An Aboriginal elder who has dedicated his life to helping others has been honoured as Maribyrnong’s citizen of the year.
Maribyrnong council presented Roy Alexander with his award on Monday in a ceremony during Australia Day celebrations at Coulson Gardens.
Among his many contributions, Mr Alexander has volunteered with Western Region Health Centre (now cohealth) for about 15 years and helped run the weekly Aboriginal Foodshare program for the past five years, delivering food to Aboriginal elders unable to drive or collect it themselves.
The young citizen of the year award went to Dylan Cunningham, a founding member of the council’s youth leadership advisory committee and Maribyrnong young people’s consultative committee.
Megan Darling was named volunteer of the year for her work with the Yarraville Traders Association and in running the annual Yarraville Festival.
Community group of the year is Willing Older Workers for its work in lobbying for policies to assist older, unemployed workers.
The emerging communities award went to West Welcome Wagon, which helps asylum seekers.
The mayoral award for lifetime achievement went to the Footscray Community Arts Centre.
