Community Recognition Awards

The inaugural Hobsons Bay Community Recognition Awards recognise the achievements of community organisations, leaders and volunteers in our community who are striving to make a difference and drive positive change.  

The new awards celebrate both individuals and groups and shine a spotlight on the many fantastic projects, initiatives and services in our community. 

There are six categories:  

• Helping Others Award – Recognising an individual or group going above and beyond to support others   
• Change Maker Award – Recognising an individual or group who has led positive change in the community 
• Sporting Spirit Award – Recognising a club, team or individual involved with community sport and recreation, through playing, coaching or volunteering 
• Community Strengthening Award – Recognising an individual or group that has made an exceptional contribution to building a stronger, more connected and inclusive Hobsons Bay 
• Young Leader Award – Recognising a young person (under 25 years of age) who is making a real difference in the community 
• Community Leader Award – Recognising a person who is making a real difference in the community. 

Nominations will open in March.

Criteria and eligibility

Community members are invited to nominate individuals (who are volunteering or working for a not-for-profit or volunteer organisation, network or group), community groups, “friends of” groups, clubs, services, networks and not-for-profit organisations. 

Self-nominations are not accepted however; group members can self-nominate their group. 

Hobsons Bay City Council staff members and Councillors are not eligible to be nominated or to nominate. 

The award recipients in each category must be willing to undergo a Victoria Police criminal records check (paid for by Council).  

Award criteria and assessment of nominations   

The criteria will be published once the nominations open.  

A panel will assess the nominations against the criteria.  

Key dates

Nominations open: 5 March 2026 

Nominations close: 15 April 2026 

Winners announced: 30 May 2026 

The award winners will be announced in May, as one of Council’s major activities celebrating National Volunteer Week. 

Background

Following a review in 2025 of the Citizen of the Year Awards and endorsement of the Community Recognition Awards at the December Council meeting, the Community Recognition Awards will replace the Citizen of the Year Awards.