THE dedication of 12 inspiring individuals and groups, who work tirelessly to improve community life, was recognised as part of the Australia Day celebrations in Footscray.
Braybrook resident Vivienne Conn was presented with the City’s top honour, the 2012 citizen of the year award.
The recipients of the 2012 civic awards include:
Citizen of the year — Vivienne Conn
Ms Conn volunteers for more than 100 hours each month as the coordinator of the Braybrook and Maidstone Neighbourhood House. She is also the chairwoman of the Braybrook, Maidstone and Sunshine Public Tenants Association and coordinates a special weekly fruit and vegetable distribution for 24 families.
Young citizen of the year - Elfred Mathiang
Elfred has volunteered as a basketball coach for the Maribyrnong Youth Services Sports and Leadership Program since 2010. He teaches not only basketball skills but also discipline and commitment. Elfred is also the club treasurer and the under-16s coach of the Sudanese basketball club, the Longhorns.
Special commendation - Jack Sheppard
Mr Sheppard has worked with young indigenous people and introduced them to a range of art mediums. He was chosen to take part in the 2011 Indigenous Learning Program and the Emerging Cultural Leaders Program at the Footscray Community Arts Centre. He has also worked with young people from indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to develop new skills.
Emerging community leaders group - Freeza Maribyrnong
In the past year, the Freeza Maribyrnong volunteer committee has hosted 12 events attended by more than 2800 people. The events have showcased battle of the bands performances, hip-hop, acoustic, hardcore, punk and DJs. The group has also supported White Ribbon Day events and provided musical entertainment at the Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre.
Special commendation - Emerging Cultural Leaders Program
The program has helped to mentor and develop the skills of people from indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The Footscray Community Arts Centre program has provided participants with an opportunity to work with leading artists to develop their skills to take back to their communities.
Mayoral award - Maribyrnong Makers Group Inc
The group’s six volunteers have helped to increase Melbourne’s appreciation and recognition of the craft and design community in the City of Maribyrnong. The group hosts three makers markets and supports the fund-raising activities of schools, kindergartens, service groups and charities.
Emerging community leader individual - Chelsea Hatherall
Ms Hatherall has volunteered with a range of organisations, including the Phoenix Youth Centre, Western Edge Youth Arts, Footscray Community Arts Centre and the Australian Academy of Design. More broadly, her efforts have helped to support White Ribbon Day, Amnesty International, Ovarian Cancer Research, the Cancer Council, Eat So They Can, the Laverton Community Kitchen, the UnderGround Cinema and the Victorian Flood Appeal.
Community service group award - Yarraville Trugo Club
In the past year, the cub’s volunteers have shared their passion for trugo and helped pass on the history and rules of the game to people of many ages, backgrounds and organisations. As the oldest club in operation, it will celebrate its 75th birthday this year.
Special commendation - Young at Heart Planned Activity Group
The group provides a weekly social outlet for older people in Maribyrnong. From poetry and stories to quizzes, music, physical activities and delicious meals, each activity encourages personal growth, enhances quality of life and promotes independence.
Community service individual award - Senior Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan
As the Abbot at the Quang Minh Temple, Senior Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan’s achievements and commitments are vast. He is a spiritual adviser, a principal of the Van Lang Vietnamese Language School and vice-president of the World Fellowship of Buddhists. He is also a member of council’s Emergency Relief Committee and a dedicated advocate of the council’s Clean and Green Committee.
Special commendation - Aida Napoli
Aida’s cooking skills have helped to shape the success of the Maidstone Community Centre’s annual Harmony Feast and free community dinners. Aida is also a regular volunteer for Gateway Social Support Options and the Braybrook and Maidstone Neighbourhood House.
Mayoral award - Don Nancarrow
Mr Nancarrow is dedicated to supporting the development of driving skills of young people. He has been a volunteer with the Wheels in the West program since 2009 and has helped to promote road safety to young people and newly arrived communities. He also volunteers as a teacher two days a week to teach young people marquetry in woodwork classes.
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