2025 We Are Brimbank Awards Winners

Citizen of the Year:  

The Citizen of the Year is someone whose exceptional dedication, selflessness and leadership has made a profound impact in Brimbank, embodies the spirit of community, has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others, uplift our neighbourhoods and foster a sense of unity and belonging.

Winner: Dr. Ashima Soni

Dr. Ashima Soni is a dedicated Senior Clinical Psychologist with over 14 years of experience, specialising in anxiety, depression, and stress management. She uses evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and mindfulness to support individuals and foster lasting change through a warm, collaborative approach.

Passionate about community wellbeing, Ashima is committed to empowering those facing family violence and perinatal challenges, particularly within culturally diverse communities. Through mentoring, coaching, and community outreach, she enriches lives and promotes both personal and professional growth.

Young Citizen of the Year: 

The Young Citizen of the Year is a remarkable young citizen who inspires all with their passion and commitment to creating a brighter future for Brimbank.

Winner: Billy Chen

A member of the Victorian Youth Congress, the Western Chances STAR Committee, and a former Chair of Brimbank Youth Council, Billy Chen is a dedicated young leader committed to improving outcomes for his local community. He leads by example and strives to support the educational aspirations of young people in Melbourne’s West.

Whether representing young people in co-design projects, attending events, or fundraising, Billy is passionate about ensuring that young people in Brimbank have the same opportunities as their peers across Victoria.

Arts, Culture or Tourism Award: 

This award category recognises and celebrates the fantastic projects, events, groups or businesses that showcase and develop our communities’ rich cultural fabric.

Winner:  Aunty Lee-Anne Clarke

Aunty Lee-Anne Clarke is a proud Kirrae Whurrong woman from southwest Victoria. She has lived and worked in the Brimbank Council area for over 25 years. Aunty Lee-Anne is passionate about amplifying First Nations voices, supporting youth and families, building strong community relationships, and fostering reconciliation for a better future for all. She is also a recognised artist in her own right.

Community Engagement Award:

This award category acknowledges and celebrates remarkable projects, events, groups, or businesses that have made a significant contribution towards fostering a welcoming, engaging, and interconnected community.

Winner: Brimbank Community Hubs: St Albans PS Community Hub, St Albans Heights PS Community Hub, Stevensville PS Community Hub, Deer Park North PS Community Hub

The Brimbank Community Hubs are safe and welcoming spaces that support culturally and linguistically diverse families, particularly mothers with young children. These hubs foster social cohesion, early years support, educational opportunities, and pathways to employment.

By embedding hubs within primary schools, the program ensures accessibility and trust, making it easier for families to engage with both the school community and local services.

Environment or Sustainability Award: 

This award category acknowledges and celebrates remarkable projects, events, groups, or businesses that have motivated residents to actively contribute to, and preserve our environment for the benefit of future generations.

Winner: Albion Primary School

Albion Primary School has proudly served the community for nearly 100 years, with 2026 marking its centenary. The school is guided by the values of Respect, Care, Honesty, Learning, and Achievement.

Their mission, to 'Aim High', drives everything they do — helping students grow into socially capable individuals, reach their full academic potential, and become caring, respectful, and community-minded citizens.

In 2024, Albion Primary School achieved 5-star accreditation through ResourceSmart Schools, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and excellence.

Sports and Wellbeing Award: 

This award celebrates those who have made significant contributions to enhancing physical activity, mental health and overall wellbeing in our community. Whether they’re championing for youth sports, organising fitness programs or advocating for inclusive recreational opportunities, we want to recognise their positive impact.

Winner: Dance 4 All

Dance 4 All is one of the first programs of its kind in the West, offering an inclusive, purposefully designed dance program that caters to students with diverse needs.

Running since 2021, Dance 4 All has built a safe, judgment-free community that fosters understanding and mutual support. It aims to break down barriers, spark conversations about inclusion, and educate the community about the harmful effects of social stigma and discrimination surrounding autism and disability.

Their mission is to provide equal access to dance classes, performances, and social networks for people with disabilities — because “Dance is 4 everybody!”

Community Group of the Year: 

This award is for a remarkable community group that has demonstrated outstanding dedication and service, leaving a positive impact on the lives of residents in Brimbank. This could be through organising events, providing essential services or championing initiatives that have brought community together.

Winner: Helping Hands Mission

Helping Hands is more than just a charity — it’s a community lifeline. What began as a small mobile op shop in 2007 has evolved into a crucial support network for over 10,000 local families.

Whether it's emergency food relief, a warm meal, affordable shopping, or simply a friendly face, they are here to help. Thanks to their incredible volunteers, donors, and partners, Helping Hands provides essential items to those in need, rescues food, and keeps quality goods out of landfill. At Helping Hands, everyone is welcome, and every contribution makes a difference.

Mayoral Appreciation Award: 

The Mayoral Appreciation Award is a special commendation bestowed upon one We Are Brimbank Award nominee, hand-picked by the Mayor of Brimbank, to be recognised for their outstanding contribution to the city and community. 

Winner: Julian Reynolds

Julian is a dedicated Keilor Downs resident who cares deeply about his community and wants to see it looking its best. On weekends, he voluntarily picks up rubbish around the Brimbank Aquatic Centre, Keilor Central, Keilor Plains train station, and surrounding areas.

He also collaborates with Clean Up Australia, local community organisations, and Brimbank City Council to develop initiatives that support ongoing clean-up efforts in the area.

Years of Volunteer Service Award:

Brimbank proudly recognises its incredible volunteers for their dedication, hard work, and perseverance in serving the community.

Here are this year's exemplary volunteers:

1-year: Miriam Chiu, Emma Webb, and Mel Lam

10-year: Rowena Dela Rosa, Karin Saliba, Kieu On, Lydia John, Susana Varela, and Kahan Ali

15-year: Anna D'Cruz, Edmond Tan, Nehad EL-Daief, Luz Blight, Sandra Christodoulou, Nikki Spiteri, Natalie Eddy, and Michael Lomen

20-year: Gayle Wurm

25-year: Barbara Griggs, Effie Popp, and Margie Posavac

More information

Contact our Civic Events team via email on CivicEvents@brimbank.vic.gov.au for more information.