Local Heroes

Awards 2024

Thursday 9 May 2024

Recognising the outstanding contributions of local government workers

In partnership with the Australian Services Union (ASU), the Vision Super Local Heroes Awards are designed to bring much-needed recognition to the work of local government employees who go above and beyond for their community.

Nominations are open to all local government workers, including employees of associated organisations operated by the council, and local libraries. Nominations may be made on behalf of others or self-nominated, and can be for an individual or group.

To be nominated, the local government or library worker/s must demonstrate at least one of the following criteria:

  1. Made a significant difference to a community or member of a community
  2. Contributed to the safety of an individual or group in the community
  3. Made a substantial contribution to the welfare of a vulnerable person or group in the community

$1,000 grand prize!

A $1,000 gift card grand prize will be presented to the winner and $500 gift cards to the four runners-up to acknowledge the outstanding contribution made by these individuals or groups.

Key dates

Nominations open: 30 January 2024 | Nominations close: 25 March 2024

Winners announced: 9 May 2024 at the Local Heroes Gala Awards Ceremony

The Local Heroes 2024 Gala Awards Ceremony will be held at Victorian Trades Hall Council in Carlton.

What makes someone a local hero?

How do I nominate a local hero?

You can nominate an individual or group by filling out a nomination form online. You’ll need some contact details to complete your nomination, so make sure you have these ready.

The form asks for contact details for:

  • You
  • The nominee/s (if you are submitting on behalf of someone else)
  • Employer

An effective nomination clearly explains why the nominee is deserving of the award, what sets their contribution apart from others, and describes the impact or outcome of their contribution.

The awards are free to enter. To be a valid entry, the nominee must be a Victorian resident over the age of 18 and the act/contribution described in the nomination must have taken place between 1 January 2023 and 25 March 2024

You can find the full Terms and Conditions for the Vision Super Local Heroes Awards here.

Do you know a local hero making a
difference in your community?

Nominations close Monday 25 March 2024.

Meet our previous winners and runners-up

2023 Winner

Eleonora Tambourini,
Darebin City Council

Eleonora was nominated by her colleague Craig for her tireless commitment to her role as a Community Service Worker for more than 30 years, which has seen her go out of her way to assist many residents after hours.

2021 Winner

Yarra Libraries Community Engagement Team, Yarra City Council

The Yarra Libraries team were nominated by their colleague Sophie for pivoting to assist the community during the pandemic. One library became a food relief centre, and the team worked with NGOs to distribute meals to people experiencing homelessness and international students ineligible for government support.

2023 Runner-up​

Adelaide Jones, Merri-Bek Libraries

Adelaide was nominated by their colleague Teishan for being instrumental in conceiving, planning and organising the Queer Youth Clothes Swap at Brunswick Library.

2023 Runner-up​

Daniel Coon, Wyndham City Council

Daniel was nominated by his colleague Caitlin for acting in the roles of Family Violence Contact Officer, Mental Health First Aider, Union Representative and HSR Representative, and providing integral employee support.

2023 Runner-up​

Nicole Migani-Roberts,
Melton City Council

Nicole was nominated by her colleague Aaron for achieving numerous positive outcomes for people with a disability and their carers, including leading the development of the council's Disability Action Plan and submitting a successful funding application for an additional Changing Places facility.

2023 Runner-up​

Moira Delegates Group, Moira Shire

The Moira Delegates Group were nominated by member Kristy for always striving to create a better workplace, particularly their strength and determination in advocating on behalf of their members and addressing workplace health and safety and industrial matters.

2021 Runner-up​

Lisette Pine, Knox City Council

Lisette was nominated by her colleague Linda for going above and beyond when responding to welfare or safety issues within the Knox community, particularly when advocating for the rights of diverse and/or marginalised groups such as First Nations people, LGBTIQ and CALD communities.

2021 Runner-up​

Debbie Bakker, Maroondah City Council

Debbie was nominated by her colleague Lisa for going beyond her role in providing assistance for families that are vulnerable due to domestic violence issues or other welfare issues. Debbie offers support through connections to outside agencies, and help negotiating Centrelink payments and filling out forms.

2021 Runner-up​

Rob Monohan, Wyndam City Council

Rob was nominated by his colleague Maree for supporting the Aboriginal community in Werribee, particularly volunteering many hours to put together a work group to help run the Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Centre, which provides a culturally safe meeting place for the local community.

2021 Runner-up​

Laura Farrington, Geelong Regional Library Corporation

Laura was nominated by her colleague Wren for being a dedicated health, safety and wellness and SCC member, who is consistently unafraid to meet management head on to ensure her colleagues feel cared for, protected and safe in their workplace.

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Highlights from last year's award ceremony

In partnership with