Dick Menting Community Champion Award
About
The Dick Menting Community Champion Award
The Dick Menting Community Champion Award honours the contribution Dick made to his Community by recognising an individuals who are making an outstanding contribution to their community.
Dick Menting was the Founding Chairman of Inner East Community Finance Limited which operates the Community Bank branches in Canterbury, Surrey Hills, Ashburton and Balwyn under a franchise agreement with Bendigo Bank. Dick established a Steering Committee in 2001 for the formation of a Community Bank when the Commonwealth Bank closed its branch in Maling Road and left the precinct without a bank. Dick was a driving force behind the establishment of the Canterbury and Surrey Hills branches and later the Ashburton and Balwyn Community Bank branches.
Dick was a true community man, having dedicated the last 20 years of his life to his community. The beneficiaries of his hard work and commitment to giving back to the community are widespread. Dick worked tirelessly to ensure the growth of the Community Bank network, so our company could continue to provide funds to upgrade community facilities, purchase equipment, provide grants for community welfare organisations and support those vulnerable in our community. More than $12 million in community grants and sponsorship have been provided so far.
Who should nominate?
Community organisations are encouraged to nominate individuals who deserve recognition for their dedication and commitment to improving the lives of others. This may include contributions to education, community development, youth programs, health and wellbeing initiatives, fundraising activities, or projects that bring people together and create positive outcomes for the community.
The nominating organisation and nominee must be based within the communities of Ashburton, Balwyn, Canterbury, Surrey Hills, Kew, Kew East and surrounding areas. Individuals who were unsuccessfully nominated in previous years may be nominated again.
Previous award recipients may be re-nominated six years after their successful nomination.
The 2026 Award
Nominations are now Open.
Key Dates for 2026 are:
Nominations close- Friday 28 August
Entry Submissions due- Friday 2 October
Winners Announced- Tuesday 10 November
Application Process
Individuals must be nominated by a club or community organisation. Self nomination is not permitted. Nominations must be made via the online nomination form .
The nominator will then be required to submit an entry addressing the selection criteria and include any other relevant information to support the nomination. The entry must be submitted via the online entry submission form .
Nominate now
Please use the link below to nominate:
Entry Submission
Please use the link below to upload your entry submission:
Selection Criteria & more information
Download the information pack and selection criteria below.
Download the information pack here
Selection Criteria
How has the contribution strengthened, educated or supported the community?
- What is the motivation behind the contribution or objective of the project the individual is/was involved in?
- Describe how the contribution/project is unique to this community or innovative in any way.
- Detail the specifics of the benefit made to the community.
Demonstrate how the contribution/project has enhanced the lives of community members.
- Have networks been built that benefit members of the community?
- Who has benefitted?
Has the contribution/project achieved a successful outcome and a positive effect on the community? How has this success been measured?
- Outline how the contribution/project has been received by the community?
What have or will be the long term impacts of the contribution/project?
- Identify any long term benefits to the community.
- Provide any other information on the long term commitment of this individual to the betterment of the community. For example, community engagement, service to the community and promotion of community wellbeing.
The Award
General Category
The General Community Champion Award recognises an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the local community through volunteer service, leadership, advocacy, community development or initiatives.This award celebrates those who go above and beyond to support local residents, community groups and organisations. Nominees may have demonstrated outstanding commitment through fundraising, education, youth programs, health and wellbeing initiatives, arts and cultural activities, social inclusion programs, or other activities that strengthen community connections and improve quality of life. They will have made a meaningful difference to the community, bringing people together and helping to build a stronger and more connected community.
- Up to two awards will be presented in this category per year.
- The individual/s will receive a trophy and a $500 gift card.
- The nominating organisation will receive a $5,000 grant.
Sports Club Category
The Sports Club Community Champion Award recognises an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to their local sporting club and the broader community. This award celebrates those who go above and beyond in supporting their club, its players, volunteers and members. Nominees may have demonstrated outstanding leadership, mentorship, volunteer service, club development, fundraising, inclusion initiatives, or a long-term commitment that has helped their sporting club thrive and strengthened community participation and connection through sport.
- One Award recipient each year.
- The individual will receive a trophy and a $500 gift card.
- The nominating organisation will receive a $5,000 grant.
2025 Winners- Mary Muirhead OAM, co-founding Learning for Life Autism Centre and Rochelle Anderson, co-founder of You matter and Manager, Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre, pictured with Mrs Margaret Menting.
2025 Sports Club Winner- Peter Knox, Mont Albert Cricket Club, pictured with Director, Juliann Byron and Senior Manager, Maggie Stamoulis.