A BIG CONGRATULATIONS to our own MPTC Legend, Mr Alex Foster, who on Monday was honoured by being awarded the City of Melville’s “Community Citizen of the Year”. Alex won this award despite many other worthy nominations.
Please see the article extract from the CoM below:
27 January 2026
We’re pleased to announce the winners of our Auspire Community Citizen of the Year Award.
Congratulations to our Auspire Community Citizen of the Year Award winners and our newest citizens, named at a special City of Melville event on Monday, 26 January 2026.
Community Citizen of the Year is Alex Foster, recognising his extraordinary contribution to sport, volunteering and community life in Melville.
For more than 30 years, Alex has been a driving force behind the Melville Palmyra Tennis Club, serving as President for over two decades and contributing thousands of volunteer hours.
Senior Community Citizen of the Year is Lynda Chapman, applauded for her long-standing contribution to arts and culture in Melville.
She co-founded South Side Symphony Orchestra and helped build it from 27 players to more than 65, creating an inclusive space for musicians of all ages.
Young Community Citizen of the Year is the dynamic Sascha Finlay-Collins, who is recognised for her strong leadership, particularly in environmental action and youth engagement.
Sascha played a key role in delivering the Youth Landcare for Black Cockatoos program at Piney Lakes Reserve, planning and delivering sessions while building a welcoming space for young people to connect.
The Willagee Community Centre-Youth Drop-in service won the Active Citizenship Awards for its outstanding contribution to young people.
The program delivers strong outcomes in education, multicultural connection, sport, recreation and youth development.
Main picture caption. From left: Mayor Katy Mair with Auspire Award winners Alex Foster and Lynda Chapman, and CEO Gail Bowman.