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.
Nominations for the award are open to anyone living in the federal electorate of Aston. Self-nominations are most welcomed.
Group Categories
A. Mental Health and Wellbeing Champion
This award celebrates local groups and organisations working to reduce the impact of mental health and/or improve emotional and physical wellbeing of the local Aston community.
Finalists:
- Hands Off Foundation
- Mental Health Foundation Australia
- EACH
- Foothills Community Care
B. 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.
Finalists:
- Waverley Social Enterprises
- Hindu Satsang Mandal of Victoria
- Coonara Community House
- Feed One Feed All Inc.
- Foothills Community Care
C. 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.
Finalists:
- Rowville Basketball Club
- TKS Year 8/9 Boys Basketball A Team
- Rowville Eagles FC
- Heathwood Cricket Club
- Azad Basketball Club
- Knox Obedience Dog Club
- Scoresby Cricket Club
Individual Categories
D. 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.
Finalists:
- Dinesh Chand
- Monique Smith
- Randy Singh Saraw
- Shawn Andrews
- Alice Garrick
E. Outstanding Young Achiever Award - under 35 years of age
This award recognises an individual 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 and young people, acknowledging their unique talents and encouraging a sense of pride and motivation for continued excellence.
Finalists:
- Bonnie Johnson
- Rose Statkevitch
- Ethan Gathungu
- Pia Sharma
- Isabelle Kim
- Aurelia Cabrera
- Lily Gaunson
- Edmund Kang
- Lachlan Sefton
- Marie Capon Pittorino
- Maxwell Worthy
F. 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 recognizes 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.
Finalists:
- Ian Henwood
- Michael Johnson
- Sean Breen
- Ray Siegersma
- Ross Ward
G. 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 recognizes the outstanding impact of the recipient's voluntary contributions, emphasizing qualities such as reliability, enthusiasm, and a sustained commitment to making a positive difference.
Finalists:
- Emma Tucker
- Terry Eklund
- Marissa Kostoulias
- Lisa Mardale
- Peter Malden
- Sanjini Devi
- Shayne Van der Heide
- Ann Dodd
- Irene Chen
- Emily Christison
- Samantha Dunkinson
H. 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.
Finalists:
- Sue Ellard
- Cindy Gutteridge
- Dave Gutteridge
I. 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 recognizes 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.
Finalists:
- Lauren Iverach
- Chris Hilton
- Bo Zhang
J. 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.
Finalists:
- Mario Bernardi
- Jon Franklin
- Ray Siegersma
Timeline
Award Ceremony – Saturday, 12 September 2026.
Location- The Knox School, 220 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South, VIC 3152
Time- 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Nominations open from Monday 8 June 2026
Nominations have been closed
Finalists announced on 21 August 2026
Winners announced at the Award Ceremony on 12 September 2026
Contact Details
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (03) 9887 3890
Address: Suite 4, Level 1, 420 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South, Wurundjeri Country, VIC 3152
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