Enter the Melbourne Awards

​This award recognises projects and initiatives that positively impact and celebrate the lives of the Aboriginal community in Melbourne. This may include initiatives that promote cultural understanding, improve community relations, or provide support to the Aboriginal community, while acknowledging Melbourne as a place that was, is, and continues to be an Aboriginal place.  

Projects and organisations need not be wholly Aboriginal-owned and managed but will need to demonstrate Aboriginal engagement and co-design in the set up and concept to be eligible for this award.  

ganbu guljin means ‘one mob’ in the Woi Wurrung language. The name is intended to better recognise the important work of Aboriginal communities.

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​Melbourne prides itself on being a city for everyone and places great importance on the contribution made by people living with a disability, and all who are committed to reducing barriers to access and participation.

This award recognises projects and initiatives that have significantly reduced access and participation barriers. This might be achieved through advocacy and education, an event or program that promotes inclusion or a project that improves access or social connection.

The City of Melbourne, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, recognises the definition of disability as including long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments that, in interaction with various attitudinal and environmental barriers, may hinder a person’s right to full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.

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​Melbourne is internationally renowned for its thriving arts sector. This award recognises excellence in this field in driving visitation numbers and increasing the profile and reputation of Melbourne as a cultural capital.

Projects can come from any field of Arts and Events, from festivals to photographic exhibitions and performance venues, as well as projects supporting artists to live and work in our city.

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​The City Design Award recognises design excellence across the disciplines of urban design, architecture, landscape architecture and industrial design.

Introduced in 2019, the award celebrates recently completed projects that have made a positive contribution to the unique character and experience of the city. The Award considers project innovation and impact in elevating City Design’s priorities of a Health City, a Sustainability City and an Aboriginal City.

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This award celebrates organisations and individuals who are delivering projects or activities that enhance the lives and wellbeing of residents and workers through community services or volunteer work. This may include the development of education, youth or community programs that promote understanding or provide support and positive outcomes for disadvantaged, at-risk or vulnerable people in the community.

Also eligible are programs or initiatives that have engaged residents, brought people together, raised funds or increased community health and wellbeing.

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Melbourne’s thriving knowledge sector is internationally renowned and accounts for a significant proportion of employment in the municipality. This category recognises the innovations and progressive ideas that form the core of this sector, helping to shape our city’s bright future.

Projects and innovations to be celebrated can include: medical innovations, digital or non-digital knowledge or innovation projects, providing opportunities for knowledge growth within Melbourne, and organisations whose aim is to benefit the community through emerging technology.  

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Melbourne is proud to be a city for all people. This award recognises and celebrates organisations and individuals who support and promote the LGBTIQA+ community.  

Applications are welcomed from those who have made an incredible contribution to LGBTIQA+ inclusion or interests. Examples could include excellence in representing or advocating on behalf of the LGBTIQA+ community, celebrating diversity such as through art or events or speaking up, improving workplace inclusion, leading or delivering a health and wellbeing initiative or a project that improves social connection and participation for the local LGBTIQA+ community.  

LGBTIQA+ is an acronym that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and gender diverse, Intersex and Queer and questioning.  We acknowledge that many diverse and distinct communities fall within this umbrella term and use it respectfully as a collective address. 

This award celebrates projects or activities that create a more sustainable city through advancements in sustainable innovation and design, or the development of new sustainable projects or programs.

Examples include projects that have made positive contributions to the environment such as waste reduction, water conservation, carbon efficiencies or increased the uptake of renewable energy. Also eligible are initiatives that change community behaviour or educate, connect and inspire others. 

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​The Melburnian of the Year is an inspirational role model who has made an outstanding contribution to the city in their chosen field, as well as a significant impact to the Melbourne community.

Nominate or apply in this award.  

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​The Young Melburnian of the Year celebrates the achievements and successes of a young person aged between 18 and 30 years, who has a demonstrated desire for excellence, has an exemplary influence and positive effect on the community.

Nominate or apply in this award.  

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