Now known as the Proudly Port Phillip Community Awards, this was the first presentation of civic awards since 2012.
“We resurrected these awards as members of our diverse community told us they wanted the opportunity to recognise those who make us proud to live, work and play in Port Phillip,” Mayor Heather Cunsolo said.
“Every winner across the five categories goes above and beyond for our community and we are very proud of the contributions they make to our City.”
Citizen of the Year – Joanne and Scott Watkins
Double act Joanne and Scott are the driving force behind the Albert parkrun, Melbourne. Their efforts have led to about 600 people attending each week, making this parkrun the largest parkrun in Australia. The free 5 km community event is held on Saturdays at Albert Park – participants can walk, run, jog, volunteer or spectate.
Young Citizen of the Year – Harshitha Meenakshisundaram
As a Port Phillip Youth Advisory Committee member, Harshitha has helped deliver initiatives including the ‘Amplify Your Voice’ leadership event. Harshitha has contributed to a number of consultations and informed our Council’s work to build more inclusive and safe places for young people.
Community First Award – Veg Out Community Gardens, St Kilda
Veg Out Community Gardens has given hundreds of locals living in apartments an outdoor space to garden and grow produce. Veg Out offers an educational space for sharing knowledge and learning as well as providing opportunities for people, including those from vulnerable groups, to meet and work together.
Sustainability Award – Port Phillip Pickers
The Port Phillip Pickers aim to prevent food waste. Their signature project is picking unwanted olives from the public trees to create local hand-picked, community extra virgin olive oil. In just two years they have turned more than a tonne of unwanted olives into pure, local olive oil for the community to share in.
Small Business of the Year – Space2b Social Design
Space2b Social Design is an art and design social enterprise supporting people seeking asylum, refugees and newly arrived migrants to become financially independent and included in the community. Space2b incorporates a retail outlet, gallery, laneway café, design studio, workshop and training space and small business hub.
