Australia Day Awards 2027
Let's recognise those who go above and beyond for our community!
Nominations close Sunday 1 November 2026.
Australia Day Awards
City of Canterbury Bankstown Australia Day Awards honour the exceptional contributions of individuals and organisations who have made a meaningful impact on our community.
Each year we recognise five people and one community organisation to celebrate their dedication, hard work and achievements.
It is an opportunity to pay tribute to a friend, family member, neighbour, colleague or community organisation that makes you proud to be an Australian and fellow community member. Whether through leadership, volunteering, cultural preservation, environmental advocacy or acts of kindness, nominees exemplify the spirit of service and commitment to the Canterbury-Bankstown community.
Nominations close Sunday 1 November 2026 at 11:59pm.
Award categories and criteria
- Citizen of the Year
Criteria: a person aged 25 and over who has made a significant contribution to the Canterbury-Bankstown community. This person inspires others and demonstrates excellence in their field over a period of time – such as education, health, the arts, sport, the environment or volunteering. They must be a resident of Canterbury-Bankstown and an Australian Citizen.
Note: the selection process for the Citizen of the Year Award will consider the nominee’s activities in the year prior, as well as past and future activities.
- Young Citizen of the Year
Criteria: a young person aged 12-25 who has made an exceptional contribution to the Canterbury-Bankstown community as a role model, or through excellence in their area of service. They must be a resident of Canterbury-Bankstown and an Australian Citizen.
- Community Woman of the Year
Criteria: a woman who has demonstrated exceptional community contribution, leadership and service to the Canterbury-Bankstown community. They must be a resident of Canterbury-Bankstown and an Australian Citizen.
- Volunteer of the Year
Criteria: a person who has provided outstanding voluntary service to the Canterbury-Bankstown community. They must live, work, study or volunteer in Canterbury-Bankstown and must be an Australian Citizen.
- Community Organisation of the Year
Criteria: an organisation that has made a significant impact on the Canterbury-Bankstown community through programs, services or advocacy. The Community Organisation of the Year Award is for a group, project, event or activity which has contributed to the Canterbury-Bankstown community within the previous 24 months.
Note: community groups must be based, operating in or servicing the Canterbury-Bankstown local government area at the time of nomination.
- Jack Mundey Environment and Heritage Award
Criteria: a person or group contributing to environmental conservation or heritage protection in Canterbury-Bankstown. Individuals must live, work, study or volunteer in Canterbury-Bankstown and must be an Australian Citizen. Community groups must be based, operating in or servicing the Canterbury-Bankstown local government area at the time of nomination.
All nominees who meet the criteria will be contacted. Winners in each category will be awarded by the Mayor at the ceremony on Australia Day.
To be eligible for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year or Community Woman of the Year, nominees must be a resident of Canterbury-Bankstown Local Government Area (LGA).
For the category of Volunteer of the Year and the Jack Mundy Environment and Heritage Award, nominees must either live, work, study or volunteer in the LGA.
Minimum age is 12; Young Citizen of the Year nominees must be aged 12–25 (as at Australia Day).
Individual nominees must be Australian citizens.
Nominators can make a submission for a ‘couple’ or a ‘partnership’ to be considered for a single individual award if both are within the same category.
Self-nominations are not accepted for individual awards.
Community groups may self-nominate.
Council staff, Councillors, and Members of Parliament are not eligible for nomination.
Previous award winners are not eligible for an award they have already won.
Awards are not granted posthumously.
Ineligible nominations will not be assessed.
Nominations close Sunday 1 November at 11:59pm. Nominations and support material will not be accepted after this date.
All nominations must be submitted via official online forms. Assistance is available by calling 9707 9379.
Supporting material is encouraged to strengthen the nomination and must be included with the nomination when it is submitted.
Nominators should address the assessment criteria by outlining the nominee’s background, achievements and reasons for nomination.
All nominations will be processed and reviewed with the eligibility criteria in mind.
You may be asked to provide further information about your nomination.
Only one nomination is required for a nominee to be considered for an award. Weight is not given where multiple nominations are received for the one group or individual.
Nominators can nominate more than one nominee, couple or partnership, but a separate form must be submitted for each nomination.
All nominees will be provided with the opportunity to accept their nomination and may be asked to submit further supporting information within a specified period to be considered as part of their nomination.
Where required, nominees will be asked to provide evidence of their local residency as part of their nomination acceptance e.g. photocopy of driver’s licence.
A valid contact phone number and email address is required for both the nominator and nominee.
Nominations for people under the age of 18 require parental consent.
