Local heroes named in 2025 Civic Awards Ceremony

Randa is a passionate and dedicated advocate for those experiencing homelessness and hardship, leading a team that has helped sustain the Footscray community since 2005 through Reaching out in the Inner West.

Angela is a dedicated community organiser and climate advocate with over a decade of service in Maribyrnong. She is actively involved in several environmental groups, including Climate Action Maribyrnong, Parents 4 Climate, and Better Streets, and has been a key figure in initiatives like Permaculture Out West and Reimagining the Old Footscray Hospital Site.

Edward is a dedicated community advocate who has committed much of his time to supporting the people of Maribyrnong, particularly young people. Raised in the area and a former student of Maribyrnong Secondary College, Edward has always felt a strong connection to the young people in the community and often sees his own experiences reflected in their lives.

L2R Dance, founded by Jacinda Richards in 2009, was born from a community need observed during her time as an educator at the Western English Language School in Braybrook. Since its establishment, L2R Dance has become a prominent community-driven organisation, offering free dance programs across Melbourne’s West, with a focus on young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Reem Sweid established The Chestnut Tree bookshop in West Footscray in 2021, opening the business during the COVID-19 lockdowns after noticing a gap in the community for a local bookshop. Combining a coffee shop with a bookshop, The Chestnut Tree provides a welcoming space for people to connect over a coffee, a book, or simply a friendly chat. The store is open extended hours, often until 6 pm, seven days a week, offering a unique and accessible community hub in the area.

Vincent became the youngest ever Mayor of Footscray in 1977 and served as a local Councillor for nine years. In addition to his political career, Vincent has made a significant impact in the Footscray business community through his successful 55-year career as a legal practitioner. Owning and operating a law firm, he contributed to the local economy and employed numerous staff over the years.

Azhar has been a tireless advocate for the Little Africa Precinct in Footscray, where he has made significant contributions to improving the local trading environment. As the inaugural president of the Little Africa Traders group, Azhar has worked to foster better relationships between local traders and Council. 

The Maribyrnong Swifts Football Club is a leader in promoting inclusivity and gender equality in sports. The club offers a wide range of football programs catering to women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals of all ages and skill levels. Their services include training, matches, skill development workshops, and pathways to coaching and refereeing qualifications, fostering career growth in sports.

The Art Room, founded by Erika Gofton in 2010 and later joined by Ilona Nelson in 2018, has become a cornerstone of the local arts community. The Art Room offers diverse artistic education, providing dedicated spaces for Life Drawing, Ceramics, Printmaking, Painting, and Expanded Practice/Open Studio, as well as a library and gallery spaces. The Art Room stands out for its inclusive, empowering environment, especially for women, who make up a significant portion of its participants.

The Iceberg Foundation is a trailblazer in supporting LGBTIQA+ communities, particularly forcibly displaced individuals, black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC), and neurodivergent people.  Operating for over five years, the Foundation offers intersectional, inclusive services that address systemic barriers and promote mental health and wellbeing.

Stacey is the co-owner of Migrant Coffee, a beloved café in West Footscray that fosters diversity and connection. Through her café, Stacey has cultivated a welcoming environment where people from all backgrounds can come together and enjoy a shared love of coffee. Her commitment to inclusivity and supporting the local community is reflected in every aspect of her business.

Beyond her business achievements, Stacey is a true hero. While managing her café, she witnessed a woman collapse from cardiac arrest and immediately took action. Without hesitation, Stacey administered CPR, playing a pivotal role in saving the life of the mother of two. Her quick thinking and calm composure during such a critical moment were essential in reviving the woman and ensuring her survival.