Mayor Margaret Thomas expressed sincere gratitude for the award and acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Department of Health whose generous funding support paved the way for the City’s transformative Compassionate Community journey.

Mayor Thomas also extended appreciation to City staff, program partners, and the community members who participated in the program.

"Our primary goal has been to break down stigmas surrounding discussions about death and dying, fostering open and meaningful conversations," Cr Thomas said. "We have also strived to cultivate a profound understanding of the resources available to support individuals through the various stages of life."

The success of this groundbreaking program is attributed to the exceptional collaboration with 18 dedicated partners. "The City takes immense pride in the project’s remarkable achievements. The positive impact it has had on our community has been truly heartwarming,” Cr Thomas added.

Upon accepting the award, City staff acknowledged individuals who played pivotal roles in the initiative, expressing heartfelt appreciation to the Compassionate Community’s champion, Shane Bailey, and Judy Brand, Nurse Unit Manager at Kalamunda Hospital. Both demonstrated unwavering commitment and support throughout the initiative.

“I also want to recognise the extraordinary contribution of our Artist in Residence, Eleisha, whose personal experiences and connection with the Kalamunda Palliative Care Unit allowed her to capture the unique individuality and legacies of patients,” Cr Thomas acknowledged. “Through her exceptional portraits, Eleisha ignited conversations and shared the inspiring stories of those in the community.

"Once again, thank you for recognising how valuable this work is and we look forward to continuing our mission of fostering compassion and support in our community."

The City remains steadfast in its commitment to creating a compassionate and supportive community, and this award serves as a testament to the dedication and collaborative spirit of all those involved in the Compassionate Community initiative.