Meet our Community Award winners
Published on 23 August 2024
Congratulations to the 2024 Nillumbik Community Awards winners.
Held at the Eltham Community and Reception Centre in August, the awards were presented to individuals and groups for their contributions and achievements in the Nillumbik community.
Our congratulations go to:
Volunteer of the Year: Warwick Leeson OAM
Community Group of the Year: Lions Club of Eltham
Community Group of the Year (High Commendation): Rotary Club of Eltham
Nillumbik Young Citizen of the Year: Bethany Woodman
Nillumbik Young Citizen of the Year (High Commendation): Mikayla Mountney
Contribution of the Year – Arts Culture and Heritage: Pat Reynolds
Contribution of the Year – Diversity and Inclusion: Phil Petersen
Contribution of the Year – Environment & Sustainability: Boomerang Bags Nillumbik
Contribution of the Year – Reconciliation: Research Junior Football Club
Warwick Leeson OAM 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.
The Lions Club of Eltham 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.
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.
Mayor Ben Ramcharan congratulated nominees across all categories and thanked them for 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.
Our Contribution of the Year award recipients have all helped advance a cause that strengthens the community. Pat Reynolds (Arts Culture and Heritage) has made invaluable contributions to the St Andrews community, and is recognised as an instigator and champion of numerous projects. Phil Petersen (Diversity and Inclusion) 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. Boomerang Bags Nillumbik (Environment & Sustainability) is a small group of volunteers who attend the Hurstbridge Community Hub each Tuesday to sew sustainable bags for the community. Research Junior Football Club (Reconciliation), is an inclusive, family-oriented club that provides a diverse, fun, safe and family friendly environment for members.
Read more about our incredible nominees by visiting nillumbik.vic.gov.au/community-awards
If you’d like to get more involved in the community, a great place to start is visiting nillumbik.vic.gov.au/volunteer-info
Pictured: Volunteer of the Year for 2024, Warwick Leeson OAM, with Mayor Ben Ramcharan.