Monash has honoured its outstanding community leaders, one of whom was Angelo Sardellis.

Awarded Volunteer of the Year, Mr Sardellis was one of 40 nominees present at Wednesday night’s ceremony at the Monash Gallery of Art.

Also among those recognised for their dedication and hard work was 16-year-old Mount Waverley student Neha Salahuddin, who was awarded for Youth Leadership and also presented with the Sir John Monash Award for Outstanding Leadership.

Despite being one of the youngest to be nominated, she boasts an impressive record of community service, having raised funds for cystic fibrosis, and has also advocated for the improvement of indigenous health and education.

“Neha and her fellow nominees show just how strong and enduring the sense of community spirit is in Monash,” said Mayor Geoff Lake.

“You often hear today that technology, globalism and the pace of life are leading to a decline in community spirit, but that’s certainly not the case in Monash.
“We have so many people who go out of their way to help others. It’s a privilege to have been able to thank 40 of these community contributors in this year’s awards.”

Also awarded on the night were Loretta Leary for Sustainability Leadership; Margaret Hepworth for Inspirational Women’s Leadership; Andrea Whitty for Positive Ageing Leadership; Binquan Yan as Multicultural Champion; Glen Waverley Socccer Club for Active Monash; and Brian Girling as the Outstanding Advocate of People with Disabilities.