Much of Boroondara’s connected and inclusive community can be credited to locals who dedicate themselves to bringing people together or helping those in need.
In our Citizen of the Year Awards, we recognise individuals whose service to our community is simply exceptional. This year we have 2 recipients of the Citizen of the Year Award from the worlds of sport, charity and volunteering, while musically inclined brothers are our Young Citizens of the Year.
Citizen of the Year: Maxine Gross
Maxine Gross has been recognised for her work as the co-founder of You Matter, a charity helping survivors of family violence to restart their lives.
You Matter helps survivors in need get a ‘fresh start’ by providing them with a comfortable, safe and stable home, complete with necessary household items.
Since starting You Matter three years ago, Maxine’s warmth and passion has inspired an army of volunteers who
have helped create 118 ‘havens’ for survivors in and around our community.
I feel privileged to be part of the incredible community of over 100 volunteers and other supporters – largely from within Boroondara – that help to build You Matter and take us to where we are today.
Citizen of the Year: John Unkles
John Unkles has also been acknowledged for his contribution to the community through volunteering, particularly with the Camberwell Hockey Club, for more than 35 years.
John is known as a role model for respect and fair play at the state’s largest hockey club and has created a positive social and sporting experience for more than 1,300 members.
John is also being acknowledged for his dedication to the community through his volunteering with Anglicare, the Canterbury Action Group, and supporting bushfire victims.
I’ve been very lucky – I’ve been able to volunteer and meet hundreds, thousands of people of so many different cultures... It’s been a great honour to be recognised like this.
Young Citizens of the Year: Mike and Ben Zhou
Brothers Mike and Ben Zhou have together been awarded the Young Citizen of the Year Award for their sustained contribution to our community.
Every Christmas for the past 13 years, they have played violin across Boroondara, with all the proceeds donated to charity.
The award judges were impressed by Mike and Ben’s dedication over many years, and how they have inspired other young people to perform.
In Boroondara, we’re all just ordinary people who are very lucky and privileged to live in such a beautiful and generous community. We can all help someone who is less fortunate than us.
