It was a celebration of all things community at the weekend, at Hobsons Bay's inaugural Community Recognition Awards.
Nearly 300 community members across various sectors and industries attended the ceremony at the Williamstown Town Hall on Saturday, which saw six awards presented to individuals and groups.
The varied awards highlight the range of contributions community members give back to Hobsons Bay.
Photo from left to right: Rhonda Collins, Irena Kaluski, Emily Wright (LCIS), Hteepoe Ri, Jo Farguson and Sam Harrison (WWLC)
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Cr Diana Grima:
"It was a privilege to be part of our very first Community Recognition Awards, being in the same room as so many people who care so much about our community.
"It's clear to see from all the nominations, as well as our six award winners, how many special people we have, and how committed they are to helping build a strong community and through the work they do.
"The awards were a great way to say to people who might not hear it enough, that we see you and thank you for everything you do."
Helping Others Award - Jo Farguson
Jo Farguson has been a long-term contributor at Laverton Community Integrated Services (LCIS), volunteering since 2017.
As head chef of the Laverton Community Café, she oversees the preparation and delivery of three‑course meals for more than 100 community members each week, leading a team of more than 30 volunteers.
Through this work, Jo has strengthened food security and social connection for residents across Hobsons Bay.
Image: Jo Farguson and Cr Kristin Bishop
Change Maker Award - Rhonda Collins
Rhonda contributes to the community across various roles and positions. As manager at Latitude: Directions for Young People, she works directly supporting Hobsons Bay's most vulnerable residents, advocating for rough sleepers and young people experiencing homelessness, linking them with the support they need.
She also serves as custodian and chair of the Hobsons Bay Inter‑Agency Network, providing strategic leadership across community, health, justice, and support services.
And Rhonda contributes to the city through many advocacy roles, she is quick to put her hand up where she is needed or can make a difference, and in support of social justice.
Image: Rhonda Collins and Cr Daria Kellander
Sporting Spirit Award - Williamstown Women's Lacrosse Club
Celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2026, the Williamstown Women's Lacrosse Club has been a mainstay in sport participation and inclusion in Hobsons Bay.
As one of Victoria's oldest women's sport clubs, WWLC continues to innovate and build pathways for girls and women playing lacrosse.
While building its membership over recent years, the club has also supported a Pride Round to recognise the LGBTIQA+ community, Pink Round to recognise people affected by breast cancer and has supported more than 100 Hobsons Bay school children in interschool lacrosse competitions.
Image: Cr Michael Disbury and WWLC representatives
Community Strengthening Award - Laverton Community Integrated Services
Laverton Community Integrated Services (LCIS) plays a central role in strengthening the Hobsons Bay community, especially in Altona Meadows and Laverton but for all of the city, through its delivery of training, education courses, emergency relief, volunteering, food and community support programs LCIS is a not for profit neighbourhood house underpinned by social justice principles. It is governed by a volunteer-based board and has been in operation and its services in demand in Laverton for decades.
LCIS supports people across all life stages, particularly those experiencing disadvantage, migration‑related barriers, disability, or social isolation.
Its large volunteer workforce of more than 120 people contributes over 880 hours per week. In partnership they run the L2P program that supports young people learning to drive.
Image: Deputy Mayor Lisa Bentley and Emily Wright and Michael Pernar (LCIS)
Young Leader Award - Hteepoe Ri
Hteepoe Ri has been an active participant and leader with youth programs at Laverton College. His role in drop‑in programs helps foster inclusive and supportive environments where young people feel safe, welcome, and encouraged to participate.
He has been involved with Council's Youth Change Makers Challenge as a peer mentor and informal leader, progressing from participant to active leadership.
He also played a role in the planning and delivery of two community soccer tournaments, engaging more than 230 young people and creating accessible opportunities for physical activity.
Image: Hteepoe Ri and Cr Paddy Keys-Macpherson
Community Leader Award - Irena Kaluski
Irena has dedicated 45 years of volunteer service to the Zonta Club of Melbourne's West and broader Zonta networks.
Her long‑term leadership has delivered practical support and awareness across issues affecting women and girls, including health, safety, education equity and gender‑based violence.
Serving across multiple presidencies, financial positions, governance roles and through state and national advocacy, Irena has ensured the sustainability and effectiveness of a volunteer organisation that continues to deliver benefits to the Hobsons Bay community.
Image: Irena Kaluski and Mayor Diana Grima
