Stan Henwood Award nominations now open

The annual Stan Henwood Award recognises individuals who have made outstanding, long term contributions to the local community.

Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Councillor Jeff Springfield said the annual Stan Henwood Award was an important way to recognise the vital work of volunteers across Cardinia Shire.

“Volunteers are what makes a place great. They’re the selfless people who we rely on in times of need, the people who put their community first. They’re often the ones you see around town, helping this committee or that sporting club. They’re the tireless connectors, the fundraisers, the carers, the givers,”

The Stan Henwood Awards honour the memory of Tynong legend Stan Henwood. Heavily involved with the Tynong Hall Committee, the Tynong Recreation Reserve Committee and the Make A Wish Foundation, Stan was also a key part of with the local sporting community. He was a life member of the Tynong Tennis Club, the West Gippsland Tennis Association, Tynong Fire Brigade and Tynong Progress Association. Beyond Cardinia Shire’s borders, he received a Medal from the Prime Minister for service to sport and an Order of Australia for Service to the Community.

Mayor Springfield is encouraging community members to nominate anyone they believe has made a positive, long-term contribution to Cardinia Shire. 

“The annual Stan Henwood Award keeps Stan’s memory alive, recognises Stan’s generosity of spirit and community service and honours other civic-minded people in our community today,” Cr Springfield said.

The 2021 Stan Henwood Award winner was Upper Beaconsfield resident Helen Smith. Helen has served on numerous committees over the past 40 years, including the Upper Beaconsfield Association, Upper Beaconsfield Community Hall, Upper Beaconsfield Community Centre (Building and Grounds complex), Upper Beaconsfield Festival Committee and the Village Bell Committee. Described by her peers as a quiet achiever, Helen is someone who energises committees, demonstrates initiative and is 'the backbone of community life’.

“Volunteers do so much for our community and provide so many vital services. Recognising them through the Stan Henwood Award is one way that we can show our appreciation,” Cr Springfield said.

Nominees must have made a significant contribution to community services in Cardinia Shire, have not previously received the award and must not have been a Cardinia Shire Councillor within the last four years.  

Nominations for the 2022 award close at 5pm on Monday 28 March 2022. 

Nominations must be submitted online via the SmartyGrants portal, which will require the nominator to register an account before they can prepare and submit a nomination form. 

For more information about the Stan Henwood Award including eligibility criteria and how to nominate, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/StanHenwoodAward or call the Cardinia Shire Council Connected Communities team on 1300 787 624.