On Sunday 26 January 2025, Greater Dandenong’s 100 newest citizens were inspired by stories of incredible community members who work tirelessly to enrich the lives of others.
At the Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony, Mayor, Councillor Jim Memeti, thanked the nominees and winners for their service to the community.
“They demonstrate everything that is good, inclusive and proactive about our community; as they have selflessly contributed to build a strong, happy and more resilient Greater Dandenong,” Cr Memeti said.
The Mayor also had the honour of welcoming Greater Dandenong’s newest Australian citizens.
“Australian citizenship symbolises our unity as a nation. It is the common bond that unites all Australians – whether you were born here, or you have decided to make Australia your home.
“I sincerely hope that you all achieve your dreams and aspirations as you continue to plan your life going forward as an Australian citizen,” Cr Memeti said.
“You have chosen a great place to live. I have a real connection to this city. I came here from North Macedonia when I was a young boy with my family. This is where I have raised my family and I continue to live here.
“We value diversity and the harmony that exists here, in this place that welcomes all.”
Congratulations to the 2025 Greater Dandenong Australia Day Award Winners
Community Leadership Award
Sue Doherty: As coordinator of the With One Voice Greater Dandenong Choir, Sue is described as the heart and soul of the choir which fosters a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment for all. Her volunteer work encourages a sense of belonging and connection among choir members.
Living Treasure
Award Stewart Taylor: A proud Bunurong man, Stewart uses his work with Victoria Police as the Southern Metro Region Aboriginal Liaison Officer to advocate for the local Aboriginal community. He also volunteers with other organisations and the impacts of his contributions will be felt for generations.
Priscilla Graf: Advocating for local refugee families, Priscilla has helped many families adjust to their new life and make positive connections in the community. Her work includes encouraging children’s involvement in sport, tutoring students in maths and supporting families in need.
Corporate Citizen of the Year
Rob Boyle: As owner of Rob’s British & Irish Butchery, Rob has become a Dandenong icon. For 33 years he has run the butchery and promoted central Dandenong as a place to shop and visit. He also supports local charities and has employed many local people, including youngsters launching into their first jobs.
Young Leader of the Year
Rowan Barbour: Rowan took part in Council’s 2024 Young Leaders Program, growing her confidence in public speaking and leadership skills. She volunteers regularly at the Save the Children Warehouse and the Australian Animal Protection Society Op Shop in Keysborough.
Simran Saroy: Simran shows great commitment to her community through her ongoing volunteer work with headspace (youth mental health organisation) and her passion to reduce stigma around mental health and improving service access for multicultural communities.
Young Leader of the Year Highly Commended
Meantepy ‘Tepy’ Hoeung: Tepy helps to raise critical awareness of liver health and viral hepatitis in the Khmer and broader Southeast Asia communities through community outreach, including educational sessions and appearances on SBS language programs and podcasts.
Khue Le: A member of Council’s 2024 Young Leaders Program, Khue is focused on health policy and health promotion for multicultural communities. She is the Rural Chair of the Australian Medical Students Association, volunteers with the Embrace Education team at Monash University which offers tutoring to disadvantaged students and teaches Vietnamese on weekends.
Volunteer of the Year
Glenn Mclaren: Glenn has been an active volunteer for 17 years and is now the Captain of the Springvale CFA. Over the years he has fought on the frontline, attending thousands if call outs as a firefighter, and he also attends community events to share fire safety messaging and education with the wider community.
Community Group of the Year
Afri-Aus Care Inc.: Since 2015 Afri-Aus Care Inc has been a pillar of the African Australian community, supporting people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds through culturally-sensitive counselling, mental health services, employment support and community sport.
Sustainability Award
Kym O’Shannassy – Rethink Recycling: Based in Springvale, Rethink Recycling Community (RRC) is a not-for-profit organisation inspiring change through education and community involvement. RRC creates new products from plastic lids, using the recycling process to educate community members about the circular economy.
Sportsperson of the Year
Giancarlo Artho: Giancarlo’s achievements in motorsport serve as an inspiration to other young residents. Starting in go karts at age seven, last year he won a full scholarship to race in the 2024 Indian F4 Championship. Giancarlo is also active in his local community, having spent time on FReeZA and Noble Park Youth committees.
Outstanding Contributor to the Arts Award
Masquerade Youth Productions Inc: Since 2014 Masquerade Youth Productions (MYP) has entertained the Greater Dandenong community through performances at the Drum Theatre.
MYP provides access to the arts for children with disabilities, helping them to learn new skills and discover creativity and imagination.