Community Volunteer Achievement Awards

The Citizen of the Year Award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the City of Melton through leadership, service and community connection.

This award celebrates someone whose dedication has strengthened community participation, fostered inclusion and created a lasting positive impact across our City.

Since 2016, Rohit has shown extraordinary leadership in building a more connected, inclusive and supportive community for our multicultural families, seniors, people with disability and vulnerable residents across the City of Melton.

Through founding and leading multiple award-winning organisations: the Australian Integrated Fijian Association of Victoria, Australian Integrated Care Services and Australian Integrated Marketing and Merchandise Services, this year’s Citizen of the Year has delivered countless free programs, cultural celebrations and inclusive events that bring people together and create a true sense of belonging.

During COVID-19, they led vital relief efforts including food distribution, wellbeing support, mental health programs and digital literacy assistance for seniors and people with disability. They have also played an important advisory role representing multicultural communities and families in regional decision-making.

Rohit serves our community with resilience, empathy and compassion. Their dedication has strengthened social connection, expanded inclusion and created lasting opportunities for the community. 

The Young Citizen of the Year Award recognises an outstanding young person who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving access, participation and involvement for young people across the City of Melton.

Alanis is a young leader who is creating meaningful opportunities, fostering strong community partnerships and making a positive and lasting impact through their leadership, advocacy and dedication to supporting other young people.

They have shown exceptional commitment to ensuring young voices are heard, valued and empowered through their work with the City of Melton Youth Advisory Committee and a range of community initiatives focused on inclusion, wellbeing and opportunity.

Alanis has confidently advocated on important issues affecting young people, including mental health, youth violence prevention, homelessness and financial literacy, while also creating spaces for meaningful conversations through community radio, podcasts and youth forums.

Beyond advocacy, they give generously of their time mentoring primary school students by volunteering with the Melton Reading Club, helping build confidence, literacy and connection for the next generation.

They also contribute to broader community benefit through youth empowerment and education, coordinating accessible workshops with Youth 4 Youth Inc. and participating in STEM innovation through the BrainSTEM partnership with Toyota, focused on inclusive learning supports.

Their leadership is thoughtful, authentic and deeply community-minded, and their impact is already being felt throughout the City of Melton.

The Disability, Access and Inclusion Leader of the Year Award recognises an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to improving access, participation and inclusion for people living with disability across the City of Melton.  

This award celebrates a community leader who fosters strong partnerships, advocates for greater accessibility and inclusion, and works tirelessly to create a community where people with disability feel valued, supported and empowered to fully participate in community life.

Michelle is an extraordinary individual whose kindness, encouragement and unwavering support have made a lasting difference in the lives of people living with disability and their families. 

They lead with compassion and heart, creating safe, welcoming, and empowering environments where people feel valued, included and supported to thrive.  

Through their involvement in inclusive sports programs like Specialist Hoops Victoria, they have helped participants build confidence, resilience and meaningful social connection. 

Despite having no previous coaching experience, they stepped forward to help when support was needed, earning the trust and admiration of participants and families alike through their positivity, warmth, and genuine care. 

Michelle's long-standing commitment to volunteering across community support programs and local organisations reflects a deep and selfless dedication to helping others.  

Their impact can be seen not only in the programs they support, but in the confidence, joy and belonging they help create for so many people in our community.

The Gender Equity Leader of the Year Award recognises an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving access, participation and inclusion for people of all genders across the City of Melton.

This award acknowledges a community leader who fosters strong partnerships, champions equality and creates opportunities that advance the status of women and people of all genders, helping build a more inclusive and equitable community for all. Tom is a remarkable leader whose vision, persistence and passion have transformed participation opportunities for women and girls at the Spring Hills Football Club.  

They demonstrated strong community leadership by advocating for an all-girls team in 2012 and setting up a five-year strategic plan to establish a senior women’s team by 2016.  

For the past eight years, Tom has coached the senior NPL women’s team as well as the VPL/NPL junior girls’ team, which saw Spring Hills Football Club participate as the only female junior and senior NPL club in Melbourne’s west. 

This year’s Gender Equity Leader recognised the importance of creating pathways for female participation in football more than a decade ago, and has worked tirelessly to turn that vision into reality.  

Thanks to their leadership, dedication and belief in inclusion, a single all-girls team has grown into one of the strongest women’s football programs in the west. 