Any personal information that you provide as part of this form will be protected. Please read the Privacy statement | City of Canterbury Bankstown to understand how we manage your personal information under NSW privacy laws.
Information provided in the nomination submission, and by the nominee may be included in the event program, media releases and social media.
Nominees should note, this could be a summary of the information provided and all information may not be included.
All nomination information and materials submitted remain the property of Council.
- All nominations will be reviewed by the Canterbury Bankstown Australia Day Awards Selection Committee.
- The panel will assess each nomination based on the information provided in the nomination form and any supporting documents.
- Nominations may be considered in more than one category if the assessment panel deems them eligible. In such cases, the panel will evaluate the nomination against the criteria of each relevant category.
- The panel reserves the right to request additional information from nominators or nominees to support the assessment process.
- There is no obligation for the panel to allocate an award in every category if no nomination satisfactorily meets the criteria.
- All decisions made by the Selection Committee are final.
How to nominate
- Ensure you have read the eligibility and exclusions, nomination process and assessment process above.
- Complete the nomination form below - include a detailed explanation on how the person or organisation meets the award criteria.
Nominations close Sunday 1 November 2026 at 11.59pm.
Questions? Please call 9707 9379
Meet the 2026 winners
Mat Howard and Kelly O'Brien
Mathew Howard and Kelly O'Brien are dedicated parents and advocate for anti-bullying and mental health awareness following the tragic loss of their daughter, Charlotte, who took her life after being bullied.
Honouring Charlotte’s wish, they’ve tirelessly campaigned for change, raising nearly $50,000 (at the time of nomination) through initiatives like Charlotte’s Wish Walk Week to support youth mental health programs. They were instrumental in securing bipartisan support for new social media laws to protect vulnerable children and in the review of school bullying policies.
Their advocacy reaches millions, raising awareness and funding for Kids Helpline and various youth-focused mental health initiatives.
Lejla Sinanovic
Lejla Sinanovic is an inspiring young leader whose service, advocacy and compassion have made a remarkable impact across Canterbury-Bankstown.
A committed volunteer with St John Ambulance, where she earned Junior Cadet of the Year and a longtime volunteer with Kids Giving Back, she supports community events, prepares meals for people in need and raises funds for charities such as the Fred Hollows Foundation and Aus Relief. Lejla represents young people on major platforms, including the NSW Minister’s Student Council (DOVES), the Cancer Council SunSmart Youth Advisory Council, the Australian Council for Student Voice, and Council’s own Youth Advisory Working Group.
She also strengthens cultural connection by helping coordinate Russian community celebrations such as Maslenitsa and Unity Day. At school, she contributes actively through the SRC, arts, sport and wellbeing programs. Her achievements include winning the ParliFlicks Junior Secondary Award, placing runner-up in the NSW Health Worldbuilding Competition, performing as a violinist and being named Age Champion in swimming.
Despite her achievements, Lejla remains humble and service driven. She leads with empathy, lifts others around her and consistently works to create a more inclusive, caring community.
Sophie Najjarin
ANATE Group, led by CEO Sophie Najjarin, empowers the Canterbury-Bankstown community through education, mentorship and workforce development.
The organisation provides pathways for young people, migrants and internationally qualified nurses, helping them gain skills, re-engage with education and access meaningful employment. ANATE collaborates with local schools, businesses and healthcare providers, creating opportunities for career development and leadership. Sophie’s leadership fosters inclusion, cultural diversity and cross-community collaboration, ensuring participants are supported every step of the way.
Through training, advocacy and mentorship, ANATE delivers lasting social and economic impact, strengthening the wellbeing and future prospects of the Canterbury-Bankstown community.
Franklin Davies
Franklin Davies OAM has dedicated more than 70 years to volunteering across Canterbury-Bankstown, contributing more than 1,800 hours annually.
As a Justice of the Peace since 1979, he has assisted thousands through his long running JP desk at Greenacre Library, completing up to 175 stampings in a day and more than 300 in a month. Franklin has volunteered with more than 60 events and charities, often as a team leader and mentor, guiding new volunteers and sometimes attending multiple events in one day. A registered tennis coach and longtime umpire, he has taught tennis, table tennis, soccer and ballroom dancing since the 1950s, coached Special Olympics athletes, and organised mental health table tennis tournaments. He also helped establish the Bankstown Men’s Shed and the De La Salle Bankstown Soccer Club, serving as President and coaching premiership teams. Franklin plays a valued role in honouring military history, supporting the Bass Hill RSL Subbranch in taking students to the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway and attending schools and nursing homes for ANZAC and Remembrance Day services.
