FIVE deserving locals were recently recognised for their outstanding contributions to the community.
The annual City of Whittlesea Community Awards were presented at the Community Festival earlier this month, celebrating the strong sense of community spirit, and honouring the exceptional service, leadership, and dedication of residents.
Among the recipients were a passionate environmental volunteer, a local playgroup founder providing a safe space for children with additional needs, a driven youth leader with a strong focus on issues facing young people, a long-serving local radio volunteer, and a champion for inclusivity.
More than 40 nominations were received, with the winners selected by a committee that included past winners, independent community members, and a councillor representative.
Community Award recipients:
Citizen of the Year: Dr Sarvesh Soni
An active member and executive of the Whittlesea Interfaith Network, Dr Soni is a strong advocate for inclusivity and community connection, promoting interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding to help create a space where people from all backgrounds feel valued, respected, and heard.
Following his participation in the City of Whittlesea Community Leadership Program, Dr Soni is also dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering leadership development, and has established a nationwide network to help budding entrepreneurs.
His ongoing efforts and collaborations for community-driven events has helped strengthen social connection within the community.
Senior Citizen of the Year: Bill McGillivray
Bill has been a volunteer radio presenter with 88.6 Plenty Valley FM for 36 years.
As one of the station’s longest serving and most highly regarded on- air presenters, Bill is a role model and mentor for the newer volunteers who have joined the station over the years.
Bill is the driving force behind all PVFMs outside broadcasts, has served on the Committee of Management as treasurer for many years, and is the emergency coordinator and liaison with local emergency response teams for PVFM.
Bill’s selfless contribution to PVFM and community broadcasting is to be commended.
Young Citizen of the Year: Zachary Melvaine
Zachary is dedicated to creating positive change, with a strong focus on issues facing young people, including health and wellbeing, inclusive sport participation, and educating young people on how to honour and support the legacy of Australian veterans.
A member of the Australian Army Cadets, a City of Whittlesea youth councillor and the former youth mayor, and current Year 12 college captain at his school, Zachary has shown leadership across many areas.
Zachary has led the student representative council at his school in raising funds to support the local community, and was also the mental health and wellbeing ambassador at the school, promoting the importance of mental health in young people.
Access and Inclusion Citizen of the Year: Zoe Brown
As the driving force behind the Free to Be Me playgroup program, Zoe has transformed the lives of countless children with additional needs by providing a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment where they can thrive without barriers.
Through this program, Zoe has created a supportive community where parents can connect, share experiences, and access crucial resources.
Sustainable Environment Citizen of the Year: Jim Bannan
Jim has been a strong advocate and participant in various conservation projects, including the Friends of Plenty River Gorge, and is a tireless volunteer with Parks Victoria.
Jim leads groups, responds to request for help from local landcare groups, and loves sharing his knowledge and deep passion for the Plenty Gorge Park.
Jim also loves to promote wellness and the benefits of the great outdoors through sharing his stories with others.
