Wallara CEO, Phil Hayes-Brown has received the first-ever Leadership Award from the Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula — recognising his inclusive leadership and community impact across the region.
Presented at the Committee’s AGM and end-of-year celebration in Red Hill, the award acknowledges Phil’s outstanding contribution to inclusion, employment, and social enterprise.
This recognition also coincided with the International Day of People with Disability, a global moment that shines a light on visibility, access and opportunity.
“I’m honoured by this recognition, but it belongs to the Wallara team and our partners across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula,” Phil said.
“It’s proof that inclusive social enterprise can strengthen a region — socially and economically — through the opportunities it creates for people with disability.”
Regional impact
Over the past year, Phil has led the transformation of Sages Cottage Farm into a regional destination for training, employment and tourism. The newly launched Hub @ Sages is now a community space for people of all abilities — complete with a Flower Farm and sensory garden.
Partnerships with purpose
His leadership has also seen Wallara partner with Lendlease, A.G. Coombs, Frankston RSL, Monash University and Melbourne Event Group — opening new employment pathways and hands-on learning programs.
A year of recognition
This is Phil’s second major accolade in 2025, also taking home the Social Traders Award for Inclusive Leadership earlier this year.
