Cade Lucas
The founder of a Footscray food charity has been named Maribyrnong Citizen of the Year.
Randa Beirouti, who has run Reaching Out in the Inner West since 2005, was awarded Maribyrnong’s top civic honour at a ceremony on Thursday night.
Ms Beirouti coordinates Reaching Out’s weekly free food service which has helped feed thousands of homeless and disadvantaged people in Maribyrnong, particularly since the Covid19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis that followed.
Held in Footscray’s Nicholson Street Mall every Monday night, Ms Beirouti and her team distribute food donated by local businesses.
“I am truly humbled by this award,” said Ms Beirouti on social media post after receiving the honour.
“I dedicate it to our past and present volunteers, our supporters (both organisations and individuals), our service users and to this community that we have all developed together to make Reaching Out In The Inner West Of Melbourne what it is today.
“Big thanks to Ron Jevic, our Board of Directors and Victoria University, Melbourne Australia for giving us a home to work from. Let’s continue working together with love and compassion.”
Climate activist Angela Ashley-Chiew was named Maribyrnong’s Volunteer of the Year for her work with local environmental groups, including Climate Action Maribyrnong, Parents 4 Climate, and Better Streets, as well as the re-imagining of the old Footscray Hospital site.
Former Maribyrnong Secondary College student, Edward Le, won the Les Twentyman Youth Leadership Award, while L2R Dance, a free dance program for people from non-English speaking backgrounds, received the Community Strengthening Award.
The Active Maribyrnong Award went to the Maribyrnong Swifts, a football club that offers a wide range of football programs catering to women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals .
Maribyrnong mayor Pradeep Tiwari said all winners and nominees had played an important role in helping making the municipality a great place to work, study, visit and play.
“From our volunteers, businesses, those involved in sports and the arts; to those who bring people together through to leadership and support – it is this connection to community that is irreplaceable,” Cr Tiwari said.
“This year’s civic award winners reflect this in the best possible way, and recognise the everyday heroes that contribute to Maribyrnong being a beacon of community strength,” he said.
