Celebrating Banyule’s volunteers

Published on 22 May 2026

2026 volunteer awards winners

On Wednesday, 20 May 2026, we celebrated some of Banyule’s best at this year’s Banyule Volunteer Celebration and Awards at The Centre in Ivanhoe.

More than 50 groups were represented as we honoured the contributions of volunteers and their incredible impact on our community.

The Banyule Volunteer Awards recognise outstanding individuals and groups who significantly contribute to the local community and have a positive impact on the quality of life of our residents. The 45 award nominees ranged in age from teens to volunteers in their 80s.

Congratulations to this year’s award winners.

Young Volunteer Award

  • Charlotte Law

High commendations:

  • Leo Randerson,
  • Raymie Carr
  • Manahil Yaser

Individual Volunteer Awards

  • Margaret Fievez
  • Nick Socio

High commendations:

  • Barbara Pike
  • Iain Hebden
  • Damian Mullins
  • Jayne Clarke

Lifetime Contribution Awards

  • Robert Bender
  • Rhonda West

High commendations:

  • Peter Baranow
  • Diane Godfrey
  • Stephen Kearsey
  • Ian Cole
  • Carl Ryan

Group Volunteer Award

  • Viewbank Tennis Club

High commendations:

  • The Kintala Dog Club Inc
  • Diamond Valley Foodshare
  • Heidelberg SES
  • Bread Hub Vic

Banyule’s resilience and sense of pride is clear from our above-average level of volunteering.

The fantastic atmosphere at the volunteer celebration showed that as well as strengthening communities, volunteering also creates lasting friendships.

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