By Violet Li
Volunteer Anthony Hanna winning the Casey Citizen of the Year felt almost inevitable, even though he has still been too humble to believe it to this day.
The Cranbourne local received the 2025 award about two weeks ago at a gala celebration at Bunjil Place for his “generosity and dedication through the voluntary work at Vinnies across three locations”, and his “deep commitment to community safety and education in his roles with Neighbour Watch Casey, Merinda Park Learning Centre, and JRN Community Housing”.
For anyone who passes by the Cranbourne Vinnies, Anthony is a familiar face. He’s there from Thursday to Saturday. On the other days of the week, he works hard at other Vinnies across the South East and community organisations. For him, every week is giving back to the community.
“My life changed ever since my father passed away,” he said.
“His role was to help the community, and I took that to the next level.
“Just helping the community where possible.”
This year is Anthony’s 15th year with Vinnies. He originally started at the Dandenong branch, moved around, and eventually settled in his hometown branch, where he volunteered during high school.
When asked what made him stay and continue, he said it was the love and greatness of the community. Every day, he is awed by how people can come together as one in times of need.
He’s also encouraging people to join him in this demanding time.
“On Saturdays, I do things like wearing a wig. I’ll wear a hat. I’ll wear something funny just to draw the people in,” he said.
“And then when they’re here, I talk to them, it’s an interactive environment and things like that.
“It’s a learning experience.”
Anthony recalled how baffled he was at the award ceremony.
“When I got nominated, I’m sitting there thinking, oh, maybe I better write something up quickly while I was sitting there,” he said.
But he didn’t end up writing anything. He couldn’t think at the time.
In a flash, he decided to speak from the heart, and that was it.
He walked up to the stage and thanked everyone first.
“Just accept this on behalf of all of you guys. You guys are the ones who deserve this nominee,” he addressed the public.
“I’ve always believed that building a strong community starts with showing up, leading hands together as one. We all work together. We all come together. We all make things work together.
“Today, I’m receiving this award on behalf of my father, who passed away since 10 years ago. I do what I do because I love giving back to the community.
“It’s a great time for everybody to unite as one. It’s a great place for everybody to work together.”
