The Melbourne City Council created the Exceptional Citizen Award Program to recognize Melbourne residents whose volunteerism, service and dedication have made a significant contribution to the City of Melbourne. Nominations for the award will be considered by the City Council on a quarterly basis and recipients will be invited to attend a City Council meeting to receive their award. Recipients will also be recognized on the city’s website and social media pages. Nominees must be residents of the City of Melbourne.  

General Guidelines

Nominees need only be nominated once to be considered for the award. The number of nominations received for each individual shall bear no weight on Council's selection. Nominations shall be kept on file for six months.

Criteria/Eligibility

Award recipients must be city residents or business owners in the city.  Additionally, eligible recipients (individuals, couples or groups/organizations) should meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Demonstrated exceptional volunteer service that shows a dedication to making the city a great place to live, work, play or learn.
• Made a positive difference in a fellow citizen's life or has demonstrated a care and concern for the city and its residents.
• Has worked with or organized other individuals to solve a problem in the city or has a mission to better the city in a positive way.
• Is an example to Melbourne residents of the qualities of honesty, integrity and service.

Nomination Process

Nominations may be submitted to the City Clerk's Office at any time using the online nomination form. The individual who submitted the nomination/the nominee is not required to attend the City Council meeting when their nomination is being considered. Nominations may be made by any individual as long as the nominee meets the criteria/eligibility listed above. Nominations must include the individual, couple or group/organization name, position/title, organization, contact information and a narrative describing why the individual, couple or group/organization should be selected. The individual submitting the nomination is encouraged to provide their name, telephone number and e-mail address.

Selection

The selected individual, couple or group/organization will be invited to attend an upcoming City Council meeting to receive their award. Awards will be given in the form of a certificate, signed by the Mayor, as well as recognition on the city’s website and social media pages.