Their commitment has helped create opportunities for girls of all ages to participate, compete and thrive, while also fostering a welcoming and respectful club culture for players, families and supporters alike.  

As both a coach and leader, they have inspired confidence, teamwork and a genuine sense of belonging within the sporting community. 

Their efforts have not only strengthened their club but have also helped pave the way for greater gender equity across local sport. 

The Intercultural Engagement Leader of the Year Award recognises an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to improving access, participation and involvement for culturally diverse communities across the City of Melton.  

This award celebrates a leader who fosters strong community partnerships, promotes inclusion and belonging, and advances intercultural understanding through meaningful leadership and connection within our diverse community. 

Amit is recognised as a community leader whose generosity, empathy and commitment to inclusion have helped countless people feel welcomed, supported and connected in our community.

Through volunteer service with the CFA, SES, Scouts Australia, and Make A Wish Foundation, they have gone above and beyond to encourage people from culturally diverse backgrounds to participate fully in community life.

Drawing on their own migrant experience, they have helped newly arrived families feel a sense of belonging and confidence in their new home.

Their leadership is grounded in kindness, cultural understanding and a genuine desire to bring people together.

Whether supporting children and families through inclusive youth programs, promoting community safety, or creating culturally respectful experiences for families facing hardship, their impact has been both meaningful and far-reaching.

Together with their family, they also co-founded the Aintree Children’s Academy, celebrating creativity, confidence and cultural pride in young people, and creating a welcoming space where diversity is embraced and every child feels valued. 

Since 2015, Mary-Anne has been committed to the organisation and delivery of the ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies in Diggers Rest. Mary-Anne is heavily involved with the RSL and has fostered partnerships by collaborating with other local groups, such as the Diggers Rest Lions Club, Primary School and the Country Fire Authority. These relationships have helped strengthen local community understanding and engagement with these days of significance.

Mary-Anne is a wealth of knowledge after her experience in the Army Reserve, openly sharing these insights with the community. Furthermore, Mary-Anne initiated the Crafters & Knitting Group, helping to bring residents together who share a passion for crafts and the like each Thursday in Diggers Rest.

Despite her battle with cancer, Mary-Anne has continued to show her love and support for the local community by establishing or managing Facebook groups as well as helping with the Diggers Rest History Project.  

Ava is an active leader and volunteer within the City of Melton community. She has represented the voice of youth by volunteering her time to host at the local radio station, hosting her school's homework club and is a Sustainability and Curriculum leader at her school.

Ava has also been involved in the Young Women's Leadership Program, Melton's Youth Advisory Committee and the Federal Youth Advisory Committee. Ava shares her drive by representing, advocating and supporting young people in our community. Furthermore, Ava has helped deliver meaningful events for our community including the Dream Big Festival and other school activities. 

Ava pictured to the left. 

Ravinder founded the Rehmat Sandhu Foundation in 2015. Through the foundation, Ravinder has implemented various initiatives and programs aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities and fostering their inclusion within the community. She has fostered community partnerships by engaging with local businesses to promote disability inclusion in the workplace, collaborating with government agencies and advocating for suitable policies and initiatives, partnering with other organisations to combine resources, participating and hosting community events and initiatives to raise awareness about disability (such as workshops, fairs and recreational activities).

Ravinder has been a tireless advocate for accessibility and accommodation, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to opportunities and services.

Overall, Ravinder’s community leadership has not only improved the lives of individuals with disabilities but has also enriched the fabric of the entire community, fostering a more equitable and inclusive society for all.  

As a Youth Helper, Cub Leader, and Rover Chairperson in the Caroline Springs Scout Group, Melanie has played pivotal roles in fostering inclusivity and empowerment within the group and wider community. Melanie actively participated in the recent This Girl Can event, which aimed to promote participation of girls in Scouting by exploring their experiences in the traditionally male-dominated hobby.  

Outside of Scouting, Melanie's involvement with King Swim as a Swim Teacher provides local youth with essential swimming skills and water safety education. She has also built partnerships with organisations such as the Western Emergency Resource Network and Caroline Springs RSL to support events and initiatives such as the ANZAC Day vigil and Caroline Springs dawn service.

