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.

Awards will be announced at a ceremony on Saturday 30 May. Winners will receive up to $500 towards capacity-building training or professional development opportunity of their choice. 

Meet the winners!

Helping Others Award - Jo Farguson

Jo has been volunteering as the head chef at Laverton Community Cafe since 2017. She oversees the preparation and delivery of three‑course meals for more than 100 community members at Laverton Community Hub and Altona Meadows Community Centre each week, leading a team of more than 30 volunteers.

Change Maker Award - Rhonda Collins 

As a manager at Latitude: Directions for Young People and Chair of the Hobsons Bay Inter-Agency Network, Rhonda plays a pivotal role in shaping coordinated trauma-informed responses. Her work directly supports Hobsons Bay’s most vulnerable residents, and she persistently advocates strongly for rough sleepers, young people experiencing homelessness, and individuals with significant unmet needs.

Sporting Spirit Award - Williamstown Women’s Lacrosse Club

The Williamstown Women’s Lacrosse Club is one of Victoria's oldest women's sports clubs. Established in 1936, the club embodies inclusion and participation by supporting a Pride Round to recognise the LGBTIQA+ community; Pink Round, to recognise people affected by breast cancer; and has supported more than 100 Hobsons Bay school children in interschool lacrosse competitions. As a women-focused club, it provides lifelong pathways for girls and women to participate, lead and belong in sport.

Community Strengthening Award - Laverton Community Integrated Services Inc.

Laverton Community Integrated Services (LCIS) is a not-for-profit neighbourhood house that delivers training, education courses, emergency relief, volunteering, food and community support programs. LCIS supports people across all life stages, particularly those experiencing disadvantage, migration-related barriers, disability and social isolation.

Young Leader Award - Hteepoe Ri

Hteepoe is an active participant and leader with youth programs at Laverton College and Council's Youth Change Makers Challenge. He has helped plan and deliver two community soccer tournaments that were attended by more than 230 young people. Hteepoe’s role in drop-in programs helps to foster inclusive and supportive environments where young people feel safe, welcome and encouraged to participate.

Community Leader Award - Irena Kaluski

Irena has dedicated 45 years of volunteer service to the Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West and broader Zonta networks. She is a founding member and has served across multiple presidencies, financial positions and governance roles. Irena's long-term leadership has delivered practical support, advocacy and awareness across issues affecting women and girls, including health, safety, education equity and gender-based violence.

Explore the full list of nominees here.

Criteria and eligibility

Award categories 

There are six categories:  

• Helping Others Award – Recognising an individual or group going above and beyond to support others.
  • Through acts of kindness, generosity, and care, such as volunteering, mentoring, or creating connections to enrich the community.

• Change Maker Award – Recognising an individual or group who has led positive change in the community. 
  • Distinguishes those who think differently, take action, and inspire others by solving a local problem, starting a new initiative, or championing inclusion and equality.

• Sporting Spirit Award – Recognising a club, team or individual involved with community sport and recreation, through playing, coaching or volunteering.
  • Celebrates contributions that encourage participation, promote fair play, support inclusion, or strengthen the local sporting community.

• Community Strengthening Award – Recognising a community group that has made an exceptional contribution to building a stronger, more connected and inclusive Hobsons Bay. 
  • This could include initiatives or projects that support social connections, promote wellbeing, celebrate diversity, or championing our environment.

• Young Leader Award – Recognising a young person (12 to 25 years of age) who is making a real difference in the community.
  • This award celebrates young people who show leadership, and inspire others through volunteering, advocacy, mentoring, creating projects, or driving positive change for their peers and their community.

• Community Leader Award – Recognising a person who is making a real difference in the community. 
  • This award celebrates an individual who shows leadership, and inspires others through volunteering, advocacy, mentoring, creating projects, or driving positive change for their peers and their community.

Terms and conditions

Assessment process 

Nominations are reviewed for eligibility, shortlisted, and assessed by a cross‑Council staff panel with two independent panel members using a transparent scoring process.

Nominations are assessed against the following criteria:

• Impact: The positive difference made to the community.
• Going Above and Beyond: Service or effort that exceeds normal expectations
• Leadership and Innovation: Initiative, creativity or leadership shown
• Contribution: Contribution can be of time of weight of impact

All nominations are treated confidentially. Shortlisted nominees are informed of their nomination.

The following document outlines the eligibility requirements, terms and conditions, and the application and nomination process for the Community Recognition Awards.

Community Recognition Awards - terms and conditions(PDF, 296KB)

Key dates

Nominations open: 5 March 2026 

Nominations close: 15 April 2026 

Winners announced: 30 May 2026 

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.