At the 2023 City of Mitcham Australia Day awards, long-time Blackwood Uniting Church member, Peter Cranwell, was awarded Citizen of the Year. This is a wonderful acknowledgement of Peter’s extraordinary and ongoing contributions to our wider community. During the award presentation, Mitcham Mayor Dr. Heather Holmes-Ross praised Peter’s contributions in the following areas:- creating a space of safety and welcome for the community; striving for social justice and responding to people living in difficult circumstances; journeying with First Nations people; supporting people living with disabilities; and working toward creating a more sustainable planet.

In a humble and very moving acceptance speech, Peter thanked those who had helped him on his journey, as well as the many collaborators with whom he has worked on worthwhile projects. In addition to thanking his family, who were in attendance, he paid particular tribute to his wife Nancy, dedicating the award to her. Peter’s words of tribute to Nancy reflect the fact that, when it comes to contributing to the lives of others, they are indeed a formidable partnership. Blackwood Uniting Church and our community more broadly are deeply fortunate to have both Peter and Nancy Cranwell as members. Congratulations, Peter, on being such a worthy recipient of the City of Mitcham Citizen of the Year!

Michael Dowling