Australia Day Award winners announced

Ade is a stroke survivor and a best-selling author who contributes a rich and unique perspective on inclusive storytelling.

He is out to change the screen industry for the better and improve the lives of all Bayside residents with a disability.

Mayor of Bayside Cr Hanna El Mouallem said he was proud to be part of a community that is so kind-hearted and connected.

“It’s wonderful to see these community minded residents recognised, ” Cr El Mouallem said.

“All our nominees show what a great place Bayside is and how well it is impacted by the generosity, dedication and energy of people who care deeply about the place in which they live.”

Ade was among a group of outstanding Bayside residents who received awards for positively impacting our community in inspiring ways.

Felicia Andronicou – Bayside’s Young Citizen of the Year

young citizen of the year Fel with mayor

Felicia Andronicou is an advocate and leader in the intersectional youth and disability community, who blogs under the name Divergent Fel.

She proudly identifies as an autistic/neurodivergent young Greek woman with ADHD, learning and psychosocial disabilities, and is also a member of Council’s Disability Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee.

Her important contribution to education won Felicia the Bayside Young Citizen of the Year award.

Youth is not the only driver of passion, proved by the nominees for Senior Citizen of the Year.

John Douglas OAM – Bayside’s Senior Citizen of the Year 2023

Senior Citizen of the year John with Mayor

John Douglas OAM was honoured for his contribution to the community as Parade Commander of the ANZAC and Remembrance Services for the Beaumaris RSL for over twenty years.

Hampton Community Centre – Community Event of the Year for the Nourish Program

Group of people from Nourish with awards

The Community Event of the Year went to Hampton Community Centre for the Nourish Program.

The Nourish Program is a weekly opportunity for members of the community to connect with their neighbors through a range of free activities including walking groups, community lunches and free counselling sessions, with an aim to improve social connection for older residents.

As a sustainability-focused Council, we are proud to acknowledge the great environmental work going on in our communities.

Susanne Motherwell – Environment Award for an Individual

Susanne Motherwell and Mayor with award

The Environment Award for an Individual has been given to Susanne Motherwell for her advocacy to protect a beautiful avenue of pin oak trees in Vincent Street, Sandringham now listed on the significant tree register.

The Royal Melbourne Golf Club – Environment Award for an Organisation

Two men from Royal Melbourne Golf Club and Mayor receiving award

The Royal Melbourne Golf Club won the Environment Award for an Organisation for their commitment to environmental protection, enhancement and propagation.

As always, the nominations for all our Australia Day Awards came from the community.

Thank you to everyone who nominated and congratulations to all the winners.

Photo gallery from Australia Day Awards 2023

/Public Release. View in full here.