Past Volunteer Award winners

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Volunteering positively impacts our community and makes our city a better place to live, work and play.

The Volunteer Stonnington Awards recognise volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution in the City of Stonnington.

Award Categories

Mayor's Award

Winner: Maree Fenech, Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria 

Maree has worked tirelessly for blind sports organisations and has been crucial in helping build players’ confidence, encouraging new players to join and supporting others to engage in the sport.

Maree's strength, courage and long-term commitment to support whatever volunteer role she has undertaken over the years has built morale for hundreds of people, who like herself, have had to face the everyday challenges and frustrations of being blind or vision impaired. Her positive can-do attitude and her willingness to give selflessly to others across a range of organisations over many years makes her the very worthy recipient of this year’s Mayor’s Award.

Community Service

Winner: Paul Lom, Rotary Club of Malvern

Commended: Monique Davis, Alexandre Rozin and Tsilia Rozin

Recognising volunteer activities which support community members and promote inclusion, respect and equity.

Community Group

Winner: Cabrini Patient Services Volunteer Team

Commended: Hartley's Meals Volunteer Team 

Recognising volunteering that supports community groups to deliver a diverse range of services, programs and opportunities such as neighbourhood houses, social support and children’s services.

Environmental Sustainability

Winner: Rewilding Stonnington

Recognising volunteer contribution to environmental sustainability and climate health.

Sport

Winners: Trevor Evans, Prahran Football Club and Derek Nicholson, Malvern Cricket Club

Recognising the work of individuals in sporting clubs or groups who show commitment to enhancing community health and fitness.

Young Person

Winners: Prahran High School Cultural Committee 

Recognising volunteers aged under 26 years who make a positive contribution in our community.

To be eligible

  • Nominees do not need to live in the City of Stonnington but must have made a substantial contribution to the municipality through their volunteering.
  • Community group nominees must be a group active within the municipality of at least four members.
  • Nominees for the Young Person award must be aged under 25 years on 5 July 2025.  Individuals under the age of 18 must ensure they have permission from a parent and or legal guardian before accepting their nomination.
  • Individuals cannot self-nominate to receive a Volunteer Award. Volunteers working with (but not employed by) community groups can self-nominate in the “Community Group” category only.
  • Current serving Councillors and Council staff members are not eligible to be considered for these awards. 

For more information contact the Community Development Officer at volunteer@stonnington.vic.gov.au

Winners Stonnington Volunteer Awards 2023

Mayor's Award: Gary Johnstone, Rotary Club of Malvern

Community Service: Kang-Yi Marinis, Korean Seniors Group

Community Group: Uniting Op Shop, Prahran

Environmental Sustainability: Rewilding Stonnington

Sport: Joanne Delaney, Blind sports

Art and Culture: Damir Kalajdzic, Sevdalinka Choir

Young Person: Nathaneal Siow, Prahran Youth Hub Commended: Harriet Syme, Very Special Kids

Winners Stonnington Volunteer Awards 2022

Mayor's Award: Lefteris Patlamazoglou

Community Service: Quentin Kynoch, Paul Rake and Robyn Bouse

Sport: Patrick Mount

Arts and Culture: Wendy Hughes-Chuck

Winners Stonnington Volunteer Awards 2021

Mayor’s Award: Krysty Green

Community Service: Donald Jones, Elpiniky Papakirikou, and Rosemary Johnston

Young Person: Athena Stathoulis

Community Group: St John Ambulance, Highly commended: Rewilding Stonnington

Sport: Chandan Kulkarni, Highly commended: Matt Meier

Environmental Sustainability: Zac Chu

Arts and Culture: David Woods, Highly commended: John McLennan, Neville Smith