What a night - celebrating the best of the Borough!
During an event held as part of National Volunteers' Week, Council announced the finalists for the prestigious Community Service Awards while also recognising this year's nominees and celebrating the invaluable contribution of local volunteers.
Hosted at 360Q in Queenscliff, the Council's Community Service Awards were held on Wednesday 20 May, bringing together more than 100 local volunteers, affectionately known as "vollies", for a night of recognition and celebration. Also in attendance was Mayor Donnie Grigau, along with Councillors Brendan Monahan, Héléne Cameron, and Isabelle Tolhurst.
The Mayor spoke about how fortunate the Borough is to have so many people who generously give their time to support worthy causes and strengthen the community, saying, "Volunteering is truly at the heart of Borough communities. For those who choose to volunteer, it often provides a greater sense of purpose, improves social connections, and helps strengthen communities."
Paul Fahey took out the 2026 Citizen of the Year award with extraordinary contribution to the local community through nearly three decades of volunteering. A quiet achiever, he has supported countless community organisations and events, always willing to step into any role needed and encourage others to get involved. Known for his reliability, patience and generosity, Paul is the kind of community member who works tirelessly behind the scenes with his positive influence. Whether supporting local events, mentoring young people through sport, helping those in need, Paul's contribution has strengthened the community in many ways.
Other nominees for the Citizen of the Year were:
- Will Johnston
- Ken Lugsdin
- Lisa Golightly
- Neil Mathison
- Ricky Stradford
- Robyn Tomlins
- Trish Berry
Congratulations to the 2026 Community Group of the Year, Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club and Coast Guard Queenscliff. Together, these dedicated volunteer organisations are the frontline guardians of Port Phillip Head, one of Australia's most dynamic and challenging stretches of coastline. They bring the Borough's motto, Statio Tutissima Nautis ("the safest anchorage for seafarers"), to life through their ongoing commitment to protecting and supporting the local community and visitors alike.
The groups were jointly nominated following their extraordinary response during a major marine rescue on 5 April 2025. In severe conditions, 17 swimmers and three kayakers were swept past the Point Lonsdale Pier by a powerful outgoing tide and carried towards the dangerous waters of Port Phillip Heads. Responding with remarkable speed, professionalism and courage, the volunteers worked together to ensure every person was brought safely home, turning what could have been a tragic event into a story of teamwork, skill and community spirit.
Other nominees for the Community Group of the Year were:
- Borough Coastcarers
- Stop Coles - No Coles on Swan Bay
- Queenscliff CFA
- Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
Council thanks the Community Service Awards reference group for generously providing their time, effort and recommendations, and congratulates our finalists, and outstanding nominees.