In addition, Melanie's participation in events such as the St Kilda Midsumma Pride March since 2018 highlights her dedication to promoting visibility and acceptance for LGBTQIA+ community. Melanie is planning and leading the Group’s inaugural Pride Camp, tailored specifically for LGBTQIA+ members and allies.  

Kayenaga has contributed significantly to the cultural awareness at Staughton College by playing a pivotel role in organising the first ever Tongan Language Week celebrations at Staughton College.

As part of Kayenaga’s role she taught other Pasifika students how to perform Taolunga (traditional dance) and Mauluulu (traditional synchronized clapping), and worked with peers and family to ensure all students had traditional clothes for performances. Kayenaga has breathed new life into the Pasifika cohort at Staughton College and because of her efforts, the college has smaller cohorts of students being recognised, such as Tahitian, Cook Island, Fijian, Tuvaluan, and Maori.

Claire Mouser is a genuine contributor to the community, through her work with the 1st Caroline Springs Scout Group and partnerships with many different local organisations, including the Caroline Springs RSL. 

Claire is the Community Development Manager at Woodlea for over five years and has been responsible for developing effective relationships and networks with community members, agencies, retailers and sporting groups.

Claire’s overarching mandate is to develop the community’s connectedness and improve wellbeing within Woodlea and the region. She has achieved this through organising events, fundraising opportunities and art murals for the Walk of Honour.  

Comfort Kennedy is a very active, dedicated and compassionate volunteer community leader with engagements in the Equip Church, Youth Advisory Committee at Melton City Council and an English tutor at the Djerriwarrh Community and Education Services.

Comfort has made tremendous impact on the lives of migrants and refugees in Melton by teaching them English, Australian culture and settlement topics. Comfort is passionate about teaching and empowering the community, across all generations and cultures.  She is committed to mentoring young and older team members at the Equip Church and supports their learning through training materials and social gatherings.

Mollie VanDer Linden has been involved with Specialist Hoops Basketball for over four years, and has an aptitude for helping others, whether Coaching, supporting with tournaments or School Holiday programs, or as part of the Student Leadership Team at her school. Mollie has shown dedication and compassion in working with people living with disabilities and has encouraged community involvement through her persistent attendance and drive to support others. 

Lucas Murana is the dedicated coach at Westside Strikers. Since his involvement as coach, Lucas has gone above and beyond to support children with neurodiversity, specifically those with Autism, and has made tremendous efforts to ensure they feel included and valued within the Westside Strikers community. His actions have demonstrated exceptional compassion, understanding, and a genuine desire to create an environment where children with disabilities feel wanted and accepted.

Lucas leads by example, demonstrating empathy, patience, and kindness in his interactions with each child. He celebrates individual achievements, promotes a growth mindset, and encourages every player to reach their full potential.

Kirisome is an active volunteer through the Melton Secondary College and Melton Warriors Rugby Club. His roles have included peer support, community assistance, cultural awareness and language translation. More recently, Kirisome has become a male champion participant of Girl Force – and is braving the challenge to change the status quo in support of girls and women.

Kirisome leads by example and is very thoughtful when addressing matters that affect him or his peers. His pledge is to never compromise human relationships.

Mashair is an exceptional community volunteer for the Somali Women Development Association Inc. and is an outstanding elementary teacher.

For the past five years Mashair has gone above and beyond by selflessly dedicating her time and efforts on a volunteer basis to support the Sudanese and South Sudanese communities in Melton, specifically children, youth, and families.

Her actions demonstrate a deep commitment to empowering and supporting the African community in Melton, ultimately contributing to the development and well-being of the community as a whole.

Moreover, Mashair has advanced intercultural issues by promoting understanding and inclusivity. She has fostered dialogue and cooperation between different cultural groups in Melton helping to bridge gaps and promote harmony.

Les has been involved in some capacity with community work since he was young. He has had strong influence in the disability field and has given enormously to ensure that the City of Melton is inclusive and accessible for people living with disability. Les has established groups and held board member positions for a number of disability services.

Les has also been a key member of the Melton Lions Club, being involved in many fundraising initiatives for the community.

He is a regular Friday night volunteer at ‘The GAP on Graham’ youth centre, where he enjoys providing and facilitating a range of services and activities for Melton’s young people. Les has volunteered for the past 3-4 years as a driving mentor with the L2P program, assisting underprivileged young people to gain the 120 hours of driving practice that they require to get their Probationary Licence.

