Nominate someone for the Stan Henwood Award
Key points
Geoff Young is the 2025 Stan Henwood award winner.
- This award is presented each year to a person who has made a positive, long-term contribution to the Cardinia Shire community.
- It honours the late Stan Henwood’s lifetime contribution to the township of Tynong, and to the wider community. You can learn more about Stan Henwood here.
- Nominees are invited to the annual Mayor's volunteer reception dinner in May, where the award winner is announced.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the Stan Henwood award, nominees must:
- have made a significant contribution to community services in Cardinia Shire,
- have not held a position as a Cardinia Shire Councillor in the last 4 years, and,
- have not previously received the award.
Make a nomination
What to include
Nominations should explain the person’s achievement, background and reasons for the nomination and include any supporting documentation. Include at least one other referee to support the nomination.
Nominations are now closed.
How nominations are assessed
Nominations are presented to our councillors and a representative from the Henwood family, who select a winner based on a majority vote.
2025 Stan Henwood Award winner
WINNER – Geoff Young
Geoff Young has been a dedicated leader in the Cardinia Shire community since 1995, making significant contributions as the Scout Leader of the Garfield Scout Group. His commitment to mentoring youth is complemented by his service as President of the Garfield Rotary Club from 1999-2006 and President and Assistant Governor for District 9820 at the Pakenham Rotary Club since 2006.
Geoff has led the Pakenham and District Agricultural and Horticultural Show Society since 2003 and has been involved with South and Central Region Show Societies since 2010. Geoff's accolades include the Paul Harris Fellowship and the Rotary Sapphire Pin, which acknowledge his impactful service to the community.
He played a key role in the Pakenham Bluelight program from 2012 to 2021 and has navigated changes in the Pakenham Show Society following the sale of the Pakenham Racecourse. A driving force in disaster relief as District Emergency Management Chair during the Labertouche fires, Geoffrey has also facilitated connections with local organisations, embracing multiculturalism and enhancing community engagement.
His unwavering dedication to fostering growth and resilience in Cardinia Shire inspires others, encouraging them to embrace challenges and work towards a brighter future for the community.
Previous award winners
- 2025 - Geoff Young
- 2024 – Dot Griffin
- 2023 – Jeffrey Latter
- 2022 – Tim Ahern
- 2021 – Helen Smith
- 2020 – Ken Rook
- 2019 – Wendy Andrews
- 2018 – Eric Bumpstead
- 2017 – Ray Coombs
- 2016 – Ron and Beryl Banbury
- 2015 – Graham Simpson
- 2014 – Colin ‘Col’ Leeson
- 2013 – Norma Jackson
- 2012 – Ron Topp
- 2011 – John Cascone
- 2010 – Bill and Robyn Kuys
- 2009 – Sue Beattie
- 2008 – William (Bob) Robert Farr
- 2007 – Tom Van Den Dungen
- 2006 – Bernie Berne
- 2005 – Robert Porter
About Stan Henwood
Stan was heavily involved with the Tynong Hall Committee, Tynong Recreation Reserve Committee and the Make A Wish Foundation. He was also a life member of the Tynong Tennis Club, the West Gippsland Tennis Association, Tynong Fire Brigade and Tynong Progress Association.
In 1981 and 1990 he was recognised as the Cardinia Shire Citizen of the Year, as well as receiving a Citation for all Community Achievements.
Beyond Cardinia Shire’s borders, he received a Medal from the Prime Minister for service to sport and an Order of Australia for Service to the Community.
It is this commitment to volunteering across a diverse range of organisations and indeed during most of his life that made Stan a standout member of our community.
Enquiries
Contact the Connected Communities Team on 1300 787 624 or mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au