Celebrating Kingston’s volunteers and high achievers
Published on 23 May 2024
Academic, educator and entrepreneur Dr Dolly Daou is Kingston's 2024 Citizen of the Year.
Lauded worldwide for her capacity and experience in connecting higher education, industry, and government, Dr Daou is a leading light in the development of sustainable initiatives, implementing a methodology that combines design, science, and business for maximum community impact.
An inspirational leader, Dr Daou is on a mission to drive a healthier planet and healthier communities, while bringing cultures and people together.
Having built an international network based on kindness, honesty, integrity, and respect Dr Daou was invited as a role model to the prestigious international organisation RoleModel Rebels, an international supportive network of women mentors and mentees.
She has mentored other entrepreneurs, professionals, and students and her impactful, eco-economical projects in interior architecture and food management have earned her awards in Europe, Asia and the Middle East including the highly regarded AI-Safeer Congress Ambassador Award.
The Mordialloc Theatre Company was named as the Community Group of the Year.
Enjoying considerable success over almost eight decades, critically and at the box office, the Company has presented over 500 quality theatre productions and encouraged community interest in all aspects of theatre.
It has developed a reputation for high-quality performances thanks to hundreds of people's dedicated and devoted efforts over the years, and it honours the foundations they were established upon, which it continues to build.
The Shirley Burke Theatre provides a meeting point and artistic and social outlet for many actors and directors, as well as set builders, technicians, costumiers, painters, ushers, coffee makers, and more. All of whom volunteer their time freely to be part of a successful not-for-profit community theatre company.
The Company presents five plays per year, and each production runs for ten performances. Its members and countless volunteers enjoy camaraderie, fellowship, and friendships.
Mayor Jenna Davey-Burns presented the awards at the Kingston Volunteer Appreciation event on Tuesday night and said we live in a truly remarkable community of people who contribute beyond measure to making Kingston such a strong and connected community.
“Our community is built on inclusion and kindness – driven by the dedication and generosity of our hard-working volunteers. These awards and event are just a small way of us being able to let people know how valued their efforts and contribution is. It’s important we pause and acknowledge the outstanding impact they all make, for all of us,” Cr Davey-Burns said.
For more information about Kingston’s awards program visit kingston.vic.gov.au/council/awards.