Nillumbik Community Awards 2024
Congratulations to the 2024 Nillumbik Community Awards winners.
Presented at an event at the Eltham Community and Reception Centre on August 23, the awards were given to individuals and groups for their contributions and achievements in the Nillumbik community.
Congratulations go to:
Volunteer of the Year: Warwick Leeson OAM
Warwick has represented the Shire of Nillumbik as a councillor and mayor.
He continues to actively serve the community with dedication and enthusiasm through a diverse range of community groups.
His focus is always directed towards making communities stronger, healthier, more resilient, and engaged.
Community Group of the Year: Lions Club of Eltham
The Eltham Lions is a small but vibrant service group of 13 members, who run myriad events and also assist other groups to run events.
They provide financial support for individuals and groups and assist individuals in times of need.
Community Group of the Year (High Commendation): Rotary Club of Eltham
Nillumbik Young Citizen of the Year: Bethany Woodman
Inspiring and tireless, 24-year-old Bethany Woodman embodies selflessness and dedication as a midwife and Research CFA volunteer firefighter, junior CFA leader, and CFA social media co-manager.
With each local CFA planned burn she attends Bethany ensures community safety.
Nillumbik Young Citizen of the Year (High Commendation): Mikayla Mountney
Contribution of the Year award recipients were all recognised to have helped advance a cause that strengthens the community.
Contribution of the Year — Arts Culture and Heritage: Pat Reynolds
Pat has made invaluable contributions to the St Andrews community and is recognised as an instigator and champion of numerous projects.
Contribution of the Year — Diversity and Inclusion: Phil Petersen
Phil has made a remarkable impact as a mentor to James, a young man with Batten’s Disease, which has left him with almost complete vision loss and other significant disabilities.
Contribution of the Year — Environment & Sustainability: Boomerang Bags Nillumbik
Boomerang Bags Nillumbik is a small group of volunteers who attend the Hurstbridge Community Hub each Tuesday to sew sustainable bags for the community.
Contribution of the Year — Reconciliation: Research Junior Football Club
Research Junior Football Club is an inclusive, family-oriented club that provides a diverse, fun, safe and family friendly environment for members.
Nillumbik Mayor Ben Ramcharan congratulated nominees across all categories and thanked them for their contributions.
“We have had another year of truly outstanding nominees across our broad range of categories, which reflects the diverse talent and passion in Nillumbik, as well as our community mindedness,” Cr Ramcharan said.
“Nillumbik is fortunate to have so many residents committed to helping others and making a difference,” he said.
Read more about the incredible nominees by visiting nillumbik.vic.gov.au/community-awards
If you’d like to get more involved in the Nillumbik community, you can find some great places to volunteer by visiting nillumbik.vic.gov.au/volunteer-info.
