2026 Community Award recipients

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

2026 Winner

Sabi Buehler

Sabi Buehler was born in 1944 in Germany and migrated to Australia in the 1950s. She has dedicated her life to teaching, storytelling and community. A Nillumbik resident for 30 years, Sabi is a retired teacher, author of two books, long‑time volunteer and founding president of Nillumbik U3A. She is also the visionary behind the 2025 Nillumbik Festival of Stories. Her work champions migrant stories, creativity, community connections and lifelong learning.

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.

2026 Winner

Rotary Club of Diamond Creek

For more than 30 years, the Rotary Club of Diamond Creek has supported community groups throughout Nillumbik. Annually, it hosts the Diamond Creek Rotary Town Fair, attracting between 20,000 and 30,000 people. It runs a Food Pantry, providing food support for approximately 80 families each week. Also, it manages the Rotary Tram Cafe, engaging numerous local groups who receive financial support. It supports the Blue Light Disco and many other local clubs and organisations.

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.

2026 Winner

Esme Johnson

Esme: 16yo, active Friends of Warrandyte State Park, Edendale Youth Eviro Team, Research Junior CFA; Youth Council member with Blue Minds and Zoos Victoria Youth Leadership program. Founded & leads active school lunchtime student enviro-group and won a Landcare grant. Mentor and leader in school and groups. Citizen science with critically endangered Helmeted Honeyeater & Leadbeater's Possum. Awards include ADF Future Innovators & Swinbourne Innovators Challenge. Eagerly volunteers in extra opportunities. Inspiring!

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. 

2026 Winner

Eltham Jazz, Food & Wine Festival Committee

The Eltham Jazz, Food and Wine Festival has been a community favourite for 27 years, driven by eight passionate volunteers committed to delivering a premier cultural experience. The Festival showcases an eclectic mix of live music alongside exceptional regional food and produce, attracting visitors from near and far. People come to enjoy outstanding performances and immerse themselves in the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes Nillumbik such a unique and vibrant place to gather and celebrate.

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.

2026 Winner

Jennifer Johnsen

Jennifer Johnson is an outstanding contributor to disability inclusion in Nillumbik. Her combination of lived experience, professional knowledge, and genuine passion has enabled her to create inclusive, impactful, and meaningful opportunities for the community. Her work embodies the spirit of inclusion building connection, celebrating diversity, and ensuring that people with disability, carers, and families feel valued and supported.

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.

2026 Winner

Nillumbik Gardens for Wildlife

Nillumbik Gardens for Wildlife is a collaborative community initiative of local residents, dedicated to enhancing Nillumbik’s biodiversity through habitat gardening. By offering free, personalised garden visits from trained volunteer Garden Guides, the program empowers participants to transform their outdoor spaces into havens for native wildlife. This grassroots effort fosters community engagement, promotes environmental stewardship, and strengthens connections between people and nature, contributing to a more sustainable and biodiverse Nillumbik Shire.

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

2026 Winner 

First Nations Friday - Keira de Hoog and David Kerrigan

The First Nations Friday blog and social media campaign, an initiative of Allwood Neighbourhood House, shares local Aboriginal history and culture to foster understanding and reconciliation. David Kerrigan researches and writes weekly essays, while Keira de Hoog curates, edits and publishes each post, adding cultural insight and references. Together, they create an accessible platform that builds community awareness, encourages reflection, and contributes meaningfully to reconciliation in Nillumbik.