2025 Community Award recipients

Recognises a person of any age that has made an outstanding contribution and/or given outstanding service to the Nillumbik community.

2025 Winner

David Kerrigan

David Kerrigan is a dedicated volunteer, historian and vice-president of Allwood Neighbourhood House’s Committee of Governance, with a passion for history, the arts and Reconciliation. Over the past four years, he has founded the Hurstbridge Artists Guild, led local history sessions, and integrated Aboriginal history into the community narrative. In 2024, David wrote, directed and starred in The Bridge, a historical community play based on the stories of Hurstbridge, mentoring a large cast and crew, and engaging more than 600 people across Nillumbik. His commitment to advancing Reconciliation is evident through programs, events, and meaningful partnerships with First Nations people, bringing local history to life and fostering deeper community connection.

Recognises a Nillumbik community group, or not-for-profit organisation that has made an outstanding contribution for the benefit of the Nillumbik community, its residents, and/or environment.

2025 Winner

Nillumbik State Emergency Service (SES)

Nillumbik SES was created in June 1985, and over the last 40 years has expanded to deliver technical rescue and emergency response capabilities throughout the Nillumbik area and beyond. Consisting of 55 volunteer members from the local community, they responded to almost 700 emergency incidents last year, from trees down on roads, flood responses, searching for missing persons, completing road crash rescue and high-angle rescues. 

Recognises a young person up to the age of 25 years who has made an outstanding contribution and/or given outstanding service to the Nillumbik community.

2025 Winner

Aashini Rastogi

Aashini is a driven young leader who excels in every area she touches. As a Cadet Under Officer in the Australian Air Force Cadets, she leads with dedication, mentorship and kindness. Her commitment extends to the Diamond Valley Basketball Association, where she is a competitive player and an encouraging teammate. As a past ambassador for the Banyule Nillumbik Tech School and a valued member of All World Gayatri Pariwar Victoria, she advocates for innovation, equality, culture and community, striving to make a lasting impact on the Nillumbik community.

Recognises artists, creatives, collectives, or cultural practitioners who have made exceptional contributions to fostering a thriving, interconnected, diverse, inclusive, and resilient creative community. 

Also recognises the invaluable efforts of local community members, groups, societies, and professionals who have actively contributed to preserving and promoting arts, culture, and/or heritage. 

2025 Winner

Pam Hayes

Pam Hayes is the behind-the-scenes organiser at many community events. Living in Nillumbik for 49 years, she has been the driving force behind On the Hill festivals, Carols in the Park, the St Andrews Film Society, Living & Learning courses, and chook races to fund the CFA. Her caring soul wraps around the needy, encourages young musicians, organises activities for older women, shows deep respect for our environment and its indigenous people. A quiet hero.

Recognises a significant contribution to advance the rights of all people regardless of age, gender, ability or background while creating meaningful change aligned to Council’s Access, Equity and Inclusion Policy(PDF, 844KB) and identified priority groups.

2025 Winner

Allwood Neighbourhood House

Allwood Neighbourhood House, managed by a dedicated Committee of Management, is a true champion of accessibility and diversity. With 329 participants weekly and 2,316 hours of facility use, it provides a welcoming space for the community to connect, learn and grow. Through initiatives like free Monday lunches, Tuesday Crafternoons, and Friday tech help, Allwood fosters inclusion. Its commitment to inclusion, sustainability, and reconciliation strengthens community bonds, offering diverse programs for all to engage and thrive.

Recognises significant contributions to enhancing Nillumbik’s environment and/or to taking climate action. This includes those who undertake, lead, support or inspire others to take action in areas such as biodiversity, waste, water, transport, energy or any other area that enhances local sustainability or environmental outcomes.

2025 Winner

Jayne Clarke

Jayne, founder of Imagine Re-Evolution, combines expertise in accounting, disability studies, and mental health with more than a decade of experience in the not-for-profit sector. Launched in 2022, the organisation empowers youth, fosters community, and addresses poverty by connecting generations around sustainability and social justice. Jayne’s leadership drives its mission to create lasting change, starting in Melbourne’s North East and aspiring to make a global impact.

Recognises demonstrated commitment towards progressing reconciliation in Nillumbik through community programs, events, initiatives and/or the fostering of meaningful partnerships with First Nations people.

2025 Winner

Yarrambat Junior Football Club

The Yarrambat Junior Football Club is an inclusive, community-focused club offering Auskick and teams from Under 9s to Under 18s. They provide a safe, family-friendly space where kids of all backgrounds can grow through footy. YJFC proudly celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, with a strong focus on cultural education during its major annual NAIDOC event. As a juniors-only club, they develop young players in a fun, respectful and supportive environment.