Nillumbik Community Awards

Jayne Clarke
Jayne Clarke is the founder and driving force behind Imagine Re-Evolution, a volunteer-powered charity supporting young people through creative upcycling, mentoring and community connection. Through her vision and leadership, the organisation has helped hundreds of young people reconnect with education, confidence and community while diverting tonnes of material from landfill. Her commitment to empowering others has created a thriving network of volunteers and a lasting positive impact across Nillumbik.

Ann Hutchinson
For more than 50 years, Ann Hutchinson has quietly and consistently supported people experiencing hardship across Nillumbik. Through her work with organisations including CAVE, LinC and BNLLEN, she has helped provide food relief, practical support and opportunities for young people to build confidence and employment skills. Ann’s selfless dedication and willingness to help wherever needed have strengthened the community and improved countless lives.

Doug Evans
Doug Evans has spent more than two decades building a stronger, more connected Christmas Hills community through his leadership of the Christmas Hills Landcare Group. By bringing residents together through workshops, working bees and community events, he has fostered lasting friendships, reduced isolation and encouraged collaboration across the district. His people-first approach has created a supportive and resilient community united by a shared commitment to caring for the local environment.

Jarrad Bradley
Jarrad Bradley has dedicated more than 15 years to protecting and supporting the Nillumbik community through his volunteer service with the CFA, SES, Ambulance Victoria and the GOODSAM first responder program. With over 1,000 emergency service callouts, he has responded to fires, rescues, storms and medical emergencies while also mentoring and training fellow volunteers. His calm leadership, generosity and unwavering commitment have strengthened local emergency services and helped build a safer, more resilient community.

Sabi Buehler
Sabi Buehler has spent decades bringing people together through storytelling, lifelong learning and community connection. As the founding president of Nillumbik U3A and the visionary behind the Nillumbik Festival of Stories, she has created opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to share experiences, celebrate creativity and preserve local history. Her passion for connecting people through stories has enriched Nillumbik’s cultural life and strengthened community belonging.

Lyn Cole
Lyn Cole has quietly made a significant difference to families experiencing hardship through her volunteer work with Big Group Hug. For eight years, she has coordinated donations, sorted essential items and provided a local collection point that enables Nillumbik residents to support vulnerable children. Her kindness, reliability and generosity have helped ensure practical support reaches those who need it most.

Tahlia Edmonds
Tahlia Edmonds is a passionate and dedicated young volunteer who consistently goes above and beyond to make a positive difference in her community. Through her leadership as Youth Mayor of the Nillumbik Youth Council, she advocates for young people and helps create opportunities for them to be heard, connected and involved. Her community fundraising initiatives, including bush dances supporting the CFA, have brought people together while raising vital funds for local causes.

James Grace
James Grace has made a remarkable difference in the Nillumbik community through his compassionate approach to supporting vulnerable residents. By providing accessible podiatry services, including home visits for older people, people with disability and those experiencing isolation, he ensures community members receive the care and support they

Nillumbik Gardens for Wildlife
Nillumbik Gardens for Wildlife is empowering residents to create wildlife-friendly gardens and strengthen local biodiversity. Through personalised garden visits, practical advice and community education, volunteer Garden Guides have supported hundreds of households to enhance habitat for native species. Their work is creating stronger connections between people, place and nature while building a more environmentally conscious community.

Allwood Neighbourhood House
For more than 40 years, Allwood Neighbourhood House has been a vibrant hub for connection, learning and community participation. Guided by a strong culture of volunteerism and community ownership, Allwood responds creatively to local needs and provides inclusive opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. Its lasting contribution has strengthened social connection, wellbeing and community spirit across Nillumbik.

Research Blues Club 
Research Blues Club brings people together through the power of music, creating opportunities for local musicians and reducing social isolation, particularly among older residents. Through free events, jam nights, community performances and innovative programs such as Blues Buddy, the club fosters friendship, confidence and participation. Their commitment to live music has created a welcoming and inclusive community that continues to grow. 

Rotary Club of Diamond Creek 
For more than 30 years, the Rotary Club of Diamond Creek has been at the heart of community service across Nillumbik. From delivering food relief to local families and supporting youth programs, to hosting the much-loved Diamond Creek Town Fair, the club brings people together while making a tangible difference in the lives of others. Its commitment to volunteering and community support has strengthened and enriched the community for generations. 