Recipient of the Order of Australia Medal, 13 major volunteer awards and more than 300 certificates of recognition, Frank is one of the City’s most respected and beloved volunteers - a pillar of service whose impact spans generations.
Graham Tomkinson
Graham Tomkinson has dedicated more than 57 years to the NSW State Emergency Service, emerging as one of the region’s most respected emergency service leaders.
As the founder of the Bankstown SES Unit in 1977, he built the unit into a highly skilled and trusted team that has protected the community for nearly five decades. Graham has played a central role in responses to major floods, hailstorms, earthquakes and severe weather events, contributing to lifesaving operations and strengthening local emergency resilience. Equally significant is his impact on people: Graham has trained and mentored generations of SES volunteers, instilling professionalism, teamwork and the calm leadership that defines the best of emergency service. Graham has served on key emergency management and safety committees, helping shape preparedness across the region. His longstanding collaboration with emergency service counterparts in Japan has fostered international knowledge sharing and enhanced local capability.
Known for his steadiness, technical expertise and unwavering commitment to community safety, his lifetime of service embodies dedication, humility and integrity - leaving a legacy of lives protected, volunteers empowered and a community made measurably safer through his extraordinary contribution.
Bankstown Canterbury Community Transport
Bankstown Canterbury Community Transport (BCCT) has been a vital service for more than 40 years, offering compassionate, personalised transport for the elderly, people with disabilities and those facing mobility challenges.
BCCT provides safe, reliable trips for medical appointments, shopping, and social outings, while also reducing social isolation through culturally meaningful activities. Its long-standing community programs, such as Knitting Nannas and the Cemetery Shuttle Service, foster connections and support. BCCT’s strong partnerships with local organisations and its culturally inclusive approach empower residents, promote independence and ensure accessible services for vulnerable members of the Canterbury-Bankstown community.
Dorothy Luther
Dorothy Luther has made an exceptional and sustained contribution to conserving native plants, animals and bushland across Canterbury-Bankstown.
A retired IT professional, she has volunteered essentially fulltime, applying advanced technical skills to build innovative ecological databases that provide deep insight into species, habitats and environmental pressures, providing tools that support evidence-based conservation and long-term planning for vulnerable species. Dorothy has coordinated and mentored teams of Computer Science students from the University of Sydney, UTS and Macquarie University, guiding them through complex data modelling and creating a rare, highly productive partnership. She has also proactively recruited additional professionals and community partners, expanding the expertise behind the project and strengthening its outcomes. Dorothy has built systems that enable the study of species distributions, support responses to environmental change, and better protect the natural areas that sustain local biodiversity.
Her dedication - far beyond the typical volunteer commitment - has produced a unique and invaluable resource for the City and community. Dorothy’s exceptional leadership, innovation and sustained service have delivered achievements well beyond expectations, leaving a legacy that will support environmental stewardship for generations.
Mat Howard and Kelly O'Brien
Mathew Howard and Kelly O'Brien are dedicated parents and advocate for anti-bullying and mental health awareness following the tragic loss of their daughter, Charlotte, who took her life after being bullied.
Honouring Charlotte’s wish, they’ve tirelessly campaigned for change, raising nearly $50,000 (at the time of nomination) through initiatives like Charlotte’s Wish Walk Week to support youth mental health programs. They were instrumental in securing bipartisan support for new social media laws to protect vulnerable children and in the review of school bullying policies.
Their advocacy reaches millions, raising awareness and funding for Kids Helpline and various youth-focused mental health initiatives.
Lejla Sinanovic
Lejla Sinanovic is an inspiring young leader whose service, advocacy and compassion have made a remarkable impact across Canterbury-Bankstown.
A committed volunteer with St John Ambulance, where she earned Junior Cadet of the Year and a longtime volunteer with Kids Giving Back, she supports community events, prepares meals for people in need and raises funds for charities such as the Fred Hollows Foundation and Aus Relief. Lejla represents young people on major platforms, including the NSW Minister’s Student Council (DOVES), the Cancer Council SunSmart Youth Advisory Council, the Australian Council for Student Voice, and Council’s own Youth Advisory Working Group.
She also strengthens cultural connection by helping coordinate Russian community celebrations such as Maslenitsa and Unity Day. At school, she contributes actively through the SRC, arts, sport and wellbeing programs. Her achievements include winning the ParliFlicks Junior Secondary Award, placing runner-up in the NSW Health Worldbuilding Competition, performing as a violinist and being named Age Champion in swimming.
