Congratulations to our Australia Day Award Winners.
Citizen of the Year – Amanda Meehan (featured above)
Amanda Meehan selflessly helps children and families in countless ways via Surrogacy Australia, both as a surrogate and an advocate. She has devoted much of her time to giving back to her community with her involvement at the Darren Reserve Kindergarten and the Silverton Cricket Club.
Young Leader of the Year – Alice Ho
Alice Ho voluntarily performs leadership, support, and advocacy roles for several local and national community groups, particularly focusing on the health and wellbeing of young people. She has also volunteered her time to help those in need during COVID delivering food and other necessary items, all while continuing her studies and working her many jobs.
Volunteer of the Year – Korb Sao
Korb Sao is a well-respected and innovative community leader and provides important health information to the Cambodian Diaspora throughout the municipality and beyond through his work with SK Media. He is also an active volunteer and contributor to many local charities.
Community Group of the Year – South East Community Links
South East Community Links (SECL) has been providing practical and tangible support to new arrivals and those in need in our community for over 50 years, serving clients with respect and dignity. Services include emergency relief, settlement services, housing, youth services, financial counselling, no interest loans, partnering with CALD community groups and offering support to families in crisis or subject to domestic violence.
Sustainability Award – Ian Kitchen
Ian Kitchen has been the president of the Greater Dandenong Environmental Group for 25 years and in that time has continuously advocated for the preservation and restoration of our natural environment.
Sportsperson of the Year (joint winners)
Chantel Brown
Chantel Brown at just 14 years old has advocated for junior football and increased female participation in her local sporting community. She is an outstanding sportsperson who encourages her teammates and opposition, both on and off the field, to take the initiative to connect with children in the community.
Knowles Tivendale
Knowles Tivendale initiated the Dandenong Park Parkrun group in 2019–20 and has tirelessly worked to keep it going throughout the COVID pandemic when restrictions allowed. He was also an integral part of the inaugural Australia Day Make Your Move Fun Run at the beginning of 2021.
Corporate Citizen of the Year – James Sturgess
James Sturgess has been an advocate for the Dandenong area for more than two decades. He has been a key stakeholder in the revitalisation of Dandenong, with his goal to look out for the wellbeing and economic health of the community, both for residents and businesses, and particularly for those in need.
Corporate Citizen of the Year Special Commendation – Byron of Byron’s Convenience Store
Living Treasures (joint winners)
Be Ha
Be Ha is a long-term community leader who works tirelessly in supporting the settlement of the Vietnamese community in Greater Dandenong. Be’s efforts in promoting and advocating for the rights of refugees, women, youth and CALD communities have built cultural bridges, improved people’s wellbeing, and fostered community harmony.
Natalie Irvine
Natalie Irvine has volunteered at Palliative Care South East (PCSE) for 18 years and has supported over 25 clients with a life-limiting illness as a companion volunteer. She has also provided support in PCSE’s bereavement program by assisting with the memorial services, singing in the choir, reading poems or verses, taking registrations, and providing support to those in need.
Patricia Ockwell
Patricia Ockwell is a proud Wurundjeri Elder who has served her community through her work in hostels, housing, and the justice system. Now in her 80s, Pat’s passion and commitment for her community is undiminished and she continues to work tirelessly for fairness, integrity, and reconciliation.
Joe Rechichi
Joe Rechichi is a devoted volunteer with the Springvale Benevolent Society, as he does not want struggling families to go without a meal, having known what it was like himself. Joe has also been the Public Officer for the Springvale Italian Senior Citizens Club for over 30 years. Prior to the COVID pandemic, he attended seminars on health and community issues to relay ‘information’ to the elderly citizens.