Imagine Re-Evolution
Imagine Re-Evolution is transforming the lives of young people through creativity, connection and purpose. Powered by a passionate multi-generational volunteer team, the organisation supports young people who are disengaged from education, community or employment, helping them build confidence, skills and meaningful relationships. Through innovative programs focused on mentoring, sustainability and participation, Imagine Re-Evolution is creating brighter futures across Nillumbik. 

Tahlia Edmonds
Tahlia Edmonds is a passionate young leader dedicated to making a positive difference in her community. As Youth Mayor of the Nillumbik Youth Council, she advocates for young people while creating opportunities for them to be heard and involved. Her fundraising initiatives, including community bush dances supporting the CFA, have brought people together and strengthened local community connections

Advik Palta
Advik Palta combines academic excellence with a strong commitment to community service and innovation. Through STEM mentoring, youth leadership roles and volunteer programs, he supports young people to develop confidence and skills while promoting cultural understanding and collaboration. His achievements in science and technology, alongside his dedication to helping others, make him an outstanding role model for the next generation. 

Megan Van Den Berg 
Megan Van Den Berg is a respected First Nations artist and co-founder of Kinya Lerrk, an Aboriginal-owned creative business celebrating culture through art and design. Through her work, she creates opportunities for cultural learning, supports First Nations artists and advances conversations about reconciliation and belonging. Her artistic leadership is helping to shape a more inclusive and culturally rich Nillumbik community. 

Research Blues Club
Research Blues Club has made a significant contribution to Nillumbik’s arts and cultural life by creating opportunities for local musicians, particularly older performers, to connect, perform and share their passion for live music. Through regular jam nights, community events, fundraising performances and programs that reduce social isolation, the club has fostered creativity, participation and lasting community connections. Its commitment to supporting local music and bringing people together has enriched Nillumbik’s vibrant cultural community.

Candice Martin 
Candice Martin is helping create a more inclusive Nillumbik through her neuroaffirming community initiatives and advocacy. As the founder of Always Invited, she has developed welcoming spaces where neurodivergent individuals and families feel understood, connected and supported. Her work is improving community awareness, reducing barriers to participation and strengthening inclusion across the Shire. 

Doug Evans 
Doug Evans has made a lasting contribution to environmental sustainability through more than 20 years of leadership with the Christmas Hills Landcare Group. His efforts have helped improve land management, protect biodiversity and strengthen community participation in environmental stewardship. By inspiring residents to care for their local landscape, Doug has helped create a healthier environment and a stronger community. 

Esme Johnson 
Esme Johnson is an inspiring young environmental leader whose passion for conservation is driving real change. Through initiatives including school revegetation projects, citizen science programs, environmental advocacy and youth leadership roles, she is encouraging others to take action for nature. Her enthusiasm, innovation and commitment are helping build a more sustainable future for the community. 

Hurstbridge Boomerang Bags 
Hurstbridge Boomerang Bags is reducing waste and promoting sustainable living by transforming donated fabrics into reusable shopping bags. Powered by dedicated volunteers, the group has diverted thousands of items from landfill while encouraging practical everyday actions that reduce reliance on single-use plastics. Their hands-on approach to sustainability has strengthened community connections and inspired positive environmental change. 

Nillumbik Gardens for Wildlife 
Nillumbik Gardens for Wildlife is empowering residents to create wildlife-friendly gardens and strengthen local biodiversity. Through personalised garden visits, practical advice and community education, volunteer Garden Guides have supported hundreds of households to enhance habitat for native species. Their work is creating stronger connections between people, place and nature while building a more environmentally conscious community. 

Kim Tarpey 
For more than 30 years, Kim Tarpey has been a dedicated environmental volunteer and champion for conservation in Panton Hill. Through her long-standing involvement with the Panton Hill Landcare Group, she has organised regular working bees and encouraged community participation in caring for the local landscape. Her commitment and persistence have made a lasting contribution to the health of the local environment. 

First Nations Friday 
First Nations Friday is helping bring local Aboriginal history, culture and perspectives to life through accessible storytelling and education. Through weekly articles, community resources and a commitment to truth-telling, the initiative encourages learning, reflection and greater understanding of First Nations cultures. Their work is fostering meaningful conversations and making an important contribution to reconciliation in Nillumbik.