Congratulations to our Boroondara Citizen of the Year, Reverend Natalie Dixon-Monu, and to our Young Citizen of the Year, Angus Aikman.
Boroondara Citizen of the Year award
Reverend Natalie Dixon-Monu
Reverend Natalie Dixon-Monu has made an extraordinary impact to the Boroondara community through her leadership and compassion.
Rev Natalie Dixon-Monu is the coordinator of Boroondara Community Outreach which provides emergency relief, group activities and support to vulnerable people.
She helps assemble cots for new mothers and each week coordinates the preparation and delivery of meals for those in need. In times of crisis, Rev Natalie Dixon-Monu shares her phone number to people so that she can provide comfort.
With over 30 years of experience in support work, Rev Natalie Dixon-Monu’s selflessness represents the heart of the Boroondara community.
Boroondara Young Citizen of the Year award
Angus Aikman
At 21 years old, Angus Aikman has made an incredible contribution to the Boroondara community through his dedication to volunteering and youth leadership.
Angus is the current Deputy Controller for the Victorian State Emergency Services (SES). In this role, he’s a first responder in the emergencies for flood, storm, search and rescue.
Angus has also made an outstanding impact as the treasurer for the Malvern SES Units in 2024. He recognised his unit’s need for donations and met with local leaders to introduce card readers and an online donation page. This development saved time and resources and secured over $100,000 in grants and donations.
Angus encourages all young people in Boroondara to volunteer and attends community events to promote the Malvern SES Unit.
Honourable mentions
These individuals have made incredible contributions to our community this year and received many nominations for their work.
Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann made an exceptional impact in the Boroondara community as the spiritual leader of the ‘ARK Centre’, the modern synagogue and community hub. Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann created accessible programs and mental health initiatives to make sure everyone can attend the centre. Through his leadership, the ARK Centre has transformed into a welcoming space for all people to feel connected.
Jan Black is an inspiring volunteer scout leader who has engaged with the Boroondara district for over 30 years. Jan is the Group Leader for the first City of Camberwell Scout Group, where she mentors other scout leaders and provides support for almost 100 youth members. Jan’s support gives our young people opportunities to grow and develop through trying new experiences and adventures.
Special commendations
Jane Stewart is the co-founder of ‘It’s the Little Things Community,’ a group that provides meals to vulnerable, isolated and disadvantaged people in Melbourne. Jane coordinates local schools and businesses to partake in relief meal preparation, gathering over 80 volunteers and providing over 75,000 meals for those in need.
Nora Ley and Val Cunniffe are the project co-leaders of the Rotary Club of Canterbury's ‘FORaMEAL’ emergency food relief program. This program encourages local schools to fundraise and pack emergency food relief sachets. Each of these sachets includes 5 balanced meals. In the last 6 months, approximately 200,000 meals have been packed.
Find out more
For more information on this award, visit our Boroondara Citizen of the Year awards page.