Winners of the 2026 Casey Community Awards were announced at a gala celebration event at Bunjil Place on Friday 27 March.
Award finalists were joined by their family and friends, past award winners, Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen and Casey Councillors, and local MPs Gary Maas and Pauline Richards to celebrate the invaluable contributions they make to the City of Casey.
Corina Dutlow was named Casey Citizen of the Year; Graham Lovett received Casey Senior of the Year; and Bailey Ogden was recognised as Casey Young Citizen of the Year.
Divya Pasupuleti was named Casey Woman of the Year; Bats Theatre Company Inc. received the Lindsay King Arts Award; and Uniting Church Hampton Park was named Casey Environmental & Sustainability Champion.
The Bridge Inc. won the Casey Equity & Inclusion Award, and the Australian‑Filipino Community Services Inc. was named Casey Community Group of the Year.
This year, the Awards panel also recognised three highly commended recipients - Cynthia Zeena Fernandes for Casey Woman of the Year; Cindy Warren, for the Casey Equity & Inclusion Award; and Dr Patrick Halton, for Casey Citizen of the Year.
City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said "It was fantastic to come together and celebrate the many people who give their time, passion and energy to help build a better community," she said.
"Congratulations to the 2026 winners and all the nominees for these prestigious awards - you've all made an exceptional contribution to the Casey community."
About the 2026 Casey Community Awards winners
2026 Casey Citizen of the Year: Corina Dutlow
Corina has made a significant impact in the Casey community through her leadership and dedication to supporting multicultural families. As CEO of the Australian-Filipino Community Services, she has expanded vital programs statewide and established Australia's first Filipino dementia friendly respite home.
2026 Casey Woman of the Year: Divya Pasupuleti
Divya has volunteered hundreds of hours mentoring women and culturally diverse professionals across Casey, helping them build confidence and progress toward employment or leadership. Her impact continues through a ripple effect of mentees supporting others, alongside her work sharing expertise with local groups, such as the Society of Nepali Engineers Victoria.
2026 Casey Young Citizen of the Year: Bailey Ogden
Bailey is actively involved in performing arts, animal welfare, and youth leadership, approaching each with enthusiasm and determination. As a committee member of BATS Theatre Company and a dedicated animal rescue volunteer, he supports local productions, pursues his zoology studies, and inspires other young people to achieve their goals
2026 Senior Citizen of the Year: Graham Lovett
Graham has contributed 57 years of volunteer service to the Hallam Fire Brigade, responding to fire calls, driving the tanker and leading community education. He also manages the Fire Equipment Maintenance Program and mentors new firefighters, strengthening safety and preparedness across Casey.
2026 Community Group of the Year: Australian-Filipino Community Services Inc.
The Australian-Filipino Community Services Inc. strengthens the Casey community through food relief, culturally inclusive programs and support for families in hardship. It operates Maharlika Lodge, Australia's first Filipino dementia specific respite home, provides crisis accommodation in Doveton and works with partners to enhance elder wellbeing and cultural connection.
2026 Lindsay King Art Award: Bats Theatre Company Inc.
Bats Theatre Company Inc. has fostered creativity and inclusion in Casey for 36 years, offering accessible youth theatre programs and opportunities for people of all abilities. Entirely volunteer run, the company supports members on stage and behind the scenes and leads initiatives, such as the Dylans Wings of Change program.
2026 Casey Environmental & Sustainability Champion Award: Uniting Church Hampton Park
Uniting Church Hampton Park strengthens the community through sustainable gardening, education and inclusive programs. Its community garden supplies food relief and offers workshops and garden plots for residents, alongside sewing and arts activities that teach practical skills, encourage reuse and support social connection.
2026 Casey Equity & Inclusion Award: The Bridge Inc.
The Bridge Inc. provides inclusive programs that support people with disability, young people and culturally diverse residents to develop skills and progress toward employment. Its social enterprise offers practical paid training, while volunteering, mentoring and community partnerships help participants build confidence, connection and greater independence.
