Congratulations to the winners of the Manningham Community Awards, which were announced on 16 September 2025.
The awards program celebrated individuals and groups who have gone above and beyond in making Manningham a better place to live, work and visit over the past 12 months.
The awards recognise achievements in 8 categories, with one of these category winners named Manningham Citizen of the Year.
More than 70 nominations were received for the 2025 awards, highlighting many outstanding achievements across the community. Thank you to everyone who helped shine a light on those who go above and beyond.
Nominations for the 2026 Manningham Community Awards will open in March. We look forward to learning about more of the incredible people and groups who contribute to the Manningham community.
Congratulations to the 2025 winners and finalists
Citizen of the Year
Selected by the judging panel from the eligible category award winners for their outstanding contribution to the Manningham community in the past 12 months.
Leon Moore
Doreen Stoves Excellence in Volunteering
Recognising an individual who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to volunteerism.
Winner: Leon Moore
Leon established the Laughing All Abilities Really Friendly Singers (LAARFS). The choir, which meets weekly, has more than 70 members, who live with chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer and dementia.
Finalists:
Brenda Humphreys
Sandrajane Vincent-Corry
Active Community
Recognising an individual or group who has contributed to community participation in active lifestyles, sports or physical activity.
Winner: Bulleen Tennis Club
Under the committee’s leadership, the club’s facilities have been transformed with upgrades including court resurfacing and new lighting. Membership has grown by more than 70% with expanded junior and senior competitions, veterans’ tennis and social play.
Finalists:
Ruffey Runners
Tony Gibson
Ageing Well
Recognising an individual or group who has contributed to enhancing the lives of older residents, fostering social connection, safety or active ageing.
Winner: Chinese Senior Citizens Club of Manningham Inc.
With more than 1000 members and 200 volunteers, the club is one of the largest in Manningham. It has delivered more than 60 free weekly classes, as well as educational talks, performances and major cultural celebrations over the past year.
Finalists:
Richard Davis
Scones Together
Artistic Achievement
Recognising an individual or group who has contributed to Manningham’s creative community, sparking artistic, cultural or creative expression.
Winner: Warrandyte Arts Association
The association has supported more than 170 members across several groups including life drawing, pottery, writing and theatre.
Finalists:
Jazz in the Park
Now and Not Yet Gallery
Community Excellence
Recognising a community organisation or group that has delivered outstanding programs or initiatives contributing to the wellbeing, development and cohesion of the Manningham community.
Winner: Warrandyte Pink Ladies
The group has been passionate in their efforts to raise funds, awareness and support for those affected by breast cancer.
Finalists:
Ajani Neighbourhood House
United Muslim Migrants Association of Victoria
Community Health and Wellbeing
Recognising an individual or group who has enhanced health, wellbeing or resilience in the community, whether through advocacy, program development or direct service delivery.
Winner: Men’s Shed at the Veneto Club
The group has created a welcoming and supportive space for men of all ages and backgrounds to connect, share, support one another, and improve men’s mental health.
Finalists:
CareNet
Kathy Monley
Inclusive Community
Recognising an individual or group who has actively contributed to community accessibility, inclusivity or diversity.
Winner: Kevin Heinze Grow
The organisation’s inclusive, nature-based programs support people of all abilities. These include Café Kevin, which provides hospitality training and the Grow Program that offers experience in gardening, cooking and sustainability.
Finalists:
Catalyst Training and Disability Services
Zakir Fakhri
Young Achiever
Recognising a young person aged under 25, who has made a positive impact within the Manningham community through demonstrated leadership, innovation, or commitment to helping others.
Winner: Niosha Khademideljou
A former Manningham Youth Advisory Committee member, Niosha is now a crisis supporter with Lifeline Naarm and has helped provide children’s spiritual education classes and inclusive school holiday festivals.
Finalists:
David Edgecombe
Sina Emadi
