Summary
The Tilly Aston Community Awards are a recognition program that honours outstanding contributions and achievements within the Aston community. Named after Tilly Aston, a renowned advocate for social causes, these awards aim to celebrate individuals or groups that have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and positive impact in various aspects of community life.
*See below for Categories*
2025 FINALISTS
Group categories:
Local Hospitality Champion –
This award will celebrate a local business that stands out as a trailblazer in the hospitality sector, contributing to the promotion of the Aston electorate as the preferred destination and offering an outstanding guest experience through warm and gracious hospitality.
- Cafe on the Park
- FOFA
- Breakfast Club - Knox InfoLink
Mental Health and Wellbeing Champion –
This award celebrates local groups and organisations working to reduce the impact of mental health and/or improve the emotional and physical wellbeing of the local Aston community.
- TRK Care
- Rowville Men’s Shed
- Foothills Community Care Inc
- Hands Off Foundation
- Wantirna Jetbacks
- St Kilda Gatehouse - Young Women's Program
- Each
- Orana Neighbourhood House
Connecting Communities Champion –
This award honours local groups and organisations demonstrating outstanding commitment to fostering connections and unity within the Aston community. This award specifically celebrates those who have played a pivotal role in promoting inclusivity, collaboration, and social cohesion.
- Knoxbrooke Support
- Glengollan Village
- Foothills Community Care Inc
- The Community Houses Association of the Outer-Eastern Suburbs - Living our best life project
- Boronia K-12 Students (Maria Clarkson, Grace Corrone, Laila Coyne, Boyd Hagley, Mitchell Knight, Justin Laurito, Tilli McKay, Mikayla North, Matthew Payne, Delaram Roostai.)
- CHAMPION Community Hub
- Coonara Community House
- Knox Masters Athletics
- Share Space Inc
Sporting Champion–
This award recognises a sports club or team that has demonstrated exceptional accomplishments, excellence in athletics performance and noteworthy contributions to the sporting community in Aston. The award celebrates the club's or team’s commitment to promoting sportsmanship, teamwork, and positive values, both on and off the field.
- Wantirna South Junior Football Club
- Maroondah Volleyball
- St Andrews (Ringwood) Cricket Club
Individual categories:
Leadership Award
This award recognises an individual who has displayed exemplary leadership qualities and has made a significant impact within their sphere of influence. The award acknowledges outstanding vision, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire and guide others toward shared goals.
- Stephen Barrington
- Sophia Ambler
- Jacqueline Ring
- Mark Tyrrell
Rising Star Award
This award recognises an individual between the age of 16 and 30 who is early in their career but have already demonstrated exceptional promise, achievements, and a strong potential for future success. The award highlights outstanding contributions, dedication, and a noteworthy impact in their field or industry.
- Hayley Bauer
- Jack Taylor
- Erica Dunham
Outstanding Young Achiever Award
This award recognises an individual between the age of 8 and 16 with exceptional achievements in academics, sports, arts, community service, or any other notable areas. Criteria for consideration may include demonstrated creativity, resilience, leadership qualities, and a positive impact on peers and the community. The Outstanding Young Achiever Award aims to inspire and applaud the extraordinary potential and early accomplishments of children, acknowledging their unique talents and encouraging a sense of pride and motivation for continued excellence.
- Sophia Ambler
- Methuki Don
- Irina Junyi Zhang
- Samuel Cheung
- Amber Hellier
- Beth Oudshoorn
- Mikayla Hoey
- Aran Nota
- Lachlan Munro
- Annabelle Tay
Local Hero Award
This category is designed to honour individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to their local community, embodying the spirit of selflessness, compassion, and dedication. The award recognises those who have gone above and beyond to make a positive impact, demonstrating acts of kindness, community service, and leadership. Criteria for consideration may include the scale of their contribution, the lasting effects on the community, and the ability to inspire others. The Local Hero Award aims to celebrate and showcase the unsung heroes within a community, acknowledging their invaluable efforts and highlighting the power of individuals to bring about positive change at the local level.
- Michelle Waldron
- Bryan Dye
- Helen Potton
- Ashley Jakowitz
Volunteer of the Year Award
This award honours an individual who has demonstrated exemplary commitment, dedication, and selfless service through volunteer efforts within a specific community or organisation. The award recognises the outstanding impact of the recipient's voluntary contributions, emphasising qualities such as reliability, enthusiasm, and a sustained commitment to making a positive difference.
- Heather Wall
- Pauline Michael
- John Woodward
- Aaron Craig
- Karli Pignolet
- Alan Singh
- Dorothy Bounds
- Irene Smith
- Jessica Paulo
- Laurren Kaye
- Madison Huckel
- John Jennings
- Shane Mayoh
- Tony Peng
Carer of the Year Award
This award is dedicated to recognising and celebrating an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and compassion in providing care to others, whether it be within a professional capacity or as a dedicated family member. The award acknowledges the recipient's selfless commitment to enhancing the well-being and quality of life for those under their care. Criteria for consideration may include the level of empathy shown, the impact on the lives of those cared for, innovative caregiving approaches, and the ability to navigate challenges with resilience and grace.
- Amanda and Dean Collins
- Christine Williams
- Margaret Hawkes
Teacher of the Year Award
This award honours an outstanding educator who has demonstrated exemplary dedication, innovation, and effectiveness in the field of education. The award recognises the recipient's exceptional teaching methods, positive impact on students, and contributions to the overall learning environment. Criteria for consideration may include teaching excellence, student engagement, mentorship, curriculum development, and community involvement.
- Seema Vikas
- Sarah McKenzie
- Emily Maynard
Lifetime Achievement Award
This prestigious category is reserved for individuals who have made extraordinary, sustained contributions over the course of their entire career or lifetime. The award honours a person who has exhibited unparalleled dedication, exceptional leadership, and significant impact in their chosen field or community. Criteria for consideration may include a long and distinguished career, notable achievements, positive influence on others, and a lasting legacy. The Lifetime Achievement Award serves as the highest form of recognition, celebrating the cumulative impact and enduring contributions of an individual who has dedicated their life to excellence, leaving an indelible mark on their profession, community, or society at large.
- Naomi Butler-Moore
- Stephen Barrington
- Gayle Dye
2025 Timeline
Nominations for the award are open to anyone living in the Federal Electorate of Aston.
Self-nominations are most welcomed.
Award Ceremony – 30 August 2025, from 4-7pm.
Location: Chinese Association of Victoria. 8 Ashley Street, Wantirna, VIC 3152
Nominations open now until 10 August 2025
Finalists announced on 19 August 2025
Winners announced at Award Ceremony
Nominations are now closed
