City of Whittlesea Community Awards

The Citizen of the Year is awarded to an individual who has made an important contribution or given outstanding service to the community in the past 12 months or over a number of years. The award is open to all ages.

Nominees eligible for Citizen of the Year are assessed on whether they demonstrate any or all of the following:

• showing values that reflect our vision of the City of Whittlesea as ‘A Place for All’
• being a positive role model for others
• showing leadership and vision for the future of the community
• undertaking activities that promote a connected community.

The Young Citizen of the Year is for an individual, aged between 14 and 25 years old as of 1 November, who has made an important contribution or given outstanding service to the community in the past 12 months or over a number of years.

Nominees for Young Citizen of the Year are assessed on whether they demonstrate any or all of the following:

• showing values that reflect our vision of the City of Whittlesea as ‘A Place for All’
• being a positive role model for others
• showing leadership and vision for the future of the community
• undertaking activities that promote a connected community.

The Senior Citizen of the Year is for an individual, aged 60 years or older as of 1 November, who has made an important contribution or given outstanding service to the community in the past 12 months or over a number of years.

Nominees for are assessed on whether they demonstrate any or all of the following:

• showing values that reflect our vision of the City of Whittlesea as ‘A Place for All’
• being a positive role model for others
• showing leadership and vision for the future of the community
• undertaking activities that promote a connected community.

The Access and Inclusion Citizen of the Year is for an individual who has made an important contribution or given outstanding service to the community by including others whose access to participation is restricted due to physical, social or other challenges.

The award is open to all ages and takes into account the contribution of nominees during the past 12 months or over a number of years.

Nominees are assessed on whether they demonstrate any or all of the following:

• taking action to improve opportunities for everyone to participate fully
• raising awareness and advocating for our community to be more inclusive
• creating opportunities to increase participation for residents restricted by physical, social or other challenges; or, achieving positive outcomes that increase participation 
• reducing discrimination for residents.

The Sustainable Environment Citizen or Group of the Year is for an individual or group that has actively responded to, and engaged others in, an environmental issue impacting the City of Whittlesea.

The award is open to all ages and takes into account nominees’ contributions during the past 12 months or over a number of years.

Nominations are assessed on whether the nominees demonstrate any or all of the following:

• showing stewardship of our valued natural landscapes and biodiversity
• promoting climate readiness and resilience
• showing leadership in sustainable living initiatives.

• Entries must be received on or before the closing date.
• Recipients will be decided by the City of Whittlesea Awards Committee.
• The Awards Committee's decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into relating to the decision.
• Nominees, nominators or referees may be contacted for further information by City of Whittlesea staff.
• Individuals may be nominated for more than one category; however, each individual can only be nominated once per category.
• Individuals or groups nominated for a City of Whittlesea Community Award may be considered for an award in a category other than the one they are nominated in.
• All enquiries and award nomination material will remain confidential unless the City of Whittlesea obtains express permission for use. The exception is for nominee’s names and for nomination material used in the award ceremony.

As a dentist, Dr. Sharma understands the value of health education in oral care. Through her Miles for Happy Smiles mobile dental program, Dr. Sharma has reached children and families who might otherwise miss out on preventive oral healthcare.

By visiting primary schools, secondary colleges, kindergartens, and childcare centres, she has helped children develop healthy habits early, reducing fear around dental care and supporting lifelong wellbeing. She also regularly delivers dental health talks at schools, temples, community gatherings, and aged-care settings, and has organised free dental camps for children, families, and the elderly.

In addition to her passion for oral care, Dr. Sharma is also passionate about protecting the environment and also fostering connection and inclusion. Dr. Sharma served as the founder and secretary of the Sanskriti Community Group for Women, creating welcoming spaces through yoga, dance, and cultural activities to reduce social isolation and strengthen community bonds, and currently serves as Vice President of the Whittlesea Interfaith Network.

Barrie’s involvement in developing and running the Big Man’s Luncheon is a testament to his commitment to helping others in our community. The program provides meals and encourages mateship between participants, helping those in need.

Barrie also volunteers his time at the Whittlesea Community Garden and Whittlesea Community House, helping with gardening, maintenance and a range of other activities. 

18-year-old Mia has been a volunteer firefighter at the South Morang CFA since she was 16 years old. In that time, Mia has attended more than 150 call outs and recently spent three days at the Longwood fire with the Yarrambat Fire Brigade.

Mia has also recently joined the Mernda CFA and has completed training to enable her to deliver Truck Time sessions in local kindergartens.

Ahmed is a dedicated and compassionate community leader whose contributions have created meaningful impact across the City of Whittlesea. As a Youth Councillor and active member of the Cultural Connections Group and Amplify programs at the City of Whittlesea, Ahmed advocates for young people from diverse and multicultural backgrounds, ensuring their voices are heard and that they feel supported, valued, and connected within their community.

As a youth leader and soccer coach Ahmed trains and mentors players of all abilities, creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments where every participant can build confidence, develop skills, and experience a strong sense of belonging. Ahmed also volunteers for various community initiatives and helps coordinate community events that promote inclusivity and strengthen community connections. 

Liz is a retired teacher whose lifelong commitment to learning, care and community has naturally evolved into service as a climate activist, conservationist and community volunteer.

Liz volunteers at Wollert Community Farm and plays an active role in conserving the Curly Sedge Creek, contributing to ecological surveys and hands-on environmental protection. Liz is also a founder member and pioneer of the Whittlesea Climate Action Network and regularly volunteers at Mernda Neighbourhood House.