​Putting others before themselves is a common theme among the recipients of this year’s Australia Day Awards.

Four truly inspirational people and one non-profit group have been honoured at a special virtual ceremony hosted by Mayor Khal Asfour to kick off the Canterbury-Bankstown’s Australia Day celebrations today.

“If there’s one positive out of COVID, it’s been bringing the community together and helping one another,” Mayor Asfour said.

“Our award recipients are our community’s unsung heroes. They do a fantastic job but don’t seek recognition and are an inspiration to us all.

“Today is our chance to say a big thank you. And a thank you to every resident who improves the lives of others and contributes to the sense of community we enjoy in our City.”

The 2022 Australia Day Award recipients are:

• Citizen of the Year – Joumana El Jamal
  Joumana has made significant contributions to our community since coming to Australia 35 years ago. She is a founder of Sydney Community Connect and has launched many charity fundraising initiatives.
• Young Citizen of the Year – Sabah Swade
  Sabah is a true leader and an outstanding young lady who is mature beyond her years. An advocate for mental health, Sabah is passionate about helping others who face mental health problems.
• Volunteer of the Year – Tricia Parker Tricia has been volunteering in South Western Sydney Local Health District since 1993. Her sustained involvement in the fields of research, policy and Models of Care has helped improve health care services.
• Community Organisation of the Year - Padstow Community Care
  Padstow Community Care is not-for-profit and a shining light of care in our City for over 35 years. Its tireless efforts to support those with financial and emotional pressures is remarkable.
• Jack Munday Environment and Heritage Award - Judy Finlason
  Judy exemplifies everything about being an environmental champion. A founding member of Wolli Creek Preservation Society, Judy helped save Wolli Creek Valley so we can continue to enjoy the beauty of this bushland.

Sixteen-year-old Punchbowl teen, Sabah Swade, said it was an honour just to be nominated for Young Citizen of the Year.

“It is great to be nominated and I hope it gets my story out there so other people can be inspired to do things to help people,” Sabah said.

“I always try to do my best to help people.

“I think all of the little things are important. With my friends, I always ask them how they are doing every day and asking if they are OK – little things like that make their day better and have a big impact.”

Jack Munday Environment and Heritage Award recipient, Judy Finlason, said she’s dedicated her life to preserving Canterbury-Bankstown’s bushland.

“I’ve actually rub shoulders with Jack on many occasions over the years, so it is an absolute honour to be nominated for this award,” Ms Finlason said.

“I think it is so important to preserve what little bushland we have for future generations.

“It is very hard for children to appreciate bushland if they never have any experiences with it, so one of my main aims is to try and get people walking in bushland and learning about it is schools.”

Footnote: Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour also used Australia Day to welcome 20 new citizens to the City, in a virtual online Citizenship Ceremony.