Community Awards 2026: Person of the Year - Christina Lai
Christina Lai is a compassionate and dedicated volunteer whose leadership and generosity have had a significant impact across Yarra.
Through her monthly Community Haircut and Massage Initiative, Christina coordinates volunteers to provide free services to people experiencing homelessness, public housing residents, seniors and others facing financial hardship, helping restore confidence, dignity and wellbeing.
Her extensive volunteer work across Yarra’s neighbourhood houses and events such as local markets and community group activities has created welcoming spaces where people can connect and feel valued.
As a trusted bilingual volunteer, Christina also helps bridge language barriers, connecting Timorese seniors, newly arrived residents and people with limited English to services, activities and support networks. Her contribution has reduced social isolation, strengthened community connections, and helped build a more caring, inclusive and connected Yarra community.
The nominees for Person of the Year
- Allan Clark
- Ayuak Bol
- Bol Mayan
- Jing Yuan Zhang
- Khanh Lam
- Thai Hai Nguyen
- Kristy Dickinson
- Guo Ping Xu
- Sally Anthony
- Sarita Narayan
- Xiao Yue Wang
Thanks to all our nominees for your contributions to life in Yarra.