2023 Community Awards
The City of Whittlesea Community Awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions made by members of our community.
The Awards celebrate the voluntary or above-and-beyond contributions of nominees who live, work, volunteer or study in the City of Whittlesea.
The 2023 City of Whittlesea Community Awards recipients were announced at the Community Festival on Sunday 17 March, 2024.
Congratulations to our Award recipients.
Citizen of the Year: Judith Clements
As a member of the Whittlesea Showgrounds and Recreation Reserves Committee of Management, Judith has been volunteering to support the Whittlesea Showgrounds and Whittlesea Park for over 30 years. Judith is also a life member of the Whittlesea Agricultural Society Inc., on the board of the Yan Yean Cemetery Trust, is a member of the Whittlesea Historical Society, Friends of Toorourrong and Whittlesea Township and Surrounds Community Resilience Committee and works tirelessly to support these associations and in turn the Whittlesea community.
Senior Citizen of the Year: Christine McDonald
Christine is the founder of the Doreen Baby Boomers Facebook page; a group where seniors in the community can get together, meet new people and socialise. The group has helped many seniors in the area to connect and form friendships. Christine shares information and organises activities and outings including luncheons, book club, walking groups and guest speakers.
Young Citizen of the Year: Kaynat
Kaynat is a dedicated young person who is an active voice for young people in the community. Kaynat has worked on projects and campaigns addressing issues facing young people’s health and wellbeing, including vaping and gambling. Kaynat was an active member of the Youth Advisory Committee and is now a member of the City of Whittlesea Youth Council.
Access and Inclusion Citizen of the Year: Norma Medawar
Norma is the founder of the Zenobia Association, a not-for-profit agency that supports refugee and migrant women to build a new life in Australia. Through Zenobia, Norma offers a range of information sessions, wellbeing programs, cultural events and excursions. Norma is a well-respected mentor and leader within the Syrian community and takes pride in her role as a Job Victoria Mentor at Whittlesea Community Connections, assisting people from CALD backgrounds into employment.
Sustainable Environment Citizen of the Year: Ben Coleman
Ben manages local environmental sustainability group EnviroFriends, actively working to restore wetlands. Working as an Environmental Science teacher at St.Monica’s College, Ben and his students also maintain the school garden and build and monitor nesting boxes for birds and possums. Ben runs the BirdNET-Pi education program and is passionate about teaching young people about climate change and helping them get involved in environmental sustainability.