Community champions

Cr Michael Clarke (supplied).

Cr Michael Clarke

One of the joys of being a councillor is the privilege of recognising the unsung heroes within our community – the individuals whose extraordinary efforts often go unnoticed but make a profound impact on the lives of those around them.

During my tenure as mayor, I had the honour of awarding the citizen of the year awards to outstanding individuals, Lola Anderson and her late husband Peter. These two exemplified the spirit of community champions, embodying the selflessness and dedication that make

our city a better place. Their tireless contributions have left an indelible mark on our community.

As we reflect on the incredible accomplishments of Lola and Peter, I am excited to share that nominations for the 2024 civic awards are now open. This is your chance to shine a light on those individuals who – through their passion and commitment – have made a significant

difference to the lives of others.

This year, council is proud to also introduce a new award category – the LGBTIQA+ award. We recognise the importance of inclusivity and diversity within our community, and this award aims to celebrate the contributions of individuals or groups who have worked tirelessly

to create a more inclusive and accepting environment for all.

I encourage each of you to take a moment to think about the people in our community who inspire you, who go above and beyond to make Maribyrnong a better place – nominate them for an award at maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Civic-Awards-2024