Co-founder of Melbourne-based social enterprise STREAT, Rebecca Scott OAM has been named the 2024 Melburnian of the Year, alongside Alex Dekker as Young Melburnian of the Year, at this year’s prestigious Melbourne Awards Gala.
“The Melbourne Awards are an opportunity to shine a spotlight on everyday people going above and beyond to make Melbourne the great city it is,” said Lord Mayor Nick Reece.
“This year’s Melburnian of the Year, Rebecca Scott has shown an unwavering commitment to bettering the lives of young people across our community – supporting more than 500 young Melburnians to find jobs.”
The social entrepreneur has been recognised for her leadership and drive in helping young Melburnians find meaningful employment and securing housing, while addressing climate-related issues.
Established in 2009, STREAT first began operating portable street food carts – providing hospitality training and employment to young people experiencing homelessness across the city.
STREAT now operates 16 food services across Melbourne, including cafes at Queen Victoria Market and RMIT University, an artisan bakery, catering service, and coffee roastery. The organisation has also expanded into the green industries – establishing sustainable, urban farms to grow produce to be used within the STREAT shopfronts.
The not-for-profit has supported more than 500 young people to find jobs in the hospitality and horticultural industries, while an additional 1,500 have participated in outreach programs and upskilled through short course and hands-on training programs.
Notably, Rebecca has received multiple accolades for her commitment to young people and the planet, including the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2016, and a Human Rights Commission award in 2019.
Founder of local not-for-profit Alex Makes Meals, Alex Dekker has been named the 2024 Young Melburnian of the Year – after the award was introduced last year.
The 24-year-old has been recognised for pioneering efforts to combat food insecurity in Melbourne, through the creation of Alex Makes Meals.
Alex Makes Meals evolved from a one-man mission in 2020 to providing over 3,000 nutritious meals each week to vulnerable individuals and families across the city.
“Alex Dekker is Melbourne’s second Young Melburnian of the Year, and he has truly inspired us with his incredible work in the community. At just 24 years old, it’s exciting to think about Alex’s bright future ahead,” said Lord Mayor Nick Reece.
Eight organisations have also been recognised for their valued work across a range of industries and sectors. The 2024 Melbourne Awards winners are:
Aboriginal Melbourne – ganbu guljin award:
The Beruk Exhibition – For their public exhibition celebrating the unique stories about returning to Country, by Wurundjeri artist, William Barak.
Access and Inclusion:
Travellers Aid Australia – For providing innovative solutions for more people who experience travel-related challenges to better access Melbourne’s transport network.
Arts and Events:
Blender Studios – For their creative approach to blending street and fine art to improve the city’s urban art scene.
City Design:
Koorie Heritage Trust Stage II by Lyons, Greenaway Architects and Architecture Associates – For honouring and amplifying Aboriginal art and culture in a contemporary and engaging way.
Community:
Lort Smith – Melbourne’s Animal Hospital – For providing compassionate pet care, with a focus on increasing access to those experiencing financial hardship, homelessness or domestic violence.
Knowledge and Innovation:
Orygen – For innovative research in revolutionising the field of youth mental health.
LGBTIQA+:
Queer Town – For delivering impactful education, training and digital content on LGBTIQA+ allyship and inclusion.
Sustainability:
Urban Tree Recovery – For innovation in providing a sustainable way to approach urban tree recovery.
For more information about the Melbourne Awards and this year’s winners, visit: www.melbourne.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: Alex Dekker and Rebecca Scott OAM – courtesy of City of Melbourne