Local Heroes Awards return for third year

12 November, 2023 |

We’re pleased to announce the return of the Vision Super Local Heroes Awards for 2024, in partnership with the Australian Services Union (ASU).

Now in their third year, the awards are designed to bring much-needed recognition to the work of local government employees who go above and beyond for their community.

Nominations are open to all local government workers, including employees of associated organisations operated by the council, and local libraries. Nominations may be made on behalf of others or self-nominated.

Past nominees have stretched across the state, from Darebin City Council in Melbourne’s inner north to Moira Shire Council on the New South Wales border.

What has remained consistent, year on year, is the passion shown by nominees for making a meaningful difference in their community.

Motivated by shared values of compassion, selflessness and generosity, nominees are often shocked and overwhelmed to discover they have even been put forward for an award.

It’s no mean feat for the judges, comprised of members of the leadership teams at Vision Super and the ASU, to choose a winner and runners-up from such an inspiring group of people.

To be nominated, the local government or library worker must demonstrate at least one of the following criteria:

  1. Made a significant difference to a community or member of a community
  2. Contributed to the safety of an individual or group in the community
  3. Made a substantial contribution to the welfare of a vulnerable person or group in the community

The winner and runners-up will be announced at a gala awards ceremony on Thursday 9 May 2024, which will be held at Victorian Trades Hall Council in Carlton.

A $1,000 gift card grand prize will be presented to the winner and $500 gift cards to the four runners-up to acknowledge the outstanding contribution made by these individuals or groups.

Last year’s worthy winner, who was deemed to have made a substantial contribution to the welfare of a vulnerable person or group in the community, was Eleonora Tambourini from Darebin City Council.

Eleonora was nominated by her colleague Craig Waters for her tireless commitment to her role as a Community Service Worker for more than 30 years.

“In that time, she has assisted hundreds, if not thousands, of Darebin residents with physical and or intellectual issues. The difference with Eleonora is that helping these people does not stop when she finishes work,” Craig explained.

“Eleonora goes the extra mile to assist many residents after hours, often in her own time and at her own expense. This includes transporting vulnerable people to and from appointments, shopping for them and mainly just being there for a chat.”

In my 40-plus years of working in various industries, I have never met a more dedicated person who goes out of her way to support those who need that little bit extra to make their life so much better.

- Craig Waters

Nominations for the 2024 Local Heroes Awards are now open and will close on Monday 25 March 2024.

For more information, visit our 2024 Local Heroes Awards page here.

Is there a local hero who you’d like to see recognised for their contribution to the community?

10 May, 2024 |

Must reads

General, must read, Retirement, Superannuation  | 25 October, 2024 |

How often should I check my super account? (Accumulation)

It's recommended to review your super at least once a year, and receiving your annual statement serves as a timely reminder for you to do so! So where do we start? Super may feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be.

Fund news, General, must read  | 16 October, 2024 |

CEO intro and merger update – October 2024

We have been working hard on the platform updates required to bring Active Super’s members onto our system, with the programming now almost complete and testing well underway.

Feature, General, Investments, must read  | 15 October, 2024 |

Investment update – October 2024

Fund news, General, must read, Superannuation  | 3 August, 2024 |

Fund update

See what's changing in property and infrastructure, Transition to retirement accounts, the PDSs and the retirement wage.

The latest