Knox City Council has recognised inspiring volunteers and community organisations in the 2025 Knox Community Awards.
Awards were presented for Community Organisation of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Outstanding Volunteer Service, as well as Recognition of Years of Service.
Knox Mayor, Councillor Lisa Cooper said these awards recognise and celebrate the individuals, organisations, clubs and groups who make a difference in our community through their tireless and selfless volunteering efforts.
‘Our award recipients don’t seek recognition but these awards are our way of honouring our unsung heroes who help make our community a better place,’ Cr Cooper said.
‘Volunteers contribute thousands of hours to the City of Knox and the value of their volunteering is worth millions.
‘There are more than 24,000 people who formally volunteer in Knox — that’s 15.7% of the population. Most volunteers in Knox are aged 40-49 and we have 600 volunteers aged in their 80s and 90s.
‘These awards aim to highlight the important work of volunteers in Knox and inspire others to start volunteering.’
Winners were announced during National Volunteer Week, which runs from 19-25 May. The theme of this year’s week is Connecting Communities, celebrating the power of volunteering to bring people together.
The Knox Community Awards recipients are:
- Volunteer of the Year: Irene Smith for her volunteer work with Boronia Road Uniting Church, Boronia and The Basin Community News, Rotary Club of Fern Tree Gully and Eastern Palliative Care Network
- Community Organisation of the Year: Outer Eastern Honorary Justices
Outstanding Volunteer Service (up to 5 recipients)
- Michael Crofts for his volunteer work with Home Library Services at Bayswater Library
- Alex Edwards for her volunteer work as a founding member and current Vice President of Melbourne All-Abilities Lions Club and with Interchange Outer East All-Inclusive Basketball Competition, Ferntree Gully Eagles All Abilities Football Club, Knox Pathways for Carers and Knox Disability Advisory Committee
- Robert Heinley for his volunteer work with Knox Obedience Dog Club
- Ruchi Sharma for her volunteer work with Volunteer for Knox and as Secretary of the Australia India Society of Victoria
- Ray Siegersma for his volunteer work with Rotary Club of Boronia
