Community football volunteer among recipients of Parramatta’s Citizen of the Year Awards

Community football volunteer, Julie Crane, who helped refugees integrate into Australian society through sport has been named Parramatta’s 2024 Citizen of the Year and is among a number of local volunteers recognised at this year’s awards.

Crane has helped transform the Melrose Park Football Club into a vibrant hub of inclusivity and positive community engagement, particularly for newly arrived refugees from Afghanistan, providing them an opportunity to play football and building a sense of belonging.

She also led the ‘Street Football World Cup’, bringing together players form diverse backgrounds, fostering unity and a shared love for the sport.

Crane shared “being nominated for an award such as this is reward enough and I am very humbled by the recognition.

“I believe sport is for everyone and truly brings communities together and I have always aimed to help that along the way.

“I haven’t done this on my own and I’d like to thank everyone around me at the Melrose Park Football Club who has helped so many people join our club and our community.”

Crane was honoured at a special Australia Day eve ceremony at Parramatta Park, alongside local volunteer Nass Aoun, who was awarded Young Citizen of the Year in honour of David Shakespeare OAM, for his work in assisting people who are homeless in organising shelter, counselling, job assistance and rehabilitation.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Pierre Esber announced the 2024 recipients alongside inventor and scientist Professor Veena Sahajwalla, this year’s Parramatta Australia Day Ambassador.

Lord Mayor Esber noted “Parramatta is the heart of greater Sydney, known for its diverse, inclusive and supportive community, and that has been shown perfectly in the Citizen of the Year award recipients.

“All nominees and award recipients have gone above and beyond to assist others in need.

“I congratulate all nominees of our Citizen of the Year awards, in particular Julie, Nass, Ronda and the team from Support Organisations for Homeless and Asylum Seekers, whose fantastic achievements and dedication to this City have been recognised today.”

The 2024 City of Parramatta Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award recipients also included:

Young Citizen of the Year: Recipient - Nass Aoun
Aoun is responsible for a number of community initiatives aimed at fostering a stronger and more connected community. In the past year, Aoun played a pivotal role in assisting people who are experiencing homelessness, by organising a shelter project with integrated support services such as counselling and job assistance, to facilitate a holistic approach to rehabilitation. Through mobilising volunteers, securing donations, and collaborating with local businesses, Aoun created a safe and welcoming space for those in need. This initiative addressed the urgent need for shelter, provided immediate relief to those experiencing homelessness and significantly increased the number of individuals who successfully transitioned from homelessness to stable housing. His commitment also extends to establishing a community garden and nurturing youth development through mentorship programs.

Senior of the Year: Recipient - Ronda Gaffey
Gaffey is one of the few exceptional individuals who are dedicated to the vital work of Parramatta heritage protection. Gaffey dedicates her time to preserving history through participation in neighbourhood organisations such as the Parramatta and District Historical Society and the Parramatta Female Factory Friends. Using her theatrical storytelling skills, she engages audiences with captivating narratives of colonial Sydney, portraying her Irish ancestor Sarah Scott with remarkable flair. Gaffey is a passionate advocate for heritage preservation for future generations, regularly writing submissions on the value of our local history. Gaffey also volunteers her time to help organise and run various events and tours around the Parramatta Female Factory and Hambledon Cottage.

Community Group Award: Recipient - Support Organisation for Homeless and Asylum Seekers
Support Organisation for Homeless and Asylum Seekers (SOHAS) is a charitable force committed to enhancing the quality of life for people of marginalised and vulnerable communities in Parramatta and surrounding Western Sydney. The organisation supports people in need including seniors, asylum seekers, international students, temporary visa holders, people experiencing homelessness, and refugees. SOHAS champions various initiatives, from distributing essential groceries and aiding victims of domestic violence to collaborating with emergency services during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. SOHAS also provides free counselling and employment assistance to immigrants and refugee communities, helping them to find jobs and integrate into their communities.

Image. Credit: City of Parramatta