And more recently, Les joined the Harkness Cemetery Advisory Group, where he is supporting the ongoing development of a new cemetery in Harkness. 

Shilpa is a passionate young person, addressing life in a positive manner while overcoming many challenges and embracing her cerebral palsy.

Through her business, Australian Integrated Marketing and Merchandise Services, Shilpa provides a platform for other people with disabilities to sell their products, earn an income and boost their morale. They put together hampers for occasions such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Valentine’s Day and personally deliver them to people in the community that they know are going through difficult times.

Shilpa is a role model for many individuals. She advocates publicly for the disability sector and is involved in many community events.

John has been an integral part of Specialist Hoops basketball program since 2020 – an organisation that provides a safe, non-judgmental environment for those living with disabilities to participate in sports.

John is constantly looking for new ways to engage participants and works to provide the best experience and opportunity for participants to play basketball both on foot and in wheelchairs.   John actively communicates and builds relationships and is always seeking new ways of teaching and ways to adapt to different situations and challenges that individual participants may face.

John brings fresh ideas and finds ways to include people living with disabilities, so no one gets left behind and proves that inclusion is possible.

Daphrose is a proud founding member of the Iteka Youth Organisation and is often seen performing for Club Iteka – Burundian dance group. Daphrose networks with the wider community to secure events and performances for Club Iteka to share their cultural dance and heritage.

Daphrose is a Year 12 Student leader at Staughton College and has proven to be a fantastic role model to her peers and younger students. She has grasped all opportunities provided to her during her schooling.

Murray has been an active member of the RSL for more than four decades, and in recent years he has been a driving force in the development and operations of the Caroline Springs RSL.

Some of Murray’s contributions to the Melton community include being the co-founder of the Caroline Springs RSL Sub-Branch; acting as a Pensions Advocate for Veterans at Melton Vietnam Veterans Centre; initiating proceedings for the first Memorial at Caroline Springs; being caretaker of the Memorial Walk in Aintree; and being  a key support person for the Burnside Village War Widows Group.  Murray’s decades of service have helped hundreds of veterans and their families receive both support and recognition for their sacrifice. 

Grace Jikotani
Grace is a youth leader for Melton’s Fijian community who has ensured that their young people meet regularly and share their stories so that they can learn from each other, appreciate their culture, and become good role models to others in the City of Melton. She has led the BULA Meke youth group, an entertainment group that showcases the proud and rich culture through traditional Fijian dances.  Grace has led the cultural group to represent the Fijian community at events such as Djerriwarrh festival, Dream Big festival, Harmony Day and other local community events in Melton. 

Ivanka Portelli
During the periods of metro Melbourne’s COVID-19 restrictions, Ivanka worked hard to try to reduce the sense of social isolation and loss of connection for many individuals and families.  Throughout lockdown Ivanka was going door to door delivering care packages to families in Caroline Springs. Each package was hand crafted with individualised notes containing kind and encouraging words and self-care tips. This allowed people to feel connected and a little less alone.

Michelle has been a strong advocate for supporting people with disability to gain their confidence and independence and become active members in the community.

She actively works to identify barriers to inclusion for people with a disability and improve their participation in, and connection to, their community.  She is involved in Melton’s Care Expo, has worked at developing employment, education, and training opportunities, as well as liaising with key organisations to improve participation and facilities for people with a disability.  

Margaret has made a significant contribution to her local community and the Zonta Club of Melton. She has worked tirelessly in support of several initiatives designed to empower women, improve their self-esteem, and initiate change.

Her activities have been as diverse as co-ordinating sewing classes at the women’s prison, supporting the provision of birthing kits and breast care cushions, or her involvement in events such as 16 Days of Activism and White Ribbon Day. Margaret’s activities are underpinned by the belief that by empowering women, we build a stronger and more connected community. 

Ornella has been instrumental in the creation of Club Iteka, a Burundian dance group that aims to share Burundian culture with young people and keep them connected to their roots.

Ornella's passion and leadership has inspired many young girls to join the group, as well as bringing the culture alive to the wider community.  Ornella is a passionate advocate, leader, and cultural ambassador for her community and continues to raise awareness of the beauty of the Burundian culture and dance.