Contribution to Community
Community Organisation Division
Anzac Day Commemoration Council
The ANZAC Day Commemoration Council (ADCC) is a group of volunteers dedicated to ensuring official ANZAC Day events are run successfully and with integrity.
There are many activities associated with ANZAC Day, with the major events in Melbourne being the Dawn Service, the Gunfire Breakfast, the Commemoration Service, the ANZAC Day Commemoration March and the Annual Church Service. The members of the ADCC have approximately 71 years of volunteer service to the Council between them. They include: Chief Marshall Lt Col Paul Riley AM RFD, Ian Ward, John Hanlon, Bill Mountford, Kevin Hillier, Gnaire Foster and Jim Harris. The time dedicated by these volunteers to organising such an important day is usually in excess of one full-time position.
This passionate and motivated volunteer group are committed to giving the Melbourne community an opportunity to come together, reflect and keep our heritage alive.
Corporation Division
'Mix It Up', The Arts Centre and Multicultural Arts Victoria
In 2006, Multicultural Arts Victoria (MAV) and the Arts Centre developed an exciting partnership to create and deliver the Mix It Up program.
Mix It Up celebrates Victoria's cultural diversity by showcasing the work of outstanding local and international visual and performing artists. Pivotal to the success of the program has been its ability to make connections with local communities and engage new markets and audiences. Not only has Mix It Up provided increased exposure and profile for local artists but it has provided pathways of access for diverse communities. The program of music, theatre, visual art and creative development projects has strengthened links between non English speaking communities, particularly emergent refugee communities, and the Arts Centre.
Mix It Up has been established as an ongoing program between MAV and the Arts Centre which will continue to develop new connections with local communities, government and stakeholders.
Individual Division
Glenn Birt
Multicultural Liaison Officer with Victoria Police, Glenn Birt, is well-known for his 'bridge building' between the Horn of Africa community and local organisations.
For the past 18 months Glenn has committed many hours of his own time to helping Horn of Africa people develop strategies and programs to build stronger links with the wider community.
His inclusiveness and enthusiasm has been instrumental in bringing together individuals, groups and organisations with the common goal to help this newly-arrived group build links with and settle into the wider Melbourne community. Glenn's passion and determination has enhanced the wellbeing of the community and enriched many lives.
Contribution to Environment
Community Organisation Division
'Community Blitz', University High School and Carlton Primary School
A Community Blitz undertaken at Carlton Primary School was a wonderful example of the rewards of community partnership and student action for the environment.
The focus of the project was the neglected gardens and oval at the school, situated at the base of the local public housing estate. On the day, scores of people from a variety of cultural backgrounds and local community groups united for the blitz. For six hours, students from the University of Melbourne, representatives from the local community health centre and the Sustainable Streets Project, as well as local parents joined University High School and Carlton Primary School students and teachers, working tirelessly to transform the grounds.
The project generated positive social and environmental outcomes, demonstrating the power of partnerships and community action, broadening cultural understanding and preservation of the environment. The project has been the catalyst for a number of other environmental and community programs the students are now involved in.
Corporation Division
'Automotive Centre of Excellence', Sustainability Victoria and Kangan Batman TAFE
Kangan Batman TAFE's new state-of-the-art Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE) at Docklands is a model of sustainable design and innovation. The first educational institution to be granted a 5-Star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, ACE is also a focal point for the education sector and the Victorian automotive industry.
A catalyst for sustainable change in the Victorian community, this remarkable new building has reduced energy usage by 71 per cent through its innovative ventilation and cooling and heating systems, and uses 70 per cent less water than similar-sized buildings. The success of this project is testament to Kangan Batman TAFE's commitment and determination, Sustainability Victoria's experience in overcoming some of the difficult technical and financial issues that arise during such ground-breaking work, and Umow Lai Environment engineers' continual pursuit of excellence.
Individual Division
Arron Wood
United Nations awardee for outstanding service to the environment in 2006, Arron Wood is a dynamic and inspirational Melburnian. His innovative environmental education programs are shaping the way students, teachers, government and private industry perceive and use our natural environment.
Arron's Kids Teaching Kids events, such as the 2006 International Youth Coastal Conference and the 2007 Melbourne Water Yarra River Youth Conference, link schools with expert industry mentors. The ultimate goal of these events is to engage the wider community in sustainability education.
With over 10,000 students and teachers participating in his Kids Teaching Kids program, Arron has been successful in raising the profile of the environment to bring about the broad cultural change necessary to guarantee a prosperous future.
Contribution to Profile
Corporation Division
Federation Square
In less than five years, Federation Square has gained national and international attention for its outstanding architecture, attractions and activities. Since opening in 2002, it has received more than 35 million visitors.
Its visitation, event profile and unique combination of attractions have contributed to Federation Square being recognised as Melbourne's new cultural and community icon. Importantly, Federation Square's role in raising Melbourne's profile extends well beyond Victoria. It was recently recognised in the final list of 16 of the 'World's Best Squares'. Quite literally, Federation Square helps put Melbourne on the world stage.
Community Division
L'Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival
For one week in March each year, Melbourne is centre stage for global fashion, stimulating ideas and the latest design trends.
L'Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival is dedicated to creating one of the most inspiring, innovative and spectacular annual fashion events in Australia. A leading consumer and retail fashion event, the festival boosts Melbourne's iconic status as a hub of talent and creativity throughout Australia and around the world.
Since its inception, the L'Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival has become a much sought-after platform to launch, promote or stimulate interest in new brands, products and services. The festival has a proven track record of generating millions of dollars in associated business activity within the City of Melbourne. It continues to attract leading fashion designers and commentators to Melbourne, creating greater awareness of the city's strong sense of style and vibrant retail core.
Individual Division
Daniel Adams
With a passion to inspire young people to create positive change, Dan, aged 18 at the time, conceived of an event called Generation2015: a Make Poverty History Concert.
Designed to unite a generation of Australians to get behind the global Make Poverty History campaign, Dan planned the event to coincide with the G20 Forum of world finance ministers and central bank governors held in Melbourne in November 2006.
The free Make Poverty History Concert rocked Melbourne on Friday, 17 November 2006 at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. The event attracted 14,000 young people and engaged thousands more via Live Sites. Attracting top local and international acts including U2's Bono, Paul Kelly, John Butler Trio and many more, the event generated significant global media coverage. The success of the event further highlighted Melbourne's reputation as one of the major event capitals of the world.
Melburnian of the Year
Go to 2007 Melburnian of the Year for a profile of Lyn Swinburne.