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                    Entering the Melbourne Awards

                    Interior of town hall set up for gala awards ceremony
                    Find out how to enter the Melbourne Awards, including details on submission requirements, selection criteria and the judging process.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Entry and judging process

                    The Melbourne Awards are free to enter, and projects and initiatives that deserve recognition for their contribution to our city are encouraged to enter.

                    E​ntrants must complete a submission by answering each section of the selection criteria for their nominated award category.​

                    Finalists and winners are selec​ted through a comprehensive judging process which is designed to be fair, transparent and independent of the City of Melbourne. The judging panel consists of honorary judges who are experienced and respected in their fields and represent a variety of industry sectors.​

                    Winners are announced at a Gala Awards Ceremony held at Melbourne Town Hall in November each year.​

                    Key dates

                    Applications open:  20 May 2024

                    Applications close:  21 June 2024

                    Judging interviews:  3 to 19 September 2024

                    Finalists announced: 23 October 2024

                    Melbourne Awards Gala:  9 November 2024​

                    Why enter the Awards?

                    Enter your organisation to: 

                    • be recognised as an inspirational leader creating positive change in Melbourne. 
                    • raise your public profile through increased publicity and media exposure to promote your cause or project. 
                    • establish relationships with prominent senior business leaders in Melbourne, many of whom often become ambassadors for the inspiring achievements and projects they witness.

                    All finalists will be invited to attend a curated workshop by our partner, Ernst and Young and two tickets to attend the Gala ceremony where the winners are announced.

                    The winners will be presented with an exclusive prize pack and a private meet and greet with the Lord Mayor.

                    Testimonials

                    Transfamily, 2022 Melbourne Award winner – LGBTIQ+​

                    “Transfamily is a peer support group for family, partners, friends and loved ones of trans and gender diverse (TGD) people. Run by a passionate and active volunteer group who all have lived experience of a loved one who is TDG, Transfamily was delighted to receive the 2022 LGBTIQ+ Melbourne Award. This recognition has helped us to increase our profile and reach, so that those who respect the personal decision of TGD people but have questions or are seeking support as their loved one transitions, are aware of the compassionate, inclusive help that is available to them through Transfamily.” 

                    Kensington Neigbourhood House – 2022 Melbourne Award winner - Communit​y 

                    “The whole 2022 Melbourne Awards process was fantastic. It was a great way for our organization to reflect on our contribution to Melbourne, and to share our impact with a wider audience. Winning the community category was fantastic! It was wonderful recognition for our staff, volunteers and program participants, and it helped raise the profile of neighbourhood houses everywhere and the amazing work they do. We’ve made some excellent contacts through the Melbourne Awards and I’d encourage any community organisations out there to apply. It was such an uplifting experience.” 

                    - ​Rebecca Smith, Manager – Kensington Neighbourhood House

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