Benjamin Millar
Victoria University Deputy Chancellor Gaye Hamilton has been honoured as the 2022 Victoria Senior Australian of the Year.
The 2022 Victoria Australian of the Year Awards were announced last Wednesday night in an online presentation, with athlete, paralympian, philanthropist, media commentator and advocate Dylan Alcott named The 2022 Victoria Australian of the Year.
Ms Hamilton, 71, was recognised for her unwavering enthusiasm for Melbourne’s west through her roles as VU deputy chancellor, Western Bulldogs Community Foundation chair and State Sports Centres Trust director.
Her citation noted that although the COVID-19 pandemic hit many industries such as tertiary institutions hard, she helped Victoria University navigate the breadth and complexity of pandemic-related issues.
“Victoria University went on to be voted number one in Australia for employability – a remarkable achievement in a sector hit hard by COVID-19,” it stated.
“Meanwhile, as Chair of the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, she has supported and guided the organisation to redirect all programs to digital creative platforms.
“This has ensured it maintains engagement with the community and those in need, even during Victoria’s extensive lockdown.”
Youth Activating Youth co-founder Ahmed Hassan was named 2022 Victoria Young Australian of the Year while Mallacoota State Emergency Service volunteer Leo op den Brouw is the 2022 Victoria Local Hero.
National Australia Day Council chief executive Karlie Brand congratulated the award recipients.
“The Victorian award recipients are inspirational leaders,” she said.
“Their achievements and contributions are examples to us all and we look forward to welcoming them to Canberra for the national awards event in January.”
The four Victorian award recipients will join those from the other states and territories for the national awards to be announced on January 25.
