Vale Yvonne Kernan

It is with much sadness that Moonee Valley City Council pays tribute to former Citizen of the Year, Yvonne Kernan, who passed on 26 December 2025.

Yvonne was recognised in 2013 for her significant contribution to our local community, particularly Ascot Vale.

She was a driving force behind the Ascot Vale Residents Action Group and volunteered on several Council committees and as a workshop participant for many years. Yvonne helped shape local neighbourhoods by lending her clear and community focused insights to critical planning matters and policy development.

Yvonne is remembered with great affection as a voice of reason and wit, tireless and fearless, warm, and welcoming.

Mayor Dr Rose Iser paid tribute to Yvonne:

“Yve is remembered by her many friends as a prescient and determined force for good in the world; advocating tirelessly for the rights of others with her strong sense of social justice and belief in community life. She has made an impact and will be missed.”

In the late 1980s, she was an early member of the Essendon Legal Service Committee. She returned to the organisation when it was renamed Moonee Valley Community Legal Service as a Board member. Yvonne was later honoured for her years of service and granted Life Membership.

She was also a member of the Essendon Historical Society and involved with the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria.

We extend our condolences to all those who knew Yvonne, especially her family and friends.