Recognising those who make a difference
Published on 05 February 2021
We are excited to announce the 2021 annual Civic Awards recipients. At a ceremony held on 4 February, the award winners and nominees were celebrated and thanked for their efforts in helping make Maribyrnong a wonderful place to live, work and visit. This ceremony was held outdoors and in accordance with the requirements of the DHHS following a re-introduction of some restrictions that day.
Message from the Mayor, Cr Michael Clarke
On Thursday, after confirming our ability to still do so with the Department of Health, we came together to recognise and congratulate the many individuals and organisations who donate their time to improve the lives of so many in the City of Maribyrnong. We say thank you to all our nominees who go above and beyond in order to help make our City such a great place to live, work and visit.
Every year we receive a high calibre of nominations and this year was no exception. 2020 was an incredibly challenging time with the devastating bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic where we saw members of our community continue to step up and to do so in even greater ways to support those in need. It is indeed an honour to recognise and congratulate the many individuals and organisations who so willingly donate their time to improve others’ lives.
Citizens of the Year
Peter and Lola Anderson
Peter and Lola have been instrumental in the protection and ongoing development of Cruickshank Park. They were founding members of the park planning committee and have been local champions and advocates for over 50 years. They retain ongoing roles on the Cruickshank Park Advisory Committee (CPAC) and as members of Friends of Cruickshank Park.
Volunteer of the Year
Greg Ferrington
Greg is a dedicated volunteer who can be relied upon to support those who have experienced hardship caused by emergency situations. During the COVID-19 pandemic and bushfires, Greg played a key role in providing food relief to those most in need.
Youth Leadership Award
Mohamed Semra
Mohamed has been actively involved in social justice and community activities from his time in secondary school. He established Endeavour Youth Australia, an organisation that aims to identify and invest in diverse young leaders. Mohamed seeks to create a more inclusive community free from discrimination.
Zoe Knight
Zoe has been instrumental in initiating and establishing the Junior Park Rangers program in Cruickshank Park and securing in excess of $20,000 in funding for the program, which provides an opportunity for young people to become involved in environmental issues that impact and sustain the community.
Community Strengthening Award
Inner West Air Quality Community Reference Group
Established in 2018, the Inner West Air Quality Community Reference Group, which is comprised of a group of volunteers, developed a list of recommendations to improve monitoring, legislation, planning and regulation of pollution in Maribyrnong and the Inner West. Their work highlights a need for government to take action to reduce the health and wellbeing impacts of poor air quality on residents.
Enterprise Maribyrnong Award: Contribution to Business Community
Stuart and Liana Lucca-Pope
Stuart and Liana are the owners of Littlefoot Bar, Footscray. During 2020, they produced t-shirts which read ‘F**K COVID-19 Love, Footscray’. These colourful shirts played an important role in bringing the community together with humour, while also stimulating the local economy.
Enterprise Maribyrnong Award: New and Emerging Business Award
Tilegne Therapy
Tilegne Therapy is the first multicultural therapy clinic in Footscray to deliver Allied Health services to the community. Tilegne creates equal access for people with disabilities from non-English speaking and culturally diverse backgrounds.
Enterprise Maribyrnong Award: Innovative Business Award
Mat O’Keefe, Pride of our Footscray
Mat is the Chief Bar Officer of Pride of our Footscray, a community-run bar, exhibition space and performance venue providing a safe space for the LGBTIQ community. The bar supports local artists and bands by providing a space for them to exhibit and perform, and serves locally sourced food and beer. Pride of our Footscray Community Bar celebrates and reflects the diverse community of Footscray.
Active Maribyrnong Sporting Award
Footscray Trugo Club
In 2015, a team of hard-working volunteers revived the Footscray Trugo Club breathing new life into the unique local sport said to be like a cross between croquet, wood chopping, lawn bowls and AFL football. Described as a ‘true blue aussie game’, railway workers hitting train components around the Newport Workshops are credited with its invention.
The Club is a welcoming and inclusive space that has helped ease the social isolation felt by many residents during 2020.
Arts Award
The Hansen Reserves
The Hansen Reserves are a cover band who bring live music and joy to fundraising activities held by local sporting clubs, schools and charities. They provide music at no cost to support community fundraising endeavours.
Mayoral Award
Lee Smith-Moir
During Melbourne’s first lockdown in March 2020, Yarraville resident Lee Smith-Moir, set created a series of activities for visitors of Cruickshank Park to help brighten their day and put a smile on their face during a difficult time.
Les Twentyman
Les has dedicated his life to helping young Australians find a positive future, helping thousands of young Victorians to a better life. Through his decades of experience working on the streets, Les has developed expertise on a range of community issues, including youth homelessness, drug abuse, prison reform and social welfare.
Rebecca Barnard
While a rock star in her own right, and very much part of Australian rock royalty, Rebecca has been an instrumental part of our community since settling in Yarraville 30 years ago. She supports Kingsville Primary with their fundraising events and for the last 15 years has also been a major draw card at the Kingsville Carols.