City of Wollongong Awards

These awards are an opportunity to acknowledge the people and organisations who make our city a better place.

Congratulations to our 2026 Award winners.

Citizen of the Year: Teresa Tran OAM and H. Phong Le OAM

As refugees from Vietnam, Teresa and H. Phong have spent more than 30 years strengthening cultural connections and supporting war veterans and widows in their community. In 2025 they were awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in the general division for service to the Vietnamese Community in Australia.

Senior Citizen of the Year: Judith Henderson

Judith has worked to strengthened equity and opportunity across Wollongong for 50 years. She is Patron and co-founder of International Women’s Day Illawarra and has championed scholarships and development programs for women and girls. Judith has also volunteered on key NSW Government advisory bodies and the Wollongong Sportsground Trust, advocating for community access and regional representation.

Young Citizen of the Year: Fatima Al Taleb

Fatima is an exceptional young leader committed to making the Wollongong region an even better place for young people to live, learn, and connect. She is an active member of Keira High Schools Student Representative Council where she has been supported in developing her concept of a Youth Green Space for students and the Garden Initiative Project.

Community Group of the Year: Vietnamese Community in Wollongong

Founded in 1988, the Vietnamese Community in Wollongong has spent decades giving back in gratitude for the support given to refugees of the 1970s and 80s. They are a proud part of Wollongong, supporting local causes and celebrating their cultural heritage.

Diversity and Inclusion Award: Green Connect Farm Ltd

The Green Connect Farm in Warrawong provides jobs, training, and work experience for young people and former refugees while producing organic, locally grown food. The farm welcomes thousands of people each year for nature-based learning, sustainability education, and inclusive community programs. Green Connect is an example of inclusion, environmental leadership, and community working together.

Arts and Cultural Achievement Award: Korimul Gang Show

Korimul Gang Show is a proud part of Wollongong's creative landscape and embodies creativity and community spirit.  Produced entirely by Scouts, Guides, and local volunteers, the show gives young people opportunities to develop confidence, leadership, and performing arts skills while fostering lifelong friendships.

Sports Achievement Award:  Rob Battocchio

Rob is the founder of the Wollongong Aquathon and has made a lasting contribution to Wollongong’s sporting and community life. In its 25 years, the Aquathon has become a major highlight of the local calendar, promoting health, tourism, and community pride. Rob has also coached countless athletes and helped establish other significant sporting festivals including Tri the Gong and the Splash and Dash.

Innovation Achievement Award: Ty Christopher

Ty has spent nearly 40 years contributing to Australia’s clean energy transition. He is Director of the University of Wollongong’s Energy Futures Network and has been instrumental in establishing Wollongong as a clean energy powerhouse. He has driven major initiatives including the Energy Futures Skills Centre, 11 community batteries, and a Virtual Energy Network that shares local solar to cut costs and emissions. He co-authored the Illawarra Clean Energy Roadmap, organised the regional Clean Energy Expo, and provides trusted technical support and advocacy to local groups.

Sustainability and Environmental Achievement Award: Jarrad Prangell

Jarrad is a recognised conservation leader whose innovation and dedication have transformed environmental outcomes across the Illawarra. He has led large scale Koala and Southern Greater Glider mapping projects, endangered frog recovery programs and designed a first-of-its-kind Indigenous mentorship program training young Rangers in thermal drone technology.

Lord Mayor's Award Recipients

• Andrew and Lyndell Clark, for their work in STEM education in Wollongong.
• Diane Reid for her dedication to the Wollongong community through volunteering.

Highly Commended

• Dr Sharad Tamhane, Senior Citizen of the Year category
• Sama Sabbar, Young Citizen of the Year category
• AJ Andrew Junior Rapana, Young Citizen of the Year category
• Better Births Illawarra, Community Group of the Year category
• FRC Team 5981 - Project Bucephalus, Diversity and Inclusion Award category
• Angela Forrest, Arts and Cultural Achievement Award category.

Past recipients