THE Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula has announced that Phil Hayes-Brown and Ross Kilborn are the recipients of the committee’s first Annual Leadership Award.
The awards were presented on 3 December at the committee’s Annual General Meeting.
The head of disability support organisation Wallara, CEO Phil Hayes-Brown’s, recognition came during an important week for the disability community, coinciding with the International Day of People with Disability, which promotes awareness, understanding and acceptance.
“I’m honoured by this recognition, but it belongs to the Wallara team and our partners across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula,” Hayes-Brown said.
“It’s proof that inclusive social enterprise can strengthen a region, socially, economically, through the opportunities it creates for people with disability.”
Over the past 12 months, Hayes-Brown has led the transformation of Sages Cottage Farm into a regional hub for inclusion, paid work, tourism and community connection. The redevelopment is credited with generating long-term social and economic benefits for the peninsula.
A standout achievement has been the creation of the Hub@Sages, a new community facility at Sages Cottage Farm in Baxter, designed to bring people of all abilities together to connect, learn and participate. The site includes a working flower farm and a state-of-the-art sensory garden.
The award also acknowledges Hayes-Brown’s partnerships with organisations including Lend Lease, A.G. Coombs, Frankston RSL, Monash University and the Melbourne Events Group. These collaborations have delivered fresh employment pathways; social procurement outcomes and hands-on education programs.
This marks his second major accolade for 2025, following his earlier social traders award.
Under Hayes-Brown’s leadership, Wallara continues to grow as a trusted partner for councils, businesses and families seeking person-centred, meaningful support.
Ross Kilborn was the other award winner, having demonstrated exceptional leadership by bringing together community groups, government, and hardworking volunteers to deliver meaningful outcomes for the Mornington Peninsula.
“Ross’ work extends across coastal management, environmental advocacy, tourism development, and community wellbeing projects, where he has led with clarity, fierce collaboration, and long-term vision,” said a statement from the committee.
“His leadership has been instrumental in advancing key regional projects, often in complex and sensitive community contexts. Ross exemplifies the qualities of a true community leader — professionalism, inclusiveness, strategic thinking, and integrity.
“He is solutions-focused, skilled in stakeholder engagement, and able to maintain respectful communication even in challenging circumstances.”
In the past year, Ross has helped deliver the walking path next to Bays Hospital, improve pedestrian access and community health infrastructure through Mornington Rotary, deliver a food van for Mornington Community Support Centre, and support locals experiencing hardship. He’s also advanced works on the Beleura Cliff Path, and supported the Peninsula Trail via the Mornington Community Safelink from Moorooduc to Mornington.
As President of the Rotary Club of Mornington for over five years, Ross has helped deliver infrastructure and projects across Mornington that would probably rival any government investment across the same time for Mornington.
CFMP CEO Josh Sinclair said the Committee received 14 quality nominations for this award, and the recipients this year will help set the benchmark going forward.
“Both Phil and Ross have shown exemplary leadership over the past year – overcoming significant challenges to tackle national issues that have a local, meaningful significance.”
“They are both instrumental across a range of issues here on the peninsula, including inclusion and disability, homelessness, social enterprise, and improving health and education opportunities for everyone.”
“They are both highly deserving recipients, and we are proud to have them in our community.”
First published in the Frankston Times – 9 December 2025