Bondi hero receives Key to Canterbury-Bankstown at Australia Day Awards

Bondi hero Ahmed Al Ahmed has received the Key to the City of Canterbury Bankstown as part of its 2026 Australia Day Awards, which also honoured passionate anti-bullying and youth mental health advocates Mathew Howard and Kelly O’Brien as joint Citizen of the Year.

CBCity’s annual Australia Day Awards celebrate individuals and groups whose exceptional service and commitment have made a positive and lasting impact on the community.

In a special recognition from the City, Ahmed became the first ever recipient of the Key to the City, and named the Local Hero of the Year, for his selfless act of bravery during the Bondi attack on 14 December 2025, and his efforts to promote unity.

“It’s an honour to receive this award on Australia Day – it’s very meaningful to me,” Ahmed said.

“I’ve had three operations, two bullets still in my arm and in great pain but I’m strong and I’m going to recover as quickly as I can.”

“What made me do what I did? Humanity – we’re all human beings and we’re all Australians.”

Mathew Howard and Kelly O’Brien were named joint Citizen of the Year for tirelessly campaigning and fundraising to support anti-bullying and youth mental health programs following the tragic loss of their daughter, Charlotte.

Through Charlotte’s Wish, they have raised nearly $50,000 to support these initiatives; helped to secure support for new social media laws to protect vulnerable children; and contributed to the review of school bullying policies.

“We are very humbled to be given such a prestigious award, and we accept this on behalf of Charlotte,” Mathew said.

“Our daughter’s story isn’t over, and we spend everyday working hard to honour her legacy and spread her story as far as we can.”

Congratulations to Ahmed, Mathew and Kelly, and our other 2026 Australia Day Award recipients:

Young Citizen of the Year – Lejla Sinanovic
Lejla is an exceptional young leader who has demonstrated a deep commitment to community service, youth advocacy and cultural unity. As a volunteer with organisations like St John Ambulance and Kids Giving Back, she consistently strives to improve the lives of others through acts of service and leadership. Beyond her volunteer work, Lejla has contributed to state and national youth platforms, including the NSW Minister’s Student Council and Cancer Council’s SunSmart Youth Advisory Council. She also works to unite Russian-speaking communities by organising cultural and educational events.

Volunteer of the Year – Graham Tomkinson and Franklin Davies OAM
Graham Tomkinson has devoted over 57 years to the NSW State Emergency Service, founding the Bankstown SES Unit in 1977 and shaping it into a vital community resource. He has led responses to floods, earthquakes, hailstorms, and emergencies, saving lives and strengthening local resilience. Beyond operations, Graham has trained and mentored generations of volunteers, served on numerous safety committees and fostered international knowledge exchange with Japan.
Franklin Davies OAM has dedicated over 70 years to volunteering, including more than 400 hours spreading joy as Santa Claus. A retired Justice of the Peace since 1979, Frank has provided invaluable community support, volunteering for over 60 organisations and charities. He helped establish the Bankstown Men’s Shed, coached Special Olympics tennis and organised mental health table tennis tournaments. He has also been instrumental in setting up the De La Salle Soccer Club and he continues to mentor new volunteers.

Community Organisation of the Year – Bankstown Canterbury Community Transport
Bankstown Canterbury Community Transport (BCCT) has been a vital service for over 40 years, offering compassionate, personalised transport for the elderly, people with disabilities and those facing mobility challenges. Its long-standing community programs, like 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 Canterbury-Bankstown.

Jack Mundey Environment and Heritage Award – Dorothy Luther
Dorothy Luther has made a transformative impact on the conservation of native plants and animals across Canterbury-Bankstown. Drawing on her IT expertise, Dorothy created sophisticated databases that greatly enhanced the Council’s ability to manage bushland and protect biodiversity. Volunteering full-time, she coordinated teams of tertiary Computer Science students from prestigious universities to analyse species distributions and ecological parameters. Dorothy’s proactive approach in recruiting professionals and leveraging community partnerships has elevated the capacity of the City to safeguard vulnerable species and preserve natural environments for future generations.

Community Women of the Year – Sofia Najjarin
ANATE Group, led by CEO Sofia 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. Sofia’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.

Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek praised Ahmed and the 2026 Australia Day Awards recipients for embodying the spirit of bravery, dedication and excellence that defines the very best of our City.

“I am truly amazed by the extraordinary efforts of Ahmed and our award recipients who help to make Canterbury-Bankstown a special place to live,” Mayor El-Hayek said.

“Ahmed’s decision to put himself in harm’s way saved lives on one of the darkest days in our nation’s history and his belief in humanity against hate inspires us all.”

“We thank Ahmed and all of our Australia Day Award recipients for their selfless dedication and service, and I am honoured to formally recognise their achievements today.”

Family, friends and supporters joined Mayor Bilal El-Hayek, Australia Day Ambassador Christopher Cheng and Her Excellency the Hon. Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia at a packed-out Bryan Brown Theatre to congratulate the award recipients.

This special evening was part of CBCity’s Australia Day celebrations, in which 35 new citizens were sworn in. 

To learn more about CBCity’s Australia Day Awards, visit cb.city/AusDayAwards.