2021 Inner West Citizens of Year

Inner West Council

Inner West Council Citizen of the Year is historian, librarian, archivist, published author, educator and speaker Chrys Meader.

Chrys has worked on histories of Enmore Theatre, Henson Park and Vicars Woollen Mill.

Other projects include researching Inner West former members who served in WWI and the Aboriginal History Project with Marrickville Aboriginal Consultative Committee.

"What makes the Inner West so special is our history and heritage, and Chrys' dedication throughout her career to bringing and keeping this history alive is why she won this award," said Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne.

"It's great to see this true Inner West character honoured in this way," he said.

Chrys's nominator said, "She is an unrivalled, passionate expert with encyclopedic knowledge at her immediate disposal.

"It is however her humanity, generosity of spirit, glee and enthusiasm, integrity of purpose and commitment to people and the power of history to inspire and educate when it is researched, distilled and delivered uniquely by her, that are Chrys's real stand-out qualities and are her real work."

Pei Qun Guo and Teresa Savage are the co-Senior Citizens of the Year.

Pei Qun is a member of the Chinese Australian Services Society and participates in Council's Multicultural Festivals, CASS Charity Dinner and CASS Charity Walk.

CASS provides a wide range of welfare services and social and recreational activities

She formed the CASS Ashfield Environmental Group whose members clean up the main street of Ashfield and the mall on a weekly basis.

"The Group has become an active force in the area, literally bringing in a breath of fresh, clean air," said her nominator.

Teresa is a pioneer, activist and a strong and supportive voice for the LGBTIQ community, women, youth, young families and the ageing.

Her work with Council's LGBTIQ Working Group, Layne Beachley Foundation, Skilled Migrant Mentoring Program and ACON's "This is OZ" anti-violence program shows "her talents and dedication to humans everywhere," according to her nominator.

Teresa also founded a number of organisations which reflect her innovation and dedication, including the Savage Marsden Giving Program, 55Upitty online photography and interview project celebrating the older LGBTIQ woman and BlueStocking ThinkTank using data to highlight inequality.

Young Citizen of the Year is Katrina Ikonomou, an Indigenous social worker who "goes above and beyond to provide amazing opportunities and services to the young women and children in her care," said her nominator, who added that Katrina provides "a platform for intergenerational learning and healing."

"Every year I am blown away by the amazing people who make such a positive difference in our community," said Mayor Darcy Byrne.

"I congratulate these four remarkable women and I am so pleased Council is able to recognise them through our Citizens of the Year awards."

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