News Release 26 January 2024
Greg Da Rui
Bayswater’s Community Citizen of the Year, 2024
Future Bayswater Community Group INC congratulates its co-founder, local business owner, community champion and enthusiastic volunteer Greg Da Rui on being awarded the Citizen of the Year.
Mr Da Rui, Bayswater’s local pharmacist, philanthropist and long-time community leader, has been a pivotal player in establishing and leading various local community groups including Future Bayswater INC, Bayswater Traders Association INC and the town team Baysie Rollers INC. He is a key driver behind Future Bayswater’s Twilight Markets and the former Bayswater Growers Markets.
Leading with his family and Future Bayswater INC, he established a hard-working group of volunteers who run the 6053 PANTRY that provides free food 24 hours a day for people in need, where he also provides a range of free products and items from his pharmacy to help people having a hard time in life.
He has personally sponsored numerous community events, community groups and activities, raised thousands of dollars for various charities – all while seeking no recognition for his efforts.
Greg, a proud son of Italian parents, is President of the Trevisani Nel Mondo Perth Branch. He is also a Board member of Bendigo Bank Bayswater and former Board member of St Columba’s Primary School Bayswater.
Along with Future Bayswater INC, Mr Da Rui is a passionate supporter and advocate for the Bayswater Community, Town Centre and local businesses.
“There’s so much potential in the Bayswater Town Centre that has yet to be realised,” Mr Da Rui said. “My vision is for a thriving High Street that generates jobs for young people, creating greater community connection.”
Mr Da Rui started his career as a trainee pharmacist in the Bayswater King William Street pharmacy in 1979 – the shop he now owns today (Pharmacy 777). He serves on WA Pharmacy Guild committees and has been a member of expert panels for the past 11 years.
With real estate agent Gary Warne of Ray White Carters Bayswater, Mr Da Rui established the local chamber of commerce, Bayswater Traders Association INC in 2004 (BTA). He has been a tireless champion of local retailers, a role he doubled down on in recent years as Bayswater business operators struggled with road closures, dust and noise from the Bayswater train station redevelopment.
He has been proactive in numerous City of Bayswater placemaking initiatives and economic planning workshops and has connected local government with businesses in the Bayswater Town Centre and the Bayswater Industrial Area.
Mr Da Rui represented the BTA and local traders on the Metronet Community Advisory Committee, as well as contributing to the final Development WA guidelines that will revitalise the Bayswater Town Centre, as a future major transit hub.
When disruption from the Bayswater train station redevelopment threatened the livelihoods of local business owners, he threw his energies into negotiating for local and state government financial assistance, replacement car parking and improved station designs.
Future Bayswater Inc. Chair Paul Shanahan said Greg Da Rui has given outstanding service, with thousands of hours volunteered to the Bayswater community over the decades.
“Greg can be seen on most weeks alongside other volunteers, taking a hands-on role in bringing town centre initiatives to life,” Mr Shanahan said. “Bayswater is so incredibly lucky to have a resident and business owner like Greg.”
Authorised Paul Shanahan, Chair, Future Bayswater
