One of the leading figures in the Save Techno Park campaign has been named Hobsons Bay’s 2025 Citizen of the Year.
Campaign spokesperson and techno park resident Lara Week was announced as the winner at an Australia Day ceremony at Williamstown Town Hall on Sunday morning.
Ms Week, who was unable to attend due to feeling unwell, was honoured for her work advocating for the rights of techno park residents after attempts by Hobsons Bay council to evict them.
In May 2023 the 50 residents of the former migrant camp near the Mobil oil refinery were sent eviction notices by council who argued their accommodation on industrial zoned land was unlawful and unsafe.
In response, the Save Techno Park campaign was launched, ultimately forcing the evictions to be paused after the state’s planning laws were amended.
At October’s council elections, none of the councillors who supported the eviction sought re-election.
Speaking to Star Weekly on Sunday afternoon, Ms Week said her award demonstrated how quickly things can change.
“Less than two years ago council had written to everyone in our street threatening us with legal action if we didn’t leave our homes immediately and today, we’re still here and being honoured by the community,” she said, adding that the award belonged to everyone who supported the campaign.
“There’s one name on the award but really it recognises the work of so many people who live at techno park and were faced with the most horrible situation and have worked so hard for a just outcome for their neighbours.”
Newport 18 year old, Albee Damnics, was named the 2025 Hobsons Bay Young Citizen of the Year for her work advocating for gender equality.
Ms Damnics last year graduated from Bayside College where she ran seminars for teachers on how to combat toxic masculinity in the classroom and support healthy, respectful relationships.
She also advocated for changes to the state’s English curriculum.
“It’s designed with a male gaze,” Ms Damnics said.
“There’s 26 books in the curriculum and most of them have a male protagonist and if there is a female protagonist they’re in a weak position. That constant repetition of boys being overpowering is what’s driving toxic masculinity.”
Maribyrnong council did not hold Australia Day celebrations, instead holding a public flag lowering and Welcome to Country while recognising January 26 as a day of mourning for First Nations people.
