Each year, we acknowledge the everyday heroes who make Yarra such a wonderful place to live, work and visit.  

This year’s winners are:  

• Citizen of the Year: Elena Suares
• Young Citizen of the Year: Phu Nguyen
• Community Initiative of the Year: Show You Have a Loving Heart
• Contribution to Arts and Culture: Olivia Wang – Cross Encounters
• Contribution to Sport: Kel Bryant OAM – Collingwood Youth Boxing Club
• Contribution to Sustainability: Regeneration Projects – Working towards a swimmable Birrarung/Yarra River by 2030
• Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion: Operation Stitches  

Making Yarra a better place for everyone

From making sports more accessible for young people to caring for elderly community members and fostering cultural expression and connection in Yarra – this year’s Community Awards recipients have made invaluable contributions to the health, wellbeing  and liveliness of our community.

Yarra Mayor Stephen Jolly said that this year’s award recipients reflect the generosity, dedication and creativity of Yarra’s diverse community.

“Whether it’s through sports, sustainability, arts, wellbeing initiatives or equity and inclusion programs – we’re so proud and grateful for these community leaders and the contributions they’ve made to Yarra.”  

Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination and helped us celebrate Yarra’s everyday heroes!