Congratulations to the winners and finalists

Thank you to everyone who made a nomination

We're proud to announce Teresa Molella (second from left) as our 2026 Citizen of the Year Award winner and Dr Rion Ahl (centre) as our Young Citizen of the Year Award winner.

Teresa and Dr Rion were recognised for their outstanding contributions to our community by Mayor Wes Gault at Boroondara’s Australia Day citizenship ceremony.

More about the winners and finalists

Other finalists were also recognised at the ceremony held at Hawthorn Arts Centre. Visit our website to read about their outstanding work in the community.

About the awards

Being an exemplary citizen can take many forms. You might have a co-worker, friend, student, neighbour, volunteer, teacher, sports coach, the list goes on and on, who is making a big difference for the better of our community.

The award has 2 categories

Submitting a nomination

• You must provide the contact details of the person you’re nominating or the parent/guardian contact details for a nominee under 18-years-old.
• You may be contacted by our Civic Awards Assessment Panel or by a Council officer from the Governance team if they require any further information to support your nomination.
• You can attach documents to support your nomination. For example: certificates of achievements or recognition, or photos of the nominee in action in the capacity you’re nominating them for.

After you submit your nomination

The Boroondara Civic Awards Assessment Panel will then review the nominations. The panel may contact you or the listed referee to seek more information about your nomination.

If you submit a nomination, a Council officer from the Governance team at City of Boroondara will contact you by January 2026 to let you know the outcome of your nomination.

Award recipients are presented with a certificate at the awards event. The awards event is part of the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony on Monday 26 January 2026. The awards are honorary and there are no official or obligatory duties required by award recipients during the year.