Clare Mouser was named the 2024 Melton Citizen of the Year at the 2024 Melton Community Achievement Awards on Thursday, November 9.
The annual awards recognise the outstanding contribution of community members who dedicate their time to making a positive and lasting impact on individuals, groups and organisations within the city and making life better for others across five categories.
Ms Mouser contributes through her work with the 1st Caroline Springs Scout Group and partnerships with multiple local organisations.
She has been the community development manager at Woodlea for more than five years and has been responsible for developing effective relationships with community members, agencies, retailers and sporting groups.
She developed connectedness and improved wellbeing by organising events, fundraisers and art murals for the Walk of Honour.
Comfort Kennedy was named Young Citizen of the Year for her passion for teaching and empowering all generations and cultures in the community.
She is a highly active volunteer community leader with several organisations and an English tutor at the Djerriwarrh Community and Education Services. Comfort has had a tremendous impact on the lives of migrants and refugees in Melton through her teaching.
Mollie VanDer Linden was also named Young Citizen of the Year. She has been involved with Specialist Hoops Basketball for more than four years. She has an aptitude for helping others, whether coaching, providing support at tournaments or school holiday programs, or as part of the Student Leadership Team at her school.
Other award recipients were Lucas Murana for Disability Access and Inclusion Leader of the Year, Kirisome Ronick Jnr Lam for Gender Equity Leader of the Year and Mashair Mohammed Abdalla for Intercultural Engagement Leader of the Year.
Melton Mayor Kathy Majdlik said it makes her really proud to see that community spirit is thriving and these awards recognise the special contributions residents make to our thriving city.
“Congratulations to all the winners,” she said.
“The dedication and commitment shown by everyone who was nominated shows why Australia’s fastest growing municipality is so special.
“All of the winners and nominees are contributing their time on top of their normal daily jobs and family commitments to help make our diverse community stronger and more inclusive for all.”
