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. 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/or offering an outstanding guest experience through warm and gracious hospitality.
Your application may address one or more of the following questions:
- Can you provide a brief overview of your business, including its history, mission, and values?
- How long has your business been operating?
- What motivated you to enter the hospitality sector, and how has your business evolved over the years?
- Describe the hospitality practices and values that guide your business.
- How do you and your staff ensure warm and gracious hospitality on a consistent basis?
- What measures do you take to train and develop your staff in providing exceptional hospitality?
- How do you foster a positive and motivated work environment within your business?
B. 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.
Your application may address one or more of the following questions:
- Can you provide a brief overview of your organisation, including its mission, vision, and key initiatives related to mental health and wellbeing?
- How long has your organisation been actively involved in supporting mental health and wellbeing?
- What specific programs or initiatives has your organisation implemented to address and reduce the impact of mental health issues in the local community?
- Describe any wellness programs, workshops, or activities that have been particularly successful.
- Have you organized any events or campaigns to promote mental health awareness within the Aston community?
- Describe the support networks or resources that your organisation provides to individuals and families facing mental health challenges in the community.
- How do you ensure that those in need have access to ongoing support?
C. 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.
Your application may address one or more of the following questions:
- Can you provide a brief overview of your organization, highlighting its mission and key initiatives related to fostering connections and unity within the Aston community?
- How long has your organization been actively involved in promoting community connections?
- Describe the specific programs or initiatives your organization has implemented to promote inclusivity within the Aston community.
- How do you ensure that diverse populations and perspectives are represented and included in your community-building efforts?
- How do you effectively communicate with the community to keep them informed about events, initiatives, and opportunities for connection?
- How does your organization empower local leaders within the Aston community to take an active role in fostering connections?
- Are there specific programs or initiatives aimed at developing community leadership skills?
D. 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.
Your application may address one or more of the following questions:
- Can you provide a brief overview of your sports club or team, including its history, mission, and the sports it participates in?
- How long has your club or team been active?
- What notable accomplishments and successes has your sports club or team achieved in recent years?
- How does your sports club or team promote sportsmanship, teamwork, and positive values among its members?
- How do you support and mentor young talent to foster a future generation of sports enthusiasts?
- In addition to athletic skills, how does your club or team contribute to the character development of its members?
- Are there specific values or traits that you aim to instil in your athletes?
Individual Categories
E. 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.
Your application may address one or more of the following questions:
- Can you articulate your leadership philosophy and the guiding principles that have shaped your approach to leadership?
- How do you view the role of a leader in influencing positive change within their sphere of influence?
- Can you share examples of positive outcomes resulting from your leadership initiatives?
- Can you share an example where your effective decision-making played a crucial role in overcoming a significant obstacle?
- Have you been involved in mentoring or developing emerging leaders within your sphere of influence?
F. 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.
Your application may address one or more of the following questions:
- Can you introduce yourself and provide a brief overview of your achievements and interests?
- How old are you, and what grade or level of education are you currently in?
- Can you share specific achievements in academics, sports, arts, community service, or any other notable areas that you are particularly proud of?
- What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them in pursuit of your goals?
- How do you contribute to creating a positive and supportive environment for your peers?
G. 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.
Your application may address one or more of the following questions:
- Can you please share a bit about your personal background, including your connection to the local community?
- Describe the specific contributions or initiatives you have undertaken in the local community that you believe qualify you for the Local Hero Award.
- How have your efforts impacted a significant number of individuals or groups within the local area?
- Describe the support network, if any, that has helped you in your community endeavours.
- Have you encountered any challenges or obstacles in your community work, and how did you overcome them?
H. 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.
Your application may address one or more of the following questions:
- Can you share a bit about your background and what motivated you to start volunteering within the community or organization?
- Can you highlight any key projects or initiatives where your volunteer contributions have made a significant impact?
- How do you bring enthusiasm and positive energy to your volunteer activities?
- Can you provide examples of successful teamwork and collaboration in your volunteer work?
- Have you taken the initiative to introduce new ideas or improvements to enhance the effectiveness of your volunteer activities?
I. 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.
Your application may address one or more of the following questions:
- Can you share a bit about your background and what motivated you to become a caregiver, either professionally or within your family?
- In your caregiving role, how do you express empathy and compassion towards those you care for?
- Can you describe a specific instance where your creativity or resourcefulness improved the caregiving process?
- Can you highlight instances where teamwork and collaboration have enhanced the overall care experience?
- Are there self-care practices or routines that you have found particularly beneficial in sustaining your caregiving role?
J. 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.
Your application may address one or more of the following questions:
- Can you share your teaching philosophy and the methods you employ to make learning engaging and effective for your students?
- Have you implemented any innovative approaches or techniques in your teaching that have had a positive impact on student learning?
- Describe your approach to mentorship and how you support the academic and personal development of your students.
- How do you foster a positive and engaging learning environment that encourages active participation from your students?
- Have you initiated any projects or partnerships that connect your classroom to the local community?
K. 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.
Your application may address one or more of the following questions:
- Can you provide an overview of your career, highlighting key milestones, roles, and significant achievements over the years?
- Are there specific projects, initiatives, or contributions that you are particularly proud of?
- How have you fostered a culture of excellence and innovation in your professional or community endeavours?
- How do you envision the lasting legacy you have built in your chosen field or community?
- Are there lessons or experiences that have significantly shaped your development?
Timeline
Award Ceremony – Saturday, 12 September 2026. Location TBA in Aston Electorate
Nominations open from Monday 8 June 2026
Nominations close on 7 August 2026
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
Mobile: 0447 621 715
Address: Suite 4, Level 1, 420 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South, Wurundjeri Country, VIC 3152
