Melinda Cruz - Liverpool Citizen of the Year

Melinda Cruz founder of Miracle Babies Foundation has been awarded this year's Liverpool Citizen of the year. Melinda attended the Liverpool Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony held at Casula Powerhouse on Australia Day. Melinda was supported by her husband Chris and their three boys Elijah 7, Dillon 5 and Jasper 3.

Melinda said it was an honour to be named Liverpool's citizen of the year and was "overwhelmed" and "very proud" to receive such an award.

In 2005 Melinda joined up with nine other mothers to form a support group for families of premature and sick newborns. She said the the success of Miracle Babies Foundation was because of her team, "We (Miracle Babies Foundation) are blessed to have the level of support we have, it's just mind blowing."

Melinda was presented with her award by Australia Day ambassador David Hall and Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller.