Presenting our 2023 Civic Award Winners

Published on 23 February 2023

Maribyrnong City Council held the annual Civic Awards ceremony on 22 February 2023, a momentous occasion to recognise, congratulate, and show our appreciation to those who have donated their time and energy to support those in need and improve the lives of so many in our municipality. 

Mayor, Cr Sarah Carter, said: "2022 was a year for rebuilding as we emerged from the pandemic rebuilding infrastructure, connection and community. It was also a year that continued to test our resilience during the October flood event.  

"This incredible strength, resilience and connectivity are reflected in the nominations received for this year's Civic Awards. It is a privilege to recognise and honour all those nominated, and on behalf of Maribyrnong City Council, I sincerely congratulate you all," Mayor Carter continued. 

Citizen of the Year

Dr John Symons

As the founding member of BikeWest and the Maribyrnong Active Transport committee, John has been a community pioneer for active transport advocacy in Maribyrnong. He has also personally supported funding for the Junior Bike Skills Track at Hansen Reserve in West Footscray.

Volunteer of the Year

Sanda Aye

Sanda generously devotes her time to a wide range of volunteering initiatives across Maribyrnong. One of her most impactful roles is as a volunteer with Adult Multicultural Education Services Australia (AMES) in the Migrant and Refugee Settlement team, supporting vulnerable refugees to settle successfully in the west. Through this work, Sanda has emotionally supported many vulnerable women and families in the inner west.

Youth Leadership Award

Daniel Melican

Daniel is an active Footscray United Cricket Club member and role model within the Maribyrnong cricketing community. Spending nearly seven days a week at Scovell Reserve in Maidstone, Daniel is a much-loved and well-respected player both on and off the pitch. 

Community Strengthening Award

Andy Fithall

Andy is the founder of 'In Other Good News (IOGN)', which started during the COVID-19 pandemic to share positive news stories online. Broadcasting live on Facebook every night, with his two young sons in support roles as co-host and producer, the page took off – brightening the days of locals across the west.

Enterprise Maribyrnong Award: Contribution to Business Community

Sheridan Rose Shaw, MAMAWEST

Sheridan Rose Shaw owns a multi-award-winning co-working space and hair salon, MAMAWEST, a unique business concept focused on supporting women. The Maidstone location is now home to four women-led businesses. Sheridan has created a vibrant, safe and welcoming space for the community to connect, receive a haircut and colour, and benefit from one of the other services on offer. Celebrating diversity, MAMAWEST strives to ensure everyone is valued and feels comfortable being their authentic selves.

Enterprise Maribyrnong Award: New and Emerging Business Award

Alyshia Clarke, Dance 4 All

Alyshia is the owner and principal dance teacher at Dance 4 All – an all-abilities, inclusive dance studio in Footscray, established in 2021 to deliver a dance programme that would positively influence the lives of people with disability. Alyshia, passionate about special education, has watched children miss out on dance classes because of their diverse needs over the years. Dance 4 All has specially designed programs to support these students and give them the gift of dance.

Enterprise Maribyrnong Award: Innovative Business Award

Julian Hills, Restaurant Navi

Julian is the owner and chef at fine dining Restaurant Navi in Yarraville, a two-hatted restaurant that celebrates local suppliers. Paying homage to his American heritage, 'Navi' means 'local' in Cherokee, and this restaurant truly lives up to its name. Julian creates his food using ingredients sourced from small producers and local farms and has a chat with guests whenever he can to share his passion for cooking with others.

Active Maribyrnong Sporting Award

West Footscray Football Club

The West Footscray Football Club has experienced exponential growth in the past seven years, growing from just a handful of players to more than 200 registered junior players and 130 Auskick players in 2022. The culture, support and commitment to AFL the Club provide helps it attract members across Maribyrnong and beyond. Community is at the heart of this Club, which hosts a range of events throughout the year to which all are welcome.

Arts Award 

Bernadette Fitzgerald

Bernadette has been a valued member of the Maribyrnong arts community for over 25 years and works as a Senior Producer at Footscray Community Arts. Bernadette advocates for best-practice methodologies in community-engaged arts practice and champions representation in the local arts sector, particularly through allyship with First Nations practitioners. She is passionate about building up and supporting local artists and arts organisations in the inner west.

Mayoral Award

State Emergency Service, Footscray Unit

The State Emergency Service Footscray Unit provided invaluable support during the October 2022 Maribyrnong River flood, which impacted approximately 500 residents in Maribyrnong. The volunteers responded quickly and efficiently, focusing on the safety of residents.

Inspector Paul Morgan, Victoria Police

Inspector Paul Morgan led the Victoria Police response to the Maribyrnong River Flood event in October 2022, which impacted residents and businesses from around 500 properties. Paul has made every effort to ensure recovery efforts were directed towards positive community outcomes.

Flood Warriors

The Flood Warriors is a volunteer group founded during the October 2022 Maribyrnong River flood event. Kitty Scott's online group grew rapidly, with members offering support to flood-affected residents, arranging clean-ups, and sharing goods and resources with those in need. The group exemplified the strength of our community and just what can be achieved when people from all walks of life voluntarily come together to support their neighbours in a time of crisis.

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