A HANDFUL of everyday heroes in Stirling were recognised at the annual citizen of the year awards on Australia Day.

Michael Playforth took home the big award for 30 years of full-time volunteering at St Vinnies in Osborne Park.

• Stirling mayor Giovanni Italiano with the citizens of the year.

In the under-25 category, Wahida Samim won the award for her work representing multicultural youth issues, while Diane Watts was chosen as the senior citizen of the year for raising almost $200,000 for charity despite suffering partial blindness.

Robin Cohen and Warren Kotkis won the community group or event category for 24 years volunteering within Perth’s Jewish community, and George Anderson won the award for volunteer work within the broader community.

“The time and personal effort they devote goes above and beyond the usual community participation and I have the highest respect for them all,” said Stirling mayor Giovanni Italiano.