Residents going above and beyond to make Manningham a better place have been recognised at our inaugural Manningham Community Awards.
The winners and the 2025 Citizen of the Year were announced at an awards ceremony hosted by the Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, on Wednesday 16 September at the Manningham Function Centre.
The expanded awards program recognises the outstanding achievements of individuals and groups over the past 12 months.
The Manningham Community Awards are a chance to celebrate the people and groups who make Manningham shine," Cr Diamante said.
"Congratulations to all the winners and finalists. Your commitment, passion and care for others reflects the very best of who we are."
Leon Moore has been named the 2025 Manningham Citizen of the Year and won the Doreen Stoves Excellence in Volunteering Award for his work in establishing and leading 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.
Category winners:
Active Community
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.
Ageing Well
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.
Artistic Achievement
Warrandyte Arts Association
The association has supported more than 170 members across several groups including life drawing, pottery, writing and theatre.
Community Excellence Award
Warrandyte Pink Ladies
The group was recognised for their passionate efforts in raising funds, awareness and support for those affected by breast cancer - all while bringing some of their signature sparkle to the community.
Community Health and Wellbeing
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 and support one another, and improve men's mental health.
Inclusive Community
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.
Young Achiever
Niosha Khademideljou
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.
This year's awards were the first of an expanded program designed to recognise even more of the work being done in our community.
Cr Diamante said, "We received an incredible 70 nominations, making the judging no easy task.
"There were so many inspiring stories - so many individuals and groups going above and beyond.
Keep an eye out as we share more about our winners in the coming months.
"We can't wait to learn about more of the incredible people and groups who contribute to the Manningham community. We encourage you to nominate someone you know who is doing amazing things for the 2026 awards. Nominations will open in March 2026," Cr Diamante said.
