Published on Wednesday, 28 January 2026 at 3:41:37 PM
Congratulations to the following recipients of the 2026 Community Citizen of the Year Awards:
Citizen of the Year - Jasmin Cockram
Jasmin joined St John Merredin as a volunteer more than a decade ago and has since demonstrated extraordinary dedication and commitment to both the organisation and the community it serves. She has consistently applied herself to every training opportunity, progressed through the ranks, and held numerous committee and leadership roles, including contributing to the rebuilding of the Training Centre that opened in February 2019.
Balancing her own small business with almost daily emergency call-outs, Jasmin relies on her employees to manage her company while she selflessly responds to the community’s needs. Whether performing CPR in someone’s home, attending a serious car accident, driving the ambulance, or contributing to committee decisions, she approaches every challenge with enthusiasm, compassion, and professionalism.
Despite periods of significant change to volunteer staffing in recent years, Jasmin’s commitment has never wavered. She continued giving even when others stepped back. Her tireless service, often at considerable personal expense and without seeking recognition or reward, has made a profound difference to countless lives in Merredin. Jasmin’s extraordinary qualities inspire those around her to strive for more, care deeply, and never lose sight of what truly matters.
Young Citizen of the Year - Jacob Billing
Jacob is an exceptional young person whose energy, dedication, and generosity have made a lasting impact on our community. Always willing to lend a hand, he has become a role model through his commitment to volunteering, sport, and leadership. Jacob volunteers as a tennis and volleyball coach, running weekly training sessions and supporting younger players to grow in confidence and skill - even travelling to Perth to coach his team - demonstrating his dedication to helping others succeed. He also serves as a basketball umpire, a vital role that keeps local sport thriving and one not often undertaken by young people.
Beyond sport, Jacob’s kindness and inclusive nature are evident in his volunteer work at community events, such as supporting NDIS participants to join in a game of volleyball at a Rec Centre event last year. Through all that he does, Jacob exemplifies leadership, generosity, and a commitment to making his community a better, more welcoming place for everyone.
Senior Citizen of the Year - Rob Endersbee
Rob has been a dedicated volunteer at the Merredin Military Museum since 1992 and is both a founding and life member. Over the years, he has played a vital role in organising bus tours of military sites across the district, contributing to ANZAC services, and supporting school visits to the museum. As curator, secretary, and researcher, Rob provides invaluable historical knowledge to the museum, the public, and visitors alike. He actively sources exhibits from across Australia and internationally, often travelling in his own time to collect military artifacts to enrich the museum’s collection.
Through his tireless efforts, Rob has become a remarkable ambassador for both the museum and the Merredin community, ensuring that history is preserved, shared, and celebrated for generations to come.
Active Citizenship (Group or Event) - Merredin Churches Fraternal
The Merredin Churches Fraternal plays a vital role in fostering community engagement and support throughout Merredin. They organise inclusive events such as the Christmas Carols and Light Shine Party, and provide essential charitable services, including emergency food hampers, crisis accommodation, Christmas hampers for those in need, and donated furniture.
Committed to ensuring all community members can participate, they hold regular Sunday services at Moorditj Mia for those unable to attend church in person, as well as open prayer meetings for anyone who wishes to join. The group also oversees the annual Easter program, including the blessing of the roads and the Dawn Service, and regularly conducts prayer walks around local schools to bless staff and students.
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