Melbourne Awards to honour COVID-19 frontline heroes
In a revamp of the city’s highest accolades, the Melbourne Awards — which traditionally focus on business achievements — frontline workers who served the community during the coronavirus crisis will be among those to be honoured this year.
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Everyday heroes who helped Melbourne through the coronavirus pandemic will be honoured in a revamp of the city’s most prestigious awards.
Supermarket workers, nurses and doctors are among those in line for recognition in the Melbourne Awards this year.
The highly prized gongs — which include Melburnian of the Year — traditionally focus on business achievement.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp told the Sunday Herald Sun: “Melbourne is a caring city and I am proud of the many ways that Melburnians help and support each other in times of crisis.”
“We’ve seen quietly heroic acts in response to the global pandemic: from neighbours who come to our rescue in times of need, to essential workers who do so much more than their jobs, and businesses that reach out to support people in tough times,’’ Cr Capp said.
“The 2020 Community Champions Edition of the Melbourne Awards will recognise people who have demonstrated acts of kindness, integrity and community spirit during these challenging times.”
New one-off award categories have been created to recognise people who have demonstrated outstanding resolve during the COVID-19 ordeal.
The new “community champion” awards will cover youth, business, arts and culture, digital innovation and essential services workers such as supermarket attendants or medical staff.
The Melburnian of the Year award — whose past recipients include Fight MND co-founder Neale Daniher and philanthropist Susan Alberti — will remain.
HoMie streetwear co-founder Nick Pearce, whose Fitzroy-based enterprise’s efforts training young people affected by homelessness and hardship was recognised in last year’s awards, said such acknowledgment was a huge honour.
“It’s an affirmation that you’re on the right path,’’ Mr Pearce said.
“The nicest thing is to know the city does know and care about the work you’re doing — especially when it is small and humble work.”
An independent judging panel comprising industry leaders and identities will select award winners who will be announced at a Melbourne Town Hall ceremony on November 14 or online depending on coronavirus restrictions.
Nominees don’t need to live in the Melbourne City Council area but must have had a positive impact within the municipality.
Nominations open July 1.
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Netlink: melbourne.vic.gov.au/melbourneawards