Awards and Recognition

We acknowledge people, community groups and organisations that make Wollongong a better place.

The Wollongong Youth Week Awards acknowledge and highlight the achievements and efforts of people aged 12 - 24 in the Wollongong Local Government Area.

Award finalists will attend our Wollongong Youth Week Awards ceremony in Youth Week (April 2023), and receive their very own Wollongong Youth Awards Certificate and prize.

Find out more and make a nomination by visiting our Wollongong Youth Week Awards page.

The 2023 City of Wollongong Australia Day Awards recipients have been announced!

See our Australia Day Awards page for more information.

The Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards celebrate the contribution and achievements of Aboriginal* communities in Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven local government areas.

The 2022 awards were hosted by Wollongong City Council on Saturday 30 July. See our Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards page for details.

*Note: 'Aboriginal' includes Torres Strait Islander people.

Our Recognition Receptions are held twice a year to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations in our city. This can include national Roll of Honour recipients, volunteers, academics, sportspeople and others who contribute to our community.

If you’d like to suggest someone to be included in a future recognition reception, email or call us on (02) 4227 7111.

Recipients of Keys to the City of Wollongong

Year	Recipient
2022	Professor Justin Yerbury AM
2020	Richard Tognetti
2016	Emma McKeon
2016	Emma Tonegato
2016	Nicole Beck
2016	Cyrus Villanueva
2012	Mat Campbell
2009	St George Illawarra Dragons
2006	Kerryn McCann
2005	26 Army Cadet Unit
2001	Wollongong Hawks
2000	Wollongong Wolves
1997	Anthony Warlow
1997	TS Albatross Cadets
1995	Steve Elkington
1987	Wayne Gardner