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.
2025 Civic Awards Nominations are Now Open!
Nominate a Local Hero for the 2025 Civic Awards!
Do you know someone making a real difference to the Whitehorse community? You can show your appreciation for those who have made a significant contribution and celebrate them.
The 2025 Civic Awards recognises outstanding individuals and groups who go above and beyond to make Whitehorse a better place.
There are three Nomination Categories:
- Citizen of the Year – Honouring exceptional community contributions by an individual.
- Young Citizen of the Year – Recognising a young person who is a leader or changemaker within the community (must be under 27 as of 1 Jan 2025).
- Community Achievement Award – Celebrating an individual or group who makes a difference or volunteers in the Whitehorse community.
These awards shine a light on those who give their time, energy, and passion to making a positive impact. Let’s give them the recognition they deserve. For further information on the nominations process, please refer to our Criteria and Eligibility ( PDF 85.38KB)
Nominations close at 5pm on 30 May 2025.
Submit your nomination today and help us celebrate the incredible people in our community!
2024 Civic Award Winners
Young Citizens of the Year - Emily Padman, Sebastian van Ketwich and Jacob Niven
Emily, Sebastian and Jacob are Grade 5 students at Parkmore Primary School and Kingswood College.
Last year, Sebastian was frustrated by the collapse of the REDCycle soft plastics collection program. He founded the Soft Plastics Environmental Earth Defense group (SPEED) with the help of Jacob and Emily.
Together, they educated their schoolmates on the impact of soft plastics on the environment and held a month-long challenge, which led to a 90 per cent drop in soft plastics in students' lunchboxes across the school.
The trio have presented at school assemblies, council meetings and to local community groups. They've also been working with Council’s Sustainability team and the Eastern Alliance for Sustainable Learning (EASL), and partnering with scientists and engineers at Sydney University to learn how they can address some of the world's biggest waste issues.
SPEED hope to empower more students to identify changes in their homes and communities through their new program ‘Kids Teaching Kids’, which will be rolled out in schools this year.
Elizabeth is a highly regarded member of community groups such as The Surrey Hills and Mont Albert Progress Association, the Combined Residents of Whitehorse Action Group and the Bluebell Hill Advisory Committee.
She has also previously been a member of other local groups throughout Whitehorse. Elizabeth is always encouraging residents to get involved in the community, whether it be supporting causes like the environment, or assisting and advocating for heritage preservation in Whitehorse.
One of her most significant campaigns was the advocacy work she undertook for the protection of Gardiners Creek Parklands.
Heather enjoys giving her time to the community through supporting the Lions Clubs, Heatherdale Community Action Group and local churches throughout Whitehorse.
She has been involved in Scouts Victoria for more than 50 years and has received 15 awards for her service to the organisation. Heather is always willing to help wherever she can and supports our community in many different ways.
Helen is the President of the Nunawading Toy Library – a position she’s held for the past five years. The toy library aims to provide affordable access for parents and carers to toys and equipment for children up to six years of age.
Helen has played a starring role in championing the toy library and growing its profile within the Whitehorse community, but insists she’s one of only a number of dedicated volunteers and session coordinators who contribute to its success.
As well as her work with the toy library, Helen is actively involved as a leader of the Donvale/Nunawading District Guides. She has a remarkable ability to connect with, organise and share her passion with community members at all levels
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Box Hill Hospital was the primary treatment location for the Whitehorse community and surrounding areas.
The hospital staff not only battled rising inpatient numbers but the stress of combatting a new disease. They selflessly supported their patients whilst putting themselves at risk of contracting COVID-19.
The Box Hill Hospital staff work tirelessly to keep our community safe. During the most difficult times of the pandemic, they were devoted to providing exceptional care and attention to all the patients they received.
