Congratulations to our citizens of the year for 2025. This award recognises people in Boroondara who’ve made an exceptional contribution to our community through leadership or commitment to improving the lives of others.
‘We need to be more kind and compassionate’
As coordinator of Boroondara Community Outreach for 18 years, Reverend Natalie Dixon-Monu likes nothing better than connecting isolated people with our community.
Reverend Natalie Dixon-Monu was named Citizen of the Year 2025 at our Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony.
She was recognised for her extraordinary leadership and compassion, and her efforts in supporting vulnerable people.
‘The work we do with residents is very long-term and relationship based, through the ups and downs of life,’ she says. ‘We help people to engage with the broader community. That’s what I love most.’
Each week Reverend Natalie Dixon-Monu organises activities for isolated residents. She drives people to appointments, coordinates and prepares emergency meals with her team and has regular phone calls with people facing hardship.
‘As a community, we need to be more kind and compassionate,’ she says. ‘A lot of people are doing it tough, and you don’t always know the story.’
‘A privilege, not a chore’
Our new Young Citizen of the Year, 21-year-old Angus Aikman, has made an outstanding contribution through volunteering and youth leadership.
Angus is the deputy controller for the Victorian State Emergency Services (SES).
‘I’m lucky to have worked many roles within the SES that allow me to pursue my passions. I might be responding to storm jobs or bushfire management one day and then fundraising the next.’
As treasurer for the Malvern SES Units in 2024, Angus introduced card readers and an online donation page. This saved time and resources and secured more than $100,000 in grants and donations.
Angus encourages young people in Boroondara to try volunteering. ‘Find something that you enjoy, and it will feel like a privilege, not a chore,’ he says.
Find out more at on our 2025 Citizen of the Year Award winners page.