Celebrating the City of Melton’s Community Achievement award winners
Published on 06 September 2024
The winners of the prestigious 2025 City of Melton Community Achievement Awards were announced at a special presentation by Melton City Council.
The annual awards recognise the outstanding contribution of community members who dedicate their time to making a positive and lasting impact on individuals, groups and organisations within the city and making life better for others.
The five categories in the awards are:
- Citizen of the Year – for recognition of ongoing community leadership and involvement
- Young Citizen of the Year – for community leadership by people under the age of 25
- Intercultural Engagement Leader of the Year – for leadership that celebrates our diverse community
- Disability Access and Inclusion Leader of the Year – for commitment to improving the life of people living with disability
- Gender Equity Leader of the Year – for community leadership, promotion of gender equality and commitment to advancing the status of women
Melton City Council congratulates the winners and all those who were nominated.
Citizen of the Year
Mary-Anne Rovers: Mary-Anne has been committed to the organisation and delivery of the ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies in Diggers Rest since 2015. Her work with multiple local groups including Diggers Rest Primary School has helped strengthen local understanding and engagement with these days of significance. She started the Crafters & Knitting Group to bring residents who share a passion for crafts together each week and helps with the Diggers Rest History Project.
Young Citizen of the Year
Ava Collins: Ava is an active leader and volunteer that represents, advocates and supports young people in the City of Melton. She volunteers at the local radio station, hosts her school's homework club and is a Sustainability and Curriculum leader at the school. Ava is involved with the Young Women's Leadership Program, Melton's Youth Advisory Committee and the Federal Youth Advisory Committee and helped deliver several community events including the Dream Big Festival.
Intercultural Engagement Leader of the Year
Kayenaga Tupouniua: Kayenaga has contributed significantly to cultural awareness by playing a pivotal role in organising the first Tongan Language Week celebrations at Staughton College. She taught other Pasifika students how to perform Taolunga (traditional dance) and Mauluulu (traditional synchronized clapping) and ensured students had traditional clothes for their performances. Smaller cohorts of Pasifika students at Staughton College, such as Tahitian, Cook Island, Fijian, Tuvaluan, and Maori students, are now recognised thanks to her efforts.
Disability Access and Inclusion Leader of the Year
Ravinder Kaur: Ravinder founded the Rehmat Sandhu Foundation in 2015. The foundation has implemented initiatives and programs aimed at supporting individuals living with disability and fostering their inclusion within the community and the workplace. She has been a tireless advocate for accessibility and accommodation, ensuring that people living with disability have equal access to opportunities and services. Ravinder’s community leadership has improved the lives of individuals living with disability and fostered a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
Gender Equity Leader of the Year
Melanie Mouser: As a Youth Helper, Cub Leader, and Rover Chairperson in the Caroline Springs Scout Group, Melanie has played pivotal roles in fostering inclusivity and empowerment within the group and wider community. She has also built partnerships with multiple organisations to support events and initiatives such as the ANZAC Day vigil and Caroline Springs dawn service. Melanie is dedicated to promoting visibility and acceptance for the LGBTQIA+ community and is planning and leading a Pride Camp, tailored specifically for LGBTQIA+ members and allies.
Quotes attributable to City of Melton Mayor Cr Kathy Majdlik
“It’s wonderful to see that community spirit is thriving in the City of Melton. Congratulations to all the winners for the outstanding contributions they have made to making our community spirit stronger.’’
“The dedication and commitment to making our community better shows why this is such a special City to live and raise a family.’’
“Every winner and nominee gives time on top of their normal daily jobs and family commitments to help make our community stronger and more inclusive for all.”
“This is a truly inspiring group of people, and it is fitting that their contributions to our community are recognised and celebrated in this way.’’