Citizen of the Year - Roman Nowak

Young Citizen of the Year - Danielle Di Carlo

Senior Citizen of the Year - Sue Hughes

Non Resident of the Year - Gary Saunders

OUR winner, Roman Nowak, of Cannons Creek, is a tireless volunteer with the Salvation Army in Cranbourne, helping with everything from interviewing clients and reception duties, to washing dishes. Despite having six children of their own, Roman and his wife Jacqueline have cared for dozens of children as foster parents with Menzies Inc for 16 years.

Roman also volunteers at Devon Meadows CFA, and supports young people through the Independent Persons Program.

Injured at work several years ago, Roman dedicates his life to helping others.

"Instead of sitting at home doing nothing I thought I could get out in the community and help," he said.

Other Citizen of the Year nominees were:

Jesse (John) James, of Hallam was a charter member of the Endeavour Hills Lions Club almost 30 years ago, and has been the driving force of many of the club's community support programs.

He is often the smiling face behind the Lions' fund-raising sausage sizzles, and supports the Peace Poster program, Relay For Life, Seeing Eye Dog fund-raising, Red Shield Appeal, Cornerstone, mobility support for disabled children, and the Myuna Show, among others.

Jesse, who has battled his own health problems, said he loves supporting the community because "there's always someone worse off than you".

<Steven Silestean, of Hampton Park, established the Hampton Park Secondary College Navy Cadets and devotes many hours to this program.

A senior manager at the college, Steven works closely with young people and has seen first-hand how the Navy Cadets program can lift self-esteem and empower young people. It has 21 members, but since it began at the school in 1999 dozens of students have completed the program.

Steven said the program gave participants a strong feeling of belonging and a sense of community.

"I still love being part of the Navy Cadets programs after all these years, and every so often I'll get a lovely letter of thanks from a parent, which almost brings me to tears," he said.

The award-winners will be announced tonight. For results, visit www.berwickjournal.com.au