Announcing our 2025 Merri-bek Community Award winners
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Congratulations to all the inspiring people and projects who were recognised in our 2025 Merri-bek Community Awards!
From dedicated teachers and coaches to sustainable social enterprises and selfless volunteers – our award winners have contributed so much of their time, skills and expertise to making Merri-bek a better place.
Congratulations to everyone who was nominated and received a commendation. Each nomination tells a story of passion, creativity and generosity in our community and we’re proud to shine a light on these exceptional individuals and groups.
2025 Merri-bek Community Award winners
Community Event of the Year
Winner: Coburg Parkrun
Recognised for bringing the community together through a free, weekly, inclusive run or walk along the Merri Creek.
High Commendation: Fuzzy Sunday Events
Recognised for nurturing and growing Merri-bek's music community through their family-friendly, community-minded festival.
Collaborative Partnerships Award
Winner: Glenroy Neighbourhood House Men's Shed
Recognised for working with Fawkner Primary School to build a community library for students and families.
High Commendation: Mark Phillips
Recognised for creating positive links in Merri-bek through the Brunswick Voice independent news project.
Contribution to Arts and Culture Award
Winner: Rosa Voto
Recognised for celebrating and preserving Southern Italian traditional dances and folk traditions through the Melbourne School of Tarantella.
High Commendation: Onur Kurt
Recognised for making a lasting contribution to artistic and life in Merri-bek as a performer, role model for emerging artists and cultural connector through her coffee shop, O’Kahve.
Contribution to Sport Award
Winner: Andrew Malthouse
Recognised for his passion and commitment to improving community sport through the North Coburg Rebels Baseball Club
High Commendation: Dean Paatsch
Recognised for his leadership, sustained advocacy and tireless volunteer work with the Brunswick Hockey Club.
Youth Contribution Award
Winner: Hamayle Asmat
Recognised for her passion, commitment, and courage to speak up on issues impacting young people in Merri-bek.
High Commendation: Isabella Ye
Recognised for her leadership, community involvement and commitment to empowering others.
Environmental Sustainability Achievement Award
Winner: Wholefoods Unwrapped Collective
Recognised for supporting Merri-bek residents to divert waste from landfill and creating a strong sense of community among their customers, staff and volunteers.
High Commendation: Sussex Neighbourhood House
Recognised for encouraging sustainable habits, creating stronger community ties, and improving financial wellbeing in the community through their programs and partnerships.
Volunteer of the Year
Winner: Amanda Opie
Recognised for her dedication to community safety and education initiatives as part of the Victorian State Emergency Services Fawkner Unit.
High Commendation: Hanife Opoz
Recognised for her compassion and outstanding efforts to support newly arrived migrants and international students in Merri-bek.
Honouring Women in Merri-bek Award
Winner: Deborah D'Aprano
Recognised for her civic engagement and her dynamic and inclusive teaching practices throughout her 25-year career.
High Commendation: Sarah Hussein
Recognised for empowering women in the community through her work with the Northern Community Legal Centre.
Access and Inclusion Award
Winner: Sydney Road Accessible Tram Stops Now
Recognised for their dedicated advocacy and campaigning for accessible tram stops along Sydney Road – raising the profile of this issue and bringing it to the attention of politicians and millions of people in Victoria.
High Commendation: Kevin Heinze GROW
Recognised for building a more connected, compassionate and accessible community for people of all abilities in Merri-bek and beyond.
Lisa Bellear Award for Contribution to Reconciliation Activities
Winner: Melodie Davies
Recognised for her ethical, active and respectful allyship in Reconciliation within the early years space in Merri-bek.
Police Leadership Award
Winner: Sergeant Andrew Thomson
Recognised for his unmatched commitment to breaking down barriers between police and the public to enhance community safety.
High Commendation: Senior Constable Matthew Pollard
Recognised for his outstanding compassion, initiative and commitment to community wellbeing in this work.
Learn more Merri-bek Community Awards