2025 Australia Day Awards
About
- We announced and celebrated our 2025 Australia Day Awards winners with a special presentation evening on Thursday 23 January 2025 at the Cardinia Cultural Centre in Pakenham.
- Awards announced included: Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Event of the Year.
- The Australia Day Awards celebrate and recognise those who have shown a willingness to lend a helping hand, concern for the environment or participated in sport, arts or cultural endeavours. They share the aspirations of all Australians in respect of tolerance, democracy, equity and equality of opportunity.
- For more information about the awards and previous years' winners and nominees, visit our Australia Day Awards webpage.
2025 Citizens of the Year - Julia and David Graham
Julia and David Graham have been the driving force behind the Cockatoo Community Food Bank at St. Luke’s for six years, providing critical support to over 80 individuals weekly in Cockatoo and nearby suburbs.
Their dedication has expanded the service to include shower and laundry facilities for people experiencing homelessness and crisis support during peak periods. They also introduced annual Christmas hampers for families in the Hills, bringing joy during the holiday season.
The Grahams consistently attend network meetings to strengthen local referral pathways, collaborate with support groups, and advocate for greater food accessibility in rural areas. Despite original plans to retire, they postponed this decision to ensure the program’s continuity, actively seeking a successor to maintain high service standards.
Their compassion, advocacy and tireless efforts have made a significant impact, ensuring that people of all backgrounds feel supported, empowered and valued.
2025 Citizen of the Year Award nominees
- Amirthalingam Dhileepan
- Joan Pepi
- Julia and David Graham
- Katherine Holmes
- Leticia Wilmot
- Sukhvinder Singh Duggal
- Tate John McFarlane
2025 Senior Citizen of the Year - Magda Lane
For over 40 years, Magda Lane has served the Emerald community with unparalleled kindness and commitment. As founder and manager of the Emerald Opp Shop, she has spearheaded fundraising efforts, donating over $1 million to local emergency services and community groups since 1990. Magda has also volunteered with Palliative Care South East Ltd for 36 years, offering companionship and support to over 60 terminally ill individuals and their families.
Her leadership extends to disaster preparedness, playing a pivotal role in the Emerald Emergency Planning Group after the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires. Her expertise in pastoral care has continued to support recovery efforts and strengthened community resilience.
Volunteering with ECHO Youth and Family Services for the past 25 years, Magda’s passion for youth development shines through her efforts in facilitating camps, youth groups, and international humanitarian trips. Her programs have provided opportunities for growth, teamwork, and lasting friendships. Magda’s altruism and leadership have touched thousands of lives, creating a legacy of compassion, resilience, and community spirit.
2025 Senior Citizen of the Year Award nominees
- Garry Burns
- Jennifer Keates
- Magda Lane
2025 Young Citizen of the Year - Declan Kruzicevic-King
Declan Kruzicevic-King embodies the spirit of community service and leadership as a young community member.
Rejoining 1st Cockatoo Scouts in 2024 as a Venturer Scout, Declan mentors Joeys and Cubs, and contributes to planning and facilitating engaging, inclusive and safe programs.
He assists at the monthly Cockatoo Market, running the Scout group’s jam donut fundraising stall and helping other stallholders.
During recent power outages and storms, Declan helped clear fallen trees and delivered hot meals to vulnerable residents.
A former Grey Wolf Peak Award recipient in 2019, Declan continues to inspire peers and mentor younger Scouts, by teaching skills like knot tying and first aid.
His initiative, compassion and leadership are continually put into action as he goes above and beyond to support his community.
2025 Young Citizen of the Year Award nominees
- Alice Mattille
- Declan Kruzicevic-King
- Keilah Dewar
2025 Event of the Year - Hills MND Big Freeze
The Hills MND Big Freeze, held on 2 June 2024, was inspired by Matt Stickland’s battle with motor neurone disease (MND). Following his terminal diagnosis, Matt channelled his energy into raising awareness and securing funding for vital research.
The event drew over 2,000 attendees to the Clematis Hotel grounds thanks to precise coordination by five key volunteers, and the support and involvement of CFA, SES, medical teams, national sports players, local organisations and public figures. Publicity through local media and Channel 7 ensured widespread engagement and support.
The Big Freeze enhanced public understanding of MND and raised over $113,000 for MND research, achieving the highest fundraising total in Victoria.
Through this record-breaking result for Fight MND National, the event stood as a shining example of unity and purpose, highlighting community spirit, collaboration, the power of volunteering, and Matt’s determination to make a positive and enduring difference.
2025 Event of the Year Award nominees
- Art Show Pakenham
- Cockatoo RSL Sunday Sessions
- Hills MND Big Freeze
- Pakenham Show