Council Community Centre wins gender equity award
Published on 27 March 2025
Taylors Hill Youth & Community Centre taken has taken out top honours for promoting gender equity at the 2024 NHVic Awards held by Neighbourhood Houses Victoria last week.
The Council-run Centre won the Fiona Richardson Award for Gender Equity for its Women in Business & Entrepreneurship project (WIBE), which was delivered in partnership with local not for profit community organisation, Multicultural Association of Community Empowerment (MACE).
The project, which is aimed at empowering women in the City of Melton, addressed gender inequality amongst Indian women in the areas of economic empowerment, education, social connection and wellbeing.
More than 500 women participated in the program which included workshops, business coaching, and education and training support.
Hillside Community Centre was also a finalist in this year’s awards in the Good Health and Well-Being category for its Ageing Artfully Art Project.
Quotes attributable to City of Melton Mayor Steve Abboushi:
“Congratulations to Taylors Hill Youth & Community Centre, the Multicultural Association of Community Empowerment (MACE) and everyone involved in this life changing program.”
“This is testament to the valuable role community centres and neighbourhood houses play in supporting social connections and skill development at a local level.”
“It’s important that we continue to challenge gender stereotypes and look at ways we can empower women and girls to achieve their best.”
Quote attributable to MACE President Deepti Alurkkar:
“When women support women, entire communities rise — and this award is proof of that power. At MACE and WIBE, we’re committed to creating pathways for women to thrive in business, education, and leadership.”
“This recognition belongs to every woman who dared to dream, and to our incredible volunteers whose passion made this possible. We’re grateful for the support of the Victorian Government’s Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and our partnership with Melton City Council, who helped bring this vision to life.”