Darebin Community Awards

We’re seeking community representatives to join the Darebin Community Awards Selection Committee!

Committee members judge the nominations for the Darebin Community Awards and help plan the Awards ceremony.

We’re looking for people who reflect Darebin’s diversity and are available to attend committee meetings (usually held in the evening). Do you know someone who may be interested, or maybe you’re interested yourself?

The expressions of interest closes 30 June 2023.

For further information please contact Bronwyn Ryan-Mercer by calling 03 8470 8551 or email fuse@darebin.vic.gov.au.

Nominations for the Darebin Community Awards 2023 to be announced later in the year

The Darebin Community Awards is an annual event that acknowledges and celebrates groups and individuals that make outstanding contributions to our community. Do you know a community hero? You can nominate your heroes and help us celebrate their contribution. You can nominate an individual or group in one of the following award categories:

1. Citizen of the Year
2. Young Citizen of the Year
3. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
4. Community Leader of the Year
5. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Emerging
6. Young Community Leader of the Year
7. Community Group of the Year
8. Sustainability Award
9. Lifetime Achievement Award
10. Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Elder Community Leader of the Year
11. Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Emerging Community Leader of the Year

Judging criteria for community awards

Nominations for each award are judged by the Darebin Community Awards Committee. Judging is based on the following overall criteria:

1. Desire for prosperity with a “share for all” attitude
2. Contribution to the cultural diversity of the community
3. Community values and support systems
4. Equality and equity
5. Demonstrates and exemplifies the highest standards in ethical behaviours and integrity
6. Concern for sustainability and the environment.

Additional category judging criteria

Citizen of the Year, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Community Leader, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Community Leader of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award.

• Demonstrated commitment to the betterment of the community
• Undertakes activities that have short and long term benefits for others
• Is celebrated as a positive role model
• Demonstrates leadership and courage
• Undertakes activities that promote the welfare and wellbeing of the community
• Contributions made by nominee have either been done on a voluntary basis or exceed the normal requirements of the person’s paid work.

Young Citizen of the Year, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Emerging Young Leader of the Year and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Emerging Young Leader of the Year

• Participates in the community
• Active in youth issues
• Is caring, compassionate and sharing
• Demonstrates leadership and courage
• Positive role model to peers
• Accepts responsibility for self and others
• Shows outstanding achievement in either academic, sporting, cultural, environment or civic life.

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Elder Community Leader of the Year

• Demonstrated commitment to working closely and in partnership with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities and organisations
• Undertakes activities that address the emerging needs and priorities of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities

Community Group of the Year

• Sustained achievements of the group with measurable benefit to the broader community
• Service to the community
• Significant volunteer involvement
• Target community of the group nominated
• Achievements of the group reflect the values of Darebin Community Awards as set out above

Sustainability Award

• A sustainability champion awarded to either a group or an individual
• Delivering a project, program or activity which delivers genuine and measurable action in direct response to climate emergency
• Responding to an environmental issue relevant to Darebin
• Actively engages the local community.

Darebin Community Awards 2022 winners

Every year the Darebin Community Awards highlight the wonderful and impactful contributions our community members make to the City of Darebin. The 2022 Community Awards Presentation Event was held at Narrandjeri Stadium on 23 March 2023.

The presentation night was presided over by Darebin Mayor Councillor Julie Williams and Darebin Aboriginal Advisory Chair Uncle Alan Brown, and was nestled within this year's FUSE Darebin program, which is our biannual arts festival that highlights the many talents and creative endeavours of the Darebin community.

Mayor Williams said the achievements of all nominees are a testament to what a thriving community we have here in Darebin, and one that is deserving of celebration on such a special evening.

“It is my honour to preside over these awards and celebrate the many wonderful individuals and groups that make life so rich here in Darebin,” Mayor Williams said.

“These are our local heroes, people who have shown deep dedication to, and who continue to inspire, our Darebin community.”

The 2022 winners

Find out more about 2022’s winners.

More information

Senior Producer
Phone: 03 8470 8551
Email: Bronwyn.Ryan-Mercer@darebin.vic.gov.au