Michael Sukkar (Deakin, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Every year it is my great pleasure to recognise the selfless and impactful individuals who work hard in my community to make it a better place. Just last week we celebrated the 2024 Deakin Community Awards, where more than 500 members of our community came together to recognise the countless unsung heroes and community groups who work tirelessly to strengthen our community. The awards provide an opportunity to nominate an individual or group that deserves recognition and to provide our thanks for their significant contributions. This year at the awards we recognised 71 individuals and 13 community groups who were richly deserving of their recognition.

Particular congratulations go to our overall category winners: Jake Keogh from the Ringwood Football and Netball Club in the under-30s category; Gabby Knaepple from the Rotary Club of Nunawading and Eastern Emergency Relief Network in the open category; Valerie Penn from Heathmont Baptist Church in the seniors category; and Life's Little Treasures Foundation in the group category. I also want to particularly point out that Jake Keogh received the overall Deakin community award for his dedicated service over many years at a very busy time in his life. I also take this opportunity to thank the Australian Children's Choir and East City Sound chorus for their wonderful performances and to Nicole Werner MP for her outstanding efforts as MC. Congratulations to all of our winners and thank you to all of the community for supporting these awards.