Salvation Army Major Brendan Nottle named Melburnian of the Year

FRONTLINE Salvation Army leader Major Brendan Nottle was last night named Melburnian of the Year at a Town Hall gala dinner.

Major win for Salvation Army leader

FRONTLINE Salvation Army leader Major Brendan Nottle was last night named Melburnian of the Year.

The prestigious City of Melbourne award honours Major Nottle's tireless work with Melbourne's homeless and underprivileged people.

Major Nottle said he was humbled to receive the award, which reflected not just his work but the work of those around him within the Salvation Army and other organisations working together to make a difference.

"Melbourne is a unique and remarkable city because of its people," Major Nottle said.

"Collectively, Melburnians are generally passionate about looking out for each other. As gentrification becomes an issue for many cities around the world, Melburnians look out for each other and ensure that there is a place for everyone and that no one is forgotten."

And he hopes the city's imagination and innovative spirit is used to do everything possible to end homelessness: "I would love to see Melbourne become a city where people have a range of housing options that provide safe and secure accommodation as well as the necessary supports to help them get back on their feet."

At last night's Town Hall gala dinner, Lord Mayor Robert Doyle paid a special tribute to Major Nottle.

"His devotion to strengthening Melbourne's social ­fabric is an inspiration to us all," Cr Doyle said.

"Every week, Brendan can be found in the city giving crucial support to those in need, including meals, clothing and counselling."

Previous award winners include music guru Michael Gudinski, philanthropist Harold Mitchell, Reach co-founder and AFL great Jim Stynes, Lighthouse Foundation director and founder Susan Barton, Alannah and Madeline Foundation chairman John Bertrand, Breast Cancer Network Australia founder Lyn Swinburne and sporting greats Ron Barassi and Andrew Gaze.

At last night's award ceremony, Melbourne corporations, community organisa-tions and individuals were also honoured. They included Synergetics Environmental Engineering and Bicycle Network Victoria (sustainability); the Melbourne Children's group - incorporating Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital and the University of Melbourne's Paediatric Department - and Melbourne Queer Film Festival (city profile); and St John Ambulance and Prof Hugh R Taylor, AC (contribution to the community).

The Lord Mayor's Certificate of Commendation awards were also presented to Australian Ballet School director Marilyn Rowe for her outstanding contribution to the arts, and to taxi driver Lakhwinder Singh Dhillon, who was recognised for his honesty and integrity after returning $110,000 to passengers who had left the money in his cab.