Members of the public can for the first time nominate a person who they believe deserves the title of Melburnian of the Year award for their outstanding contribution to the city.
As the City of Melbourne celebrates its 17th annual Melbourne Awards, Lord Mayor Sally Capp announced the entire community could now put forward their suggestions for the coveted award, which was previously not open for public nominations.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the Melburnian of the Year award is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate an inspirational role model who has devoted themselves to improving the city.
"It is only fitting that the people of Melbourne should have their say on who they believe is deserving of this special accolade," the Lord Mayor said.
"This year's Melburnian of the Year will be following some very inspirational footsteps. In 2018, the award winners were philanthropic duo Simone and Ian Carson AM who were recognised for their work founding renowned Melbourne non-profit organisation SecondBite, which gives food to people in need."
Previous winners include Susan Alberti AC, Neale Daniher AM, Bryan Lipmann AM, Professor Sharon Lewin and Jim Stynes OAM.
The Lord Mayor said this year the awards would also introduce new categories that celebrate projects or initiatives in the areas of Urban Design, Hospitality, Aboriginal Melbourne, Health and Wellbeing, Environment, Arts and Events and Community. These award categories are also open for public nominations.
"I'm amazed at the incredible amount of work and goodwill I learn about happening in Melbourne every day, but it's just the tip of the iceberg. We want to hear all about the people, groups and businesses helping make Melbourne such a great city so they can be considered for these prestigious awards."
In 2018 the Melbourne Awards winners represented a diverse range of organisations including: In Harmony with Health, which for 20 years has bought music therapy joy to the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Water Well Project that improves the health and wellbeing of migrants from refugee backgrounds.
The City of Melbourne has collaborated with RMIT University's Industrial Design students who will participate in a design competition to produce the awards for the 2019 winners. Each student will work to a design brief that includes incorporating recycled wood from within the municipality.
Nominations for the 2019 Melbourne Awards are open until 7 June. An independent judging panel of industry leaders and personalities selects the Melbourne Awards winners.
The Melbourne Awards winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall on Saturday 16 November 2019.
