2025 Civic Awards

Randa is a passionate and dedicated advocate for those experiencing homelessness and hardship. Through Reaching Out in the Inner West, Randa leads a team that has helped sustain the Footscray community since 2005.

Alongside her husband Ron, Randa welcomes hundreds of people each week to their Monday evening food pantry in Footscray Mall, where essential items like nourishing, home cooked vegetarian meals, blankets, toiletries, and more are distributed with care and empathy.

Her work provides not just sustenance but a sense of dignity and community for those struggling to get by. As a catalyst for change, Randa has connected with multiple charities to support her cause, ensuring people in need receive not only food but also the humanity they deserve.

Randa’s work is more than just about resources; it’s about restoring hope, fostering a spirit of kindness, and offering a safe haven where people can find empathy and understanding without judgment.

Angela is a dedicated community organiser and climate advocate with over a decade of service in the City of Maribyrnong. She is actively involved in several environmental groups, including Climate Action Maribyrnong, Parents 4 Climate, and Better Streets, and has been a key figure in initiatives like Permaculture Out West and Reimagining the Old Footscray Hospital Site.

Angela’s contributed to the development of Maribyrnong’s Climate Emergency Action Plan and its ongoing implementation. As a member of the inaugural Climate Emergency Advisory Committee, Angela seeks to ensure the community’s environmental and public health priorities are heard.

Her work is marked by collaboration, uniting diverse groups for common goals. Angela also mentors others through Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA), inspiring women to lead in environmental advocacy. Angela’s tireless efforts make her an invaluable asset to the community and beyond.

Edward is a dedicated community advocate who has committed much of his time to supporting the people of Maribyrnong, particularly young people. Raised in the area and a former student of Maribyrnong Secondary College, Edward has always felt a strong connection to the young people in the community and often sees his own experiences reflected in their lives.

As a member of the Maribyrnong Youth Advisory Committee, Edward plays an active role in advocating for youth-focused initiatives, particularly in the areas of mental health and sustainability. In addition, Edward serves as a sub-committee Board Member at Western Chances, providing valuable advice on supporting talented students who face personal and financial barriers.

Drawing from his own lived experience, Edward has become deeply involved in volunteer work, including delivering keynote speeches and MCing events, to inspire and motivate others.

Through his work in education, storytelling, and leadership, Edward aims to be the mentor he never had. Raised by migrant and refugee parents, Edward faced many challenges in finding role models with similar experiences to his own, but is now privileged to give back and guide the next generation of leaders in the City of Maribyrnong.

L2R Dance, founded by Jacinda Richards in 2009, was born from a community need observed during Jacinda’s time as an educator at the Western English Language School in Braybrook. Recognising the lack of support for young, culturally diverse migrants and refugees, Jacinda began volunteering her time after hours to run free hip-hop workshops.

Since its establishment, L2R Dance has become a prominent community-driven organisation, offering free dance programs across Melbourne’s West, with a focus on young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. L2R delivers programs like BIG MOVES, a weekly community dance workshop, and Igniting Legends, an internship program fostering career pathways in the creative industries. In 2023, L2R also began its social enterprise initiative, creating 130 employment opportunities for young artists.

Over the years, L2R has empowered over 2,000 participants, employed 47 young people, and created over 3,900 free dance programs. Its partnerships with schools, youth centres, and local businesses have fostered cross-community collaboration and contributed to positioning the City of Maribyrnong as a growing cultural hub.

Reem Sweid established The Chestnut Tree bookshop in West Footscray in 2021, opening the business during the COVID-19 lockdowns after noticing a gap in the community for a local bookshop. Combining a coffee shop with a bookshop, The Chestnut Tree provides a welcoming space for people to connect over a coffee, a book, or simply a friendly chat. The store is open extended hours seven days a week, offering a unique and accessible community hub in the area.

The Chestnut Tree offers free Wi-Fi, a large communal table, children’s story time, and runs multiple book clubs, including a general, decolonise your bookshelf, and junior book club. The shop also hosts a Bad Writers Club and participates in local events, including an annual fundraising barbecue for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

The Chestnut Tree has become a local institution, positively impacting the community by providing a space that fosters social connections, supports local authors, and boosts West Footscray’s reputation as a cultural destination. Reem’s efforts have created an inclusive space where people of all ages and backgrounds feel welcome and supported.

Azhar has been a tireless advocate for the Little Africa Precinct in Footscray, where he has made significant contributions to improving the local trading environment. As the inaugural president of the Little Africa Traders group, Azhar has worked to foster better relationships between local traders and Council.

