The Yarra Community Awards honour the everyday heroes who make outstanding contributions to our community.

Stella’s story

Stella receives this award for their inspiring volunteer work as the president and founder of Queer Sporting Alliance. Stella has grown the alliance from one local basketball team to Australia’s largest LGBTQIA+ multi-discipline community sports club – with over 500 members. 

Stella has contributed hundreds of volunteer hours to improving diversity and inclusion in community sports in Yarra. Through their work at the club, Stella’s impact now extends not just to Yarra but right across Australia.

Stella’s local volunteer work has included supporting the launch of a new competition at Collingwood Basketball Association and leading the weekly “Come Out and Play” free basketball sessions and the “Come Out and Roll” free roller-skating sessions. 

Congratulations, Stella – and thank you for your ongoing contributions to our community.

Special mention…

A special mention goes to Annette Hall for her ongoing volunteer work with a local inclusive football program – catering for players with additional needs.

The nominees for Contributions to Sport

• Annette Hall (special mention)
• Chris and Rene Swenson
• Inger Pearce
• Mark D’Alessandro
• Michael Smart
• Stella Lesic (winner)
• Stewart Denmead

Thanks to all our nominees for your contributions to life in Yarra.

Read more stories of our 2021 Community Awards winners