The annual Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards recognise the outstanding contribution made by people within our community who work tirelessly to enrich the lives of others.
A special ceremony will be held at the Drum Theatre following a Citizenship Ceremony on Friday 26 January, from 11am.
Mayor, Cr Lana Formoso said she was looking forward to celebrating the amazing community members who were working to make a difference.
“These awards recognise the individuals and organisations that contribute to making Greater Dandenong a great place to live,” the Mayor said.
“We have a vibrant, diverse and welcoming municipality, thanks in part to the people who are being recognised in the 2024 Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards.”
Greater Dandenong City Council proudly announces our Australia Day Award winners for 2024…
Community Leadership Award Glenyse Duck
Glenyse has volunteered with Palliative Care South East since 2011 and has supported many individuals and their families through the end of life process. She also volunteers with AMES teaching English to new migrants. The Noble Park resident dedicates her time to improving the lives of those around her.
Young Leader of the Year Angeline Karvinkop
Angeline took part in Council’s Young Leaders Program 2023 and has volunteered for a range of organisations supporting newly arrived migrants, school students, young carers and homeless people. Her selfless work supports some of the most marginalised people in our community.
Volunteer of the Year Michael Prior
Michael has been a dedicated volunteer at the Victorian State Emergency Service (SES) for over 16 years and has been the unit controller since 2021. Michael is a champion for change within the organisation and continues to push for more diversity including women only training events and the recruitment of members from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Sportsperson of the Year Connie Psihogios
At just 14 Connie is one of Australia’s top ranked table tennis players, and in 2023 played as part of a team which qualified Australia for the Paris Olympics. A member of the Greater Dandenong Table Tennis Association Connie is a strong role model for young females on and off the court, and combines her school study with training and competing at the highest level.
Corporate Citizen of the Year Vanessa Field
Vanessa is Director at the Springvale Service for Children and her passion places families and children at the heart of her mission to provide the community with early years services that welcome all and reflect our city’s rich diversity. Vanessa’s work has helped avert the potential closure of several early years services in Greater Dandenong.
Community Group of the Year Garage 35 Arts Studio
Garage 35 Arts Studio is a collective of local artists under the age of 35 predominantly from refugee and migrant backgrounds. The group offers a shared studio space to support the arts community and make a creative hub for people from many different cultures to feel connected and safe.
Sustainability Award Matthew Kirwan
As a member of multiple community environmental groups, Matthew is helping to empower Greater Dandenong residents to tackle climate change and make a difference. Matthew is committed to making Greater Dandenong a healthy, vibrant, innovative and creative community dedicated to environmental sustainability.
Living Treasure Award Helen Heath and John Mooney
Helen Heath is a selfless community member who has consistently gone above and beyond to promote understanding, respect and acceptance in our multicultural community. She works with many organisations and groups including the Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network.
Emerson School Principal John Mooney is an inspirational leader that has developed Emerson into a leading specialist educational school. Through improved learning outcomes and education in life skills, students and their families benefit from John’s vision to create a community rich in diversity and welcoming to all.
Outstanding Contribution to the Arts the Noble Park Community Centre Art Show
In 2023 the Noble Park Community Centre Art Show celebrated its 18th anniversary. The unique community event is dedicated to increasing community participation and connectedness by celebrating the arts in a socially inclusive environment.
