Citizen Awards

The Hobsons Bay Citizen Awards are a chance for us to acknowledge the people in our community who are striving to make a difference and to drive positive change. This could be through community service, sport, arts and culture, environment, health and wellbeing, business and economic development, and other areas that contribute to improving our city. 

Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination and highlighted the excellent work being accomplished by individuals in the community. 

2025 winners announced

Congratulations to the 2025 Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year winners.

• Citizen of the Year winner: Lara Week
• Young Citizen of the Year winner: Albee Damnics

Read more about this year's winners

Criteria and eligibility

There are two categories:  

To be eligible, nominees must be Australian citizens who live, work, volunteer or study in Hobsons Bay. Hobsons Bay City Council staff members and Councillors are not eligible to be nominated or to nominate.  

Nominations from previous recipients or nominees of other Council awards are welcome. Previous award winners will not be accepted (unless in exceptional circumstances).  

Nominees for Young Citizen of the Year must be 26 years or younger on 26 January 2025 and nominees for Citizen of the Year must be 27 years or older on 26 January 2025.  

You can only nominate someone else. Self-nominations will not be accepted. 

The award recipients in each category must be willing to undergo a Victoria Police criminal records check (paid for by Council).  

Key dates 

• Thursday 1 August 2024 – nominations open 
• Sunday 10 November 2024 – nominations close  
• January/February 2025 – winners announced

Award criteria and assessment of nominations   

The selection committee will evaluate nominees against the following criteria:   

• Has the nominee made a significant contribution to Hobsons Bay over this year and /or a number of years?   
• Has the nominee made a significant contribution to the general community beyond Hobsons Bay over this year and/or number of years?   
• How much potential does the nominee have to use the award to benefit the community?   
• To what extent will the city benefit from having this individual as an ambassador for the city?   
• Does the nominee's cause reflect the priorities of Hobsons Bay?   

Selection committee

The selection committee will comprise of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and the most recent recipients of the Hobsons Bay Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year.