Nominations for the 2026 Civic Awards are closed. The winners will be awarded during the Community Dinner in July and announced on our social media channels.
2026 Whitehorse Civic Awards
The annual Whitehorse Civic Awards are designed to recognise, acknowledge and promote the efforts of people and community clubs or groups who either live, work, study or participate in the Whitehorse community.
Our award categories are:
Citizen of the Year - the Citizen of the Year should demonstrate years of achievement in any field including but not limited to community service(s) and innovation, volunteer work and outstanding generosity. If you would like to nominate someone as Citizen of the Year through an achievement made in a paid role, please provide evidence as to how your nominee has contributed to the Whitehorse community in addition to their paid duties.
Young Citizen of the Year - the Young Citizen of the Year should demonstrate leadership qualities and have inspired others through their actions or by being a positive role model. The contribution can be made in any field including but not limited to community service(s) and innovation, volunteer work and outstanding generosity. If you would like to nominate someone as Young Citizen of the Year through an achievement made in a paid role, please provide evidence as to how your nominee has contributed to the Whitehorse community in addition to their paid duties.
Community Achievement Award - the Community Achievement Award recognises individuals or whole of community organisations, clubs or groups who have exceeded expectations to improve the Whitehorse community. This can include areas where individuals or groups have made a tangible difference to either acceptance and tolerance in the community, diversity and outstanding community spirit. Self-nominations by community groups are acceptable in this category.
For further information on the nominations process, please refer to our Criteria and Eligibility ( PDF 218.07KB).
2025 Civic Award recipients
The recipients of the Whitehorse Civic Awards 2025 received their awards during our Community Dinner, hosted by Whitehorse City Council, on 22 July 2025.
Citizen of the Year – Rufina Chan JP
Rufina is a long-time Whitehorse resident and dedicated community leader with over 30 years of volunteer service. She is passionate about cultural inclusion, community health, and wellbeing.
Her work spans multicultural groups, public health initiatives, intergenerational programs, and grassroots environmental projects. Rufina has empowered seniors through digital literacy, raised environmental awareness, and supported vulnerable community members.
Since 2016, she has served as President of the Chinese Stroke Support Group, offering peer support and education for stroke survivors and their families. She also led a diabetes education project that reached over 10,000 residents, increasing awareness and prevention.
As founder of the Chinese Computer Club, Rufina provides free digital literacy classes to elderly migrants in the Eastern suburbs.
Her leadership has earned numerous awards, including recognition from Lions Clubs International, the Victorian Government, and the Whitehorse City Council’s Community Achievement Award in 2020.
Young Citizen of the Year - Tom Walsh
Last summer, Tom risked his life to save two young girls caught in rough waters at Venus Bay. Without hesitation, he grabbed the newly installed Public Rescue Equipment, triggered the emergency alert to 000, and swam into dangerous conditions to bring each girl to safety using the flotation device.
His brave actions saved their lives and demonstrated the critical importance of both lifesaving volunteers and accessible rescue equipment at our beaches.
Tom’s heroism has since made him the face of Surf Life Saving Australia’s ‘Mission Zero’ campaign, which aims to raise funds to install rescue equipment across Australian beaches.
Driven by his personal experience, Tom is proud to lead this national initiative and continues to serve his community as a dedicated volunteer.
His courage and commitment are a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make.
Bihong is a passionate community leader dedicated to strengthening the social, cultural, and economic fabric of Whitehorse. As President of the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse, she has championed inclusivity, multiculturalism, and local business growth through a range of initiatives.
She leads the annual Box Hill Chinese Lunar New Year Festival, which attracts over 100,000 visitors and celebrates Chinese culture while boosting tourism and economic activity. Bihong also supports small and multicultural businesses through programs that increase visibility and collaboration among local traders.
She spearheaded CareConnect, a platform connecting providers in the NDIS, aged care, and allied health sectors, promoting inclusive and accessible services.
Bihong’s leadership has earned her roles on the Ministerial and Premier’s Business Councils, where she works with all levels of government to advocate for migrant and minority communities.
Her vision and dedication continue to build a more connected and equitable Whitehorse.
Brian has been the much-loved Musical Director of the City of Whitehorse Band since 2008. A retired public high school music teacher and accomplished trombonist, Brian brings decades of professional experience, including performances with the ABC Showband and “In Melbourne Tonight.”
He patiently mentors less experienced players, helping each musician grow and contribute to the ensemble. In recent years, when the band faced the risk of folding due to post-COVID challenges, Brian stepped up by tailoring music to suit each player and even forgoing his honorarium to keep the band going.
