Awards and Recognition

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

The City of Wollongong Awards are an opportunity to acknowledge the people and organisations who make our city 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.

Nominations for our 2025 Awards have now closed.

The Awards will be announced during Youth Week in April 2024.

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

The 2025 awards will be hosted by Shellharbour City Council on Saturday 26 July. Visit Shellharbour City Council's website to learn more.

Our Recognition Receptions are held each 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.

Please see our Recognition Receptions page for more information.

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