Our Community Award winners for 2026 recognise the incredible work of residents who make Bayside a better place to live through their volunteering.
A number of awards were handed out on Wednesday night including Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year and many more.
Community award winners
Citizen of the Year - joint winners - Jodie Hickey and Leanne Tempest
Jodie Hickey was named joint Citizen of the Year for her profound impact on the Bayside community.
A tireless volunteer, she has supported countless individuals and families through fundraising, hands‑on assistance and long‑term community initiatives.
For 25 years, she has hosted the High Tea to Make a Difference, honouring her friend Mary and raising vital funds for Safe Steps. She supports people experiencing homelessness, champions women's safety, and raises funds for causes including cancer support and animal welfare.
Leanne Tempest was named joint Citizen of the Year for her selfless work with the "Crafters for Sandringham Hospital" group, which has grown from a small idea into a thriving community of over 300 members.
Since January 2025, the group has handmade more than 1,500 items-including beanies, blankets, toys and comfort items-supporting patients across multiple hospital wards and helping reduce social isolation through twice‑monthly gatherings.
Leanne coordinates all materials, distribution and volunteer engagement, leading the group toward an ambitious 2,000‑item annual goal.
Young Citizen of the Year - Sophie Houghton
Sophie Houghton co-founded an inclusive, free community running group welcoming people of all ages, abilities and body types - Bayside Collective Run Club - in 2024.
The group meets weekly and offers additional social and educational activities. It promotes physical and mental wellbeing while fostering genuine connection and belonging.
Sophie's leadership, energy and generosity have helped build strong partnerships with local businesses, expand community engagement, and create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued.
Senior Citizen of the Year - Peter Levy
Peter Levy has been a dedicated convenor of the Bayside Writers' Group, fostering a supportive, judgment‑free space where members develop confidence, share ideas, and often go on to publish their own books.
He founded the group from nothing, growing it to 20-30 regular attendees and offering his time freely to guide, edit and encourage emerging writers.
A passionate advocate for creativity, Peter also promotes music and storytelling in the community, writing two original songs: Brighton by the Bay and Here in Sandringham.
Volunteer of the Year - Joe Mottola
Joe Mottola has devoted nearly 18 years to the Beaumaris Soccer Club, many of those as President, where he transformed the club into one of Bayside's most inclusive sporting communities.
He championed female participation, helping achieve near‑equal representation on the field and fostering female leadership on the committee.
Joe also led initiatives honouring First Nations heritage, including a dedicated round with special kits and the commissioning of a First Nations artwork for the clubrooms.
Environmental Achievement - Bayside Road Litter Patrol
The Bayside Road Litter Patrol is a dedicated volunteer group of more than 50 active members who tirelessly clean Bayside's streets, foreshore and public spaces.
Over nearly ten years, volunteers have removed hundreds of bags of litter-274 bags in the past year alone-helping protect local wildlife and preserve the area's natural beauty.
Under the passionate leadership of Derek Jones, who turns 90 this year, each volunteer cares for a designated zone, ensuring every corner of Bayside is maintained with pride.
Community Event of the Year - Castlefield Estate Centenary Celebration
The Castlefield Estate Centenary was a landmark community celebration honouring 100 years of one of Australia's most significant War Service Homes estates.
Initiated by residents Rob Curtain and Felicity Frederico OAM, the event attracted over 1,000 visitors and featured the Governor of Victoria, veterans' representatives, armed forces cadets, community performers and historical displays.
Central to the celebration was the unveiling of interpretive signage and nine bronze street plaques, creating a lasting, accessible memorial to returned servicemen and their families.
