meaningful opportunities for people across the Shire. Merri leads with kindness and dedication and is a much-loved figure in the SJ community.

Cr Nathan Bishop, Merri Harris and Shire President Rob Coales 

Young Community Citizen of the Year: Jake Branley

Jake Branley is an emerging community leader whose contributions span education, mental health and heritage preservation. As a volunteer Board Member at Court Grammar School, Jake established the school’s first alumni program, designing a digital database and communications system that strengthened connections between past and present students. His work led to the largest alumni reunion in the school’s history.

Jake has also supported student wellbeing by helping deliver buddy benches in local schools, creating safe spaces for connection and support. As Chair of the Byford Bendigo Community Bank, he played a key role in securing funding for the study that led to the Jarrahdale Rail Bike project, preserving local heritage while supporting tourism and community pride. He is a familiar face at community events, including the Jarrahdale Log Chop, and has championed an accessible, disability inclusive playground to ensure equitable recreation for all.

Deputy President Cr Reece Jerrett, Jake Branley, Shire President Rob Coales 

Active Citizenship Award: SJ Lions Club

The SJ Lions Club received the Active Citizenship Award for its long running delivery of the Jarrahdale Log Chop and SJ Lions Country Fair. This free community event celebrates local identity, brings people together and creates economic opportunities for businesses across the Shire. The Log Chop provides a strong platform for local stallholders and small businesses, while showcasing SJ’s heritage and community spirit. Through committed volunteer effort, the SJ Lions have grown the event into a cornerstone community tradition that strengthens pride, participation and connection.

Cr Joel Chan with President Rob Coales and members of SJ Lions 

Active Citizenship Certificate of Appreciation: Keysbrook Community Group

The Keysbrook Community Group has played a vital role in strengthening community spirit and resilience in Keysbrook. Through volunteer led initiatives, the group maintains the Keysbrook Community Hall, supports park upgrades, and assists the Keysbrook Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade. 
They also bring people together through regular gatherings, BBQs and ANZAC Day commemorations, creating welcoming spaces that reflect the unique identity of the Keysbrook community. This certificate recognises their outstanding contribution to building a strong, connected local community.

Cr Joel Chan with Shire President Rob Coales and members of Keysbrook Community Group