Nominate your local heroes now for the 2025 Community Awards

Nominate your local heroes now for the 2025 Community Awards

Last updated on 11 March 2025

Nominations for the 2025 Community Awards are now open, boasting a streamlined and expanded format to better recognise those making a real difference in the Macedon Ranges.

These awards celebrate and acknowledge inspiring individuals and groups who make significant contributions to the shire, driven by nominations from the community.

This year, Council is consolidating several past celebrations – including the Community Awards in January 2024 and the Youth Awards in September 2024 – and bringing them together into one event, to be held during National Volunteer Week.

The 2025 Community Awards aim to celebrate and honour outstanding individuals and groups across a range of categories, aligning with the Council Plan and Vision:

Citizen of the Year – honouring an individual of any age who has demonstrated exceptional community service over many years. Young Citizen of the Year – recognising a young person (aged 12-25) who has made a meaningful impact through advocacy, volunteering, fundraising, business, sports, arts, or environmental initiatives. Inclusive Communities Award – celebrating individuals or groups who foster harmony and understanding, improving social connectedness and equity for diverse or underrepresented groups Contribution to the Environment Award – acknowledging those dedicated to environmental protection, sustainability, climate change initiatives, and disaster preparedness. Contribution to Community Arts Award – recognising individuals or groups who have enriched the community through artistic expression, performances, or installations. Contribution to Sports and Wellbeing Award – honoring individuals or clubs that promote sports and active participation, encouraging inclusion and personal excellence. Youth Leadership Award – awarded to a young individual (aged 12-25) or group demonstrating exemplary leadership, advocacy, or service to youth in the region. Community Event of the Year Award – recognising an outstanding community event that has made a significant impact on the Macedon Ranges community.

Mayor Dom Bonanno encouraged the community to submit nominations.

“Our community is full of amazing people who go above and beyond to make the Macedon Ranges a better place” he said.

“Whether it is a dedicated volunteer, a young leader, or a group working to bring people together, these awards are our way of saying ‘thank you’.”

“If you know someone making a difference, and we all know someone, I encourage you to nominate them and help us celebrate their contributions.”

To be eligible for nomination, nominees must live, work or study in the Macedon Ranges at the time of nomination. Nominated community groups must be incorporated.

Nominations are now open and close on 28 March 2025. For further information and conditions of entry, or to submit a nomination, visit the Community Awards web page (mrsc.vic.gov.au/community-awards).