His commitment to the Precinct’s upkeep is evident through his personal efforts, including cleaning graffiti from shopfronts and liaising with Council teams to address key maintenance areas.

A major achievement has been securing a $20,000 West Gate Tunnel Neighbourhood grant to launch Footscray’s first-ever African Night Market in 2025. This event put a spotlight the Little Africa Precinct, attracting food and culture lovers and enhancing Footscray's reputation as a vibrant destination. Azhar’s leadership continues to empower local traders, ensuring their voices are heard.

Vincent became the youngest ever Mayor of the City of Footscray in 1977 and served as a local Councillor for nine years. In addition to his political career, Vincent has made a significant impact in the Footscray business community through his successful 55-year career as a legal practitioner. Owning and operating a law firm, he contributed to the local economy and employed numerous staff over the years.

Vincent played an instrumental role in helping to start and establish other businesses within Footscray, further strengthening the local business landscape. As a committed member of the Rotary Club of Footscray for over 40 years, he worked to support local residents and foster community development. His leadership and dedication to Footscray’s business sector is widely respected.

To this day, Vincent continues to offer legal services to the local community, providing valuable support to clients. His legacy includes mentoring young professionals, training staff, and actively contributing to the growth and success of Footscray’s business community..

The Maribyrnong Swifts Football Club is a leader in promoting inclusivity and gender equality in sports. The Club offers a wide range of football programs catering to women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals of all ages and abilities. Their services include training, matches, skill development workshops, and pathways to coaching and refereeing qualifications, fostering career growth in sports.

A key focus of the Club is creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed and respected. With women comprising 75 per cent of the executive board, the Swifts highlight strong female leadership and encourage female participation in administration and governance. The Club also emphasises the importance of male allies in supporting these initiatives.

Through various community engagement activities, such as volunteering opportunities and social events, the Swifts foster a strong, supportive network. Their commitment to fair access ensures equal opportunities for all members to participate in football, regardless of gender or background.

The Maribyrnong Swifts Football Club has made a lasting impact on the community, empowering women and girls, fostering inclusivity, and creating a positive environment for all participants.

The Art Room, founded by Erika Gofton in 2010 and later joined by Ilona Nelson in 2018, has become a cornerstone of the local arts community. The Art Room offers diverse artistic education, providing dedicated spaces for Life Drawing, Ceramics, Printmaking, Painting, and Expanded Practice/Open Studio, as well as a library and gallery spaces. Since its inception, it has expanded four times, with its largest move in 2022 to a new space on Cowper Street.

The Art Room stands out for its inclusive, empowering environment, especially for women, who make up a significant portion of its participants. It advocates for women’s empowerment and creative expression through exhibitions, talks, and a supportive space for artists. The community kitchen adds to its welcoming atmosphere, fostering connection.

Noteworthy achievements include fostering a supportive community, offering high-quality education, and advocating for women's representation in the arts. The Art Room’s focus on safety and inclusivity has made it an essential resource in Maribyrnong, providing a vital cultural space that enriches the region’s artistic landscape and supports both emerging and established artists.

The Iceberg Foundation is a trailblazer in supporting LGBTIQA+ communities, particularly forcibly displaced individuals, black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC), and neurodivergent people. Operating for over five years, the Foundation offers intersectional, inclusive services that address systemic barriers and promote mental health and wellbeing.

The Foundation also advocates for better healthcare access, launching a cancer awareness campaign to improve screening rates among BIPOC communities. Their work extends to providing identity-affirming workshops for clinicians and crisis support during emergencies, ensuring community safety and healing.

In partnership with local organisations, the Foundation has built strong community connections and improved teacher wellbeing in local schools. With a focus on advocacy, inclusion, and mental health, the Foundation has empowered countless individuals and fostered a compassionate, inclusive environment in Maribyrnong.

Stacey is the co-owner of Migrant Coffee, a beloved café in West Footscray that fosters diversity and connection. Through her café, Stacey has cultivated a welcoming environment where people from all backgrounds can come together and enjoy a shared love of coffee. Her commitment to inclusivity and supporting the local community is reflected in every aspect of her business.

Beyond her business achievements, Stacey is a true hero. While managing her café, she witnessed a woman collapse from cardiac arrest and immediately took action. Without hesitation, Stacey administered CPR, playing a pivotal role in saving the life of the mother of two. Her quick thinking and calm composure during such a critical moment were essential in reviving the woman and ensuring her survival.