FROM Scouts to volunteer drivers, to migrant and refugee aides, this year's Casey Citizens of the Year awards nominees came from a diverse background.
But they have one thing in common - they have a love of the community and a willingness to devote their time to help those less fortunate than themselves.
Casey Mayor Janet Halsall congratulated the nominees, saying the community would not be the same without their efforts.
"A common element in thriving communities is people who are willing to give their time and energy, and take on extra responsibilities to benefit the lives of those around them.
"It is fantastic that these efforts are being recognised and that neighbours, colleagues and acquaintances have taken the initiative to nominate these special individuals," Cr Halsall says.
CiTIZEN OF THE YEAR NOMINEES:
Fawziya Aryan, Hallam
Fawziya works with Afghan migrants and refugees as part of the Afghan Australian Philanthropic Association and the Afghan program on Casey Radio 3SER.
Dor Aschna, Endeavour Hills
Dor has helped with a number of Afghan community events including the co-ordination of the Young Refugee at Risk program and the Afghan radio program.
Ruth Crofts, Berwick
Ruth is the founder and president of the Casey Cardinia Branch of the National Trust of Australia.
Wendy Edwards, Cranbourne North
Wendy has been a volunteer since she was 16. She helps Guides groups in the region and is the founding member of several education-related committees and groups.
Michele Halsall, Hampton Park
Michele is a volunteer with a number of groups and has been involved in fund-raising for many years.
Nazifa Nader, Narre Warren
Nazifa is an active member of Casey's Afghan community. She leads an Afghan women's group
Debbie Nobbs, Cranbourne
Debbie is the president of Cranbourne Blue Light District committee and a member of several other community groups.
Brian Oates, JP, Endeavour Hills
Brian is president of the South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre and a former Casey councillor and mayor.
Dianna Polimeni, Narre Warren
Dianna is the co-ordinator of the After Breast Cancer Exercise Group, in Narre Warren, which assists women who are recovering from breast cancer.
Pat Wingrave, Narre Warren
Pat has been a member of Guides Australia for the past 28years, as well as caring for children with disabilities, teaching karate and fund-raising.
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Melody Cayzer, Cranbourne
Melody was pivotal in founding the Stripes program, a program that encourages positive attitudes and self-esteem for children.
Ash Kerr-Firebrace, Narre Warren
Ash is a role model for Aboriginal youth through his work with the Yorta Yorta Wurundjeri heritage and performs with Bunjil Aboriginal Culture and Dance Club.
Sonia Tresca, Berwick
Sonia is a volunteer for Spectrum Entertainment, Casey's Youth FReeZA committee and acts as a mentor to youth interested in working in the music industry.
SENIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
Dorothy Ashcroft, Berwick
Dorothy has been a Friends of Wilson Botanic Park member for 11years. She serves as a park guide, attends working bees, propagates plants for sale and planting, and does library fund-raising.
Kenneth Coutts, Doveton
Kenneth has served as public officer for Doveton Seniors Citizens and is the Injured Firefighters Self-Help Group president, as well as serving as a board member for a number of local groups.
Derry Francis, Blind Bight
Derry is a foundation member of the Shire of Cranbourne Historical Society. For the past 20years, he has been an active member of Riding for the Disabled Association, Tooradin fire brigade, Cranbourne and Balla Balla Lions Clubs and Tooradin Pony Club.
Noel Hewitt, Berwick
Noel is dedicated to helping Casey's war veterans and widows. He has been a member of Legacy South Eastern group (Casey) since 1998.
Fred McCubbin, Narre Warren
Fred is the secretary of Berwick Combined Probus Club, a member of the Berwick and District Life Education committee, Berwick Anglican Church Pastoral Care group, and a teacher at the Berwick University of the Third Age.
Eric Warren-Smith, Doveton
Eric is a volunteer with the Doveton Eumemmerring Neighbourhood Renewal program. He transports older members of his church community.
COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
Cranbourne Blue Light Disco - Cranbourne Blue Light committee under the auspices of Narre Warren Berwick Blue Light.
The Doveton Show - The Brotherhood of St Laurence in partnership with Doveton Eumemmerring Neighbourhood Renewal Events team.
Mothers Day Celebration - Afghan Australia Philanthropic Association.
Narre Warren South Carols by Candlelight - Oasis Church Narre Warren.
Open Community Playgroup - Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre.
Rangebank Preschool 25-Year Celebration - Rangebank Preschool committee of management.
The winners will be announced on Australia Day.
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