The Shire's "community champions" have been celebrated at the inaugural Nillumbik Community Awards.
The awards, announced last night at the Eltham Community and Reception Centre, were presented to individuals and groups across seven categories for their contributions and achievements in the Nillumbik community.
Our congratulations go to:
Volunteer of the Year:Lisal O'Brien
Community Group of the Year: Diamond Valley Lions Club
Nillumbik Young Citizen of the Year: Eden Beveridge-Wood
Contribution of the Year – Arts Culture and Heritage: Ona Henderson and Syd Tunn
Contribution of the Year – Diversity and Inclusion: Sandra Verdam
Contribution of the Year – Environment & Sustainability: Nillumbik Repair Café
Contribution of the Year – Reconciliation: Nillumbik Reconciliation Group
Lisal O'Brien initiated the Arthurs Creek Strathewen Bushfire Education Partnership (BEP) and is an active contributor to community bushfire resilience.
The Diamond Valley Lions Club has funded park facilities and supported events such as the Diamond Creek Blue Light Disco and twilight market, and made innumerable contributions to the community.
Eden Beveridge-Wood has shown dedication to organising events, empowering others, promoting inclusion, challenging stereotypes and helping develop a positive school culture.
We received more than 40 nominations across the seven award types.
Mayor Ben Ramcharan said the quantity and quality of the nominees reflects the strength of Nillumbik's sense of community.
"The nominees were incredibly diverse and represented a broad range of contributions," Cr Ramcharan said.
"We congratulate everyone who was nominated for their outstanding efforts.
"Getting involved in the community is a great way to strengthen your connection with others, and I encourage anyone who has the capacity to contribute their unique talents," he said.
Our Contribution of the Year award recipients have all helped advance a cause that strengthens the community.
Ona Henderson and Syd Tunn (Arts Culture and Heritage) have been active in the Nillumbik arts community for more than three decades, advocating for the arts and mentoring other artists.
Sandra Verdam (Diversity and Inclusion) is a member of Council's Positive Ageing Advisory Committee and led the formation of the Nillumbik Dementia Friendly Alliance.
The Nillumbik Repair Café (Environment & Sustainability) is a community-driven project that has repaired more than 550 items, reducing waste and helping visitors save money.
The Nillumbik Reconciliation Group (Reconciliation), formed in 1998, recently organised a community event, '25 years of Reconciliation'. Attended by 300 people, the event showcased past achievements and ongoing efforts.