Despite facing his own health challenges, Brian continues to lead with energy, humour and passion. His commitment and enthusiasm inspire the band and delight audiences.
Beyond Whitehorse, Brian also plays with and supports other local bands, including the U3A Big Band, Down Beat Big Band, and Groovin’ Easy Orchestra. His impact on the local music scene is both deep and enduring.
The Space, an initiative of Whitehorse Churches Care in partnership with Forest Hill Chase Centre Management, is a welcoming, inclusive community hub supporting connection, purpose and wellbeing. Especially for those experiencing social isolation. Open to all, it plays a vital role in the Whitehorse community, engaging around 400 people each week.
A recent evaluation found that 90% of visitors felt more socially connected through its programs. The Space proudly reflects the diversity of the community, with strong participation from seniors, carers, people with disability and culturally diverse groups. At its heart are nearly 100 dedicated volunteers who give their time, skills, and compassion to help make The Space a safe, supportive, and valued place for all.
Geoff White is a dedicated and respected member of both the Whitehorse and Mornington Peninsula communities, with decades of volunteer service. In Whitehorse, he plays an active role in several groups, including the Surrey Hills and Mont Albert Progress Association, the West of Elgar Residents Association, and the Combined Residents of Whitehorse Action Group. His work focuses on advocating for sustainable development, preserving green spaces, and supporting community wellbeing.
Passionate about protecting local character and the environment, Geoff also closely follows Council matters to keep the community informed. On the Mornington Peninsula, his involvement with the Landcare Network has been vital in restoring and protecting native flora and fauna. Geoff’s ongoing advocacy and commitment are leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
In 2015, Jennifer founded the WOW Business and Social Network to support women in the Whitehorse community, particularly those running businesses, feeling isolated or new to the area. What began as a Facebook page has grown into a thriving online and in-person network with a website, Instagram, and a highly engaged Facebook group. Under Jennifer’s leadership, the network has reached a peak of 130 members and recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary.
Jennifer hosts guest speakers, regular lunches and dinners, and creates opportunities for connection, learning, and collaboration. Her events have led to lasting friendships and even travel among members. The network also champions local businesses through cross-promotion and networking. Jennifer 's inclusive and tireless approach has created a welcoming space where every woman feels valued, supported, and empowered.
Michael is an outstanding young leader whose dedication to community service is both inspiring and far-reaching. While studying at Monash University and serving on the Biomed Scholars Student Committee, he remains actively involved in a wide range of volunteer roles.
As a member of the Australian Air Force Cadets, Michael mentors younger cadets and helps coordinate initiatives like Flying Fit, which raised nearly $30,000 for charity. He has been formally recognised for promoting a positive and inclusive cadet environment.
Michael is a Gold Award recipient and Award Leader for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, supporting other young people on their journeys. He volunteers at Epworth Eastern Hospital, the Monash Teddy Bear Hospital, FareShare, and tutors students at RL Education. Through every role, Michael demonstrates leadership, compassion, and a strong commitment to making a difference. He is a powerful example of what young people in Whitehorse can achieve.
Nourishing Our Neighbours is a volunteer-led food relief group making a big impact in Whitehorse. Founded by local mum Alison Starbuck, the group rescues surplus food that would otherwise go to waste and shares it with people in need. With care and dignity, they support families, elderly residents, and anyone doing it tough.
Operating from Box Hill North and Blackburn South, the group brings together 40 dedicated volunteers, mainly women over 40, who have supported over 3,000 families and rescued more than 140,000 kilograms of food from landfill.
More than just a food program, Nourishing Our Neighbours is a community built on kindness and connection. Each week, volunteers sort, pack, and distribute food without judgement, proving that small actions can create lasting change. In a time of rising living costs, this grassroots group is helping ensure everyone has access to fresh, healthy food and a stronger sense of community.
Phra Maha Boonsom Uttan, or Ajahn to his friends, is a devoted monk who has dedicated his life to community service, wellness, and interfaith harmony. Since arriving at the Melbourne Thai Buddhist Temple in Box Hill in 1993, he has become a respected and much-loved figure in the Whitehorse community.
Over the past two decades, Ajahn has led the expansion of the temple, provided Buddhist pastoral care in local hospitals, and supported the establishment of a temple in Ballarat. He runs a weekly Thai language and culture school open to all families and opened the temple to people of all faiths during the pandemic, offering a space for connection and celebration.
As a past President and Vice President of the Buddhist Council of Victoria, Ajahn has promoted interfaith understanding across Victoria. In 2016, he co-launched the Buddhist Climate Action Kit and has been recognised for his service with awards in both Australia and Thailand.