Despite her achievements, Lejla remains humble and service driven. She leads with empathy, lifts others around her and consistently works to create a more inclusive, caring community.
Sophie Najjarin
ANATE Group, led by CEO Sophie Najjarin, empowers the Canterbury-Bankstown community through education, mentorship and workforce development.
The organisation provides pathways for young people, migrants and internationally qualified nurses, helping them gain skills, re-engage with education and access meaningful employment. ANATE collaborates with local schools, businesses and healthcare providers, creating opportunities for career development and leadership. Sophie’s leadership fosters inclusion, cultural diversity and cross-community collaboration, ensuring participants are supported every step of the way.
Through training, advocacy and mentorship, ANATE delivers lasting social and economic impact, strengthening the wellbeing and future prospects of the Canterbury-Bankstown community.
Franklin Davies
Franklin Davies OAM has dedicated more than 70 years to volunteering across Canterbury-Bankstown, contributing more than 1,800 hours annually.
As a Justice of the Peace since 1979, he has assisted thousands through his long running JP desk at Greenacre Library, completing up to 175 stampings in a day and more than 300 in a month. Franklin has volunteered with more than 60 events and charities, often as a team leader and mentor, guiding new volunteers and sometimes attending multiple events in one day. A registered tennis coach and longtime umpire, he has taught tennis, table tennis, soccer and ballroom dancing since the 1950s, coached Special Olympics athletes, and organised mental health table tennis tournaments. He also helped establish the Bankstown Men’s Shed and the De La Salle Bankstown Soccer Club, serving as President and coaching premiership teams. Franklin plays a valued role in honouring military history, supporting the Bass Hill RSL Subbranch in taking students to the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway and attending schools and nursing homes for ANZAC and Remembrance Day services.
Recipient of the Order of Australia Medal, 13 major volunteer awards and more than 300 certificates of recognition, Frank is one of the City’s most respected and beloved volunteers - a pillar of service whose impact spans generations.
Graham Tomkinson
Graham Tomkinson has dedicated more than 57 years to the NSW State Emergency Service, emerging as one of the region’s most respected emergency service leaders.
As the founder of the Bankstown SES Unit in 1977, he built the unit into a highly skilled and trusted team that has protected the community for nearly five decades. Graham has played a central role in responses to major floods, hailstorms, earthquakes and severe weather events, contributing to lifesaving operations and strengthening local emergency resilience. Equally significant is his impact on people: Graham has trained and mentored generations of SES volunteers, instilling professionalism, teamwork and the calm leadership that defines the best of emergency service. Graham has served on key emergency management and safety committees, helping shape preparedness across the region. His longstanding collaboration with emergency service counterparts in Japan has fostered international knowledge sharing and enhanced local capability.
Known for his steadiness, technical expertise and unwavering commitment to community safety, his lifetime of service embodies dedication, humility and integrity - leaving a legacy of lives protected, volunteers empowered and a community made measurably safer through his extraordinary contribution.
Bankstown Canterbury Community Transport
Bankstown Canterbury Community Transport (BCCT) has been a vital service for more than 40 years, offering compassionate, personalised transport for the elderly, people with disabilities and those facing mobility challenges.
BCCT provides safe, reliable trips for medical appointments, shopping, and social outings, while also reducing social isolation through culturally meaningful activities. Its long-standing community programs, such as Knitting Nannas and the Cemetery Shuttle Service, foster connections and support. BCCT’s strong partnerships with local organisations and its culturally inclusive approach empower residents, promote independence and ensure accessible services for vulnerable members of the Canterbury-Bankstown community.
Dorothy Luther
Dorothy Luther has made an exceptional and sustained contribution to conserving native plants, animals and bushland across Canterbury-Bankstown.
A retired IT professional, she has volunteered essentially fulltime, applying advanced technical skills to build innovative ecological databases that provide deep insight into species, habitats and environmental pressures, providing tools that support evidence-based conservation and long-term planning for vulnerable species. Dorothy has coordinated and mentored teams of Computer Science students from the University of Sydney, UTS and Macquarie University, guiding them through complex data modelling and creating a rare, highly productive partnership. She has also proactively recruited additional professionals and community partners, expanding the expertise behind the project and strengthening its outcomes. Dorothy has built systems that enable the study of species distributions, support responses to environmental change, and better protect the natural areas that sustain local biodiversity.
Her dedication - far beyond the typical volunteer commitment - has produced a unique and invaluable resource for the City and community. Dorothy’s exceptional leadership, innovation and sustained service have delivered achievements well beyond expectations, leaving a legacy that will support environmental stewardship for generations.