Knox City Council has recognised inspiring individuals and community organisations in the Knox Community Awards.

Knox Mayor, Councillor Jude Dwight said the awards celebrated the valuable contribution volunteers make to our community. Awards were presented for Knox Volunteer of the Year, Knox Community Organisation of the Year and Outstanding Volunteer Service, as well as Recognition of Years of Service.

‘These awards pay tribute to everyday residents who have gone above and beyond to make a positive impact in Knox,’ she said.

‘Our award recipients don’t seek recognition. These awards are our opportunity to recognise outstanding individuals, organisations, clubs and groups for their volunteer efforts. It is our opportunity to show how much we, as a community, value their selfless and tireless volunteering efforts to help others and make Knox a great place.’

Winners were announced during National Volunteer Week, Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering, to highlight the important work of volunteers in Knox and inspire people to start volunteering.

‘Our community has a strong volunteering culture, with 17,300 people, or 13.1% of the population aged 15 and over, dedicating their time to some form of voluntary work,’ Cr Dwight said.

‘Being able to highlight some of our amazing unsung heroes will hopefully inspire others and help raise awareness of opportunities to volunteer and contribute to our community.’

The Knox Community Awards recipients are:

Volunteer of the Year

• Christine Anderson for her volunteer work with Rotary Club of Fern Tree Gully
  and other local organisations

Community Organisation of the Year

• Feed One Feed All, established by Lillie Giang in 2021 following a significant storm event and a growing demand to provide meals to those in need

Outstanding Volunteer Service (up to 5 recipients):

• Bernard Fewster for his volunteer work with St Vincent de Paul Society
• Trevor Norton for his volunteer work with Adult Migrant English Program – Volunteer Tutor Scheme, Bridges Community Services, and Meals on Wheels
• Kathleen Loxton for her volunteer work with The Friends of Koolunga Native Reserve and previously with Bridges and other local organisations
• Liz Bullen for her volunteer work with Ben’s Place — Community Support Knox, Yarra Ranges & Surrounds
• Nirmala Nyaupane for her volunteer work with Didi Bahini Samaj Victoria

Volunteer of the Year: Christine Anderson

Christine Anderson has dedicated many years of volunteer service to the Knox community through her role in Rotary and other local organisations, making significant efforts to help others.  

Christine joined the Rotary Club of Fern Tree Gully 10 years ago and has held many key positions at the Club, including President and District 9810 Assistant Governor. She has been a member of the Board for nine years and represented the Club at the Ferntree Gully Village Traders Association for eight years. 

Christine’s passion, enthusiasm and motivation in community projects has helped Rotary to build strong connections with the local community and make a difference to the lives of many people.

Christine founded and project managed the Knox Nocturnals Youth Program, a fortnightly socially inclusive program for young people living in Knox, including those who are vulnerable, isolated and at-risk. She has also helped with other Rotary Youth Programs.

Christine coordinated free craft activities for families and children on numerous occasions at the Stringybark Festival, Knox Festival, Ferntree Gully CFA Open Day, Knox Historical Society, Bunnings Community Nights, Dandenong Storm Relief Recovery Day and Ferntree Gully Village Fair. She has also helped with numerous Rotary fundraising activities.

Over 10 years, Christine has supported Foothills Community Care — providing meals, participating in RUOK Day, making desserts and organising Christmas hampers and presents. 

Christine worked with the Ferntree Gully Salvation Army in setting up the 24/7 Open Pantry, providing food to those in need, collecting for the Red Shield Appeal, and organising Christmas hampers. She also coordinated with Rotary Club members to provide shelter bags for those living rough. 

Christine also worked with Ferntree Gully CFA to deliver the Anzac Day Dawn Service. 

While Christine has a full-time job, she manages her time to support others with great passion and true dedication.

Outstanding Volunteer Service: Kathleen Loxton

Kathleen Loxton has been heavily involved in volunteering through many local groups since she moved to Ferntree Gully in 1980, and she has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the environment, arts and community.  

Kathleen is a founding member of The Friends of Koolunga Native Reserve, which commenced in 1994 to preserve and develop a unique area of remnant native bushland in Ferntree Gully. The area was previously neglected and an ongoing program of rubbish removal, weeding and indigenous planting continues to this day.

Kathleen has supervised many young people from local schools, Scouts and Guides, and groups undertaking environmental projects in Koolunga. She also engaged with other Koolunga Native Reserve users to educate them on environmental issues and encourage participation in the Friends group. 

Kathleen has been involved in the Eastern Region’s ‘Community Visitor in Mental Health’ program, as a Convenor and volunteer visitor. She regularly visited mental health patients in Maroondah Hospital and the Peter James Centre. She also produced an annual report on the mental health facilities for state parliament.

Kathleen has been a member of Knox Council’s ‘Knox Pride’ Committee and was involved in Gardens for Wildlife. She has also contributed to Flora of Melbourne.

Kathleen was Chairperson of Bridges Connecting Communities, an organisation that provides transport to clinics for frail and disabled people in Knox.  

She is also an accomplished artist and has held exhibitions and received awards for her paintings, through her involvement with Ferntree Gully Arts Society. Since 2006 she has taught two watercolour classes per week at Knox U3A, where she has a long waiting list for new students. 

Kathleen has had some ongoing health issues over many years and despite this has continued her active involvement in community programs. 

Kathleen is a dedicated volunteer across many organisations and is highly respected by all for her commitment to the local community.