City of Wollongong Awards

The Citizen of the Year Award recognises significant contribution to the Wollongong Community to an exceptionally high standard. To be eligible for this category you must:

• be a resident of Wollongong LGA,
• be over 18 years of age, and
• be nominated outside of your immediate family group.

Applicants are encouraged to include supporting documents such as character references with nominations.

The Senior Citizen of the Year Award recognises individuals over the age of 65 who have contributed to the Wollongong Community to an exceptionally high standard. To be eligible for this category you must:

• be a resident of Wollongong LGA,
• be a minimum of 65 years of age,
• be nominated outside of your immediate family group.

Applicants are encouraged to include supporting documents such as character references with nominations.

The Young Citizen of the Year Award recognises individuals 12-24 years of age (inclusive) who have made a significant contribution to the Wollongong Community to an exceptionally high standard.  To be eligible for this category you must:

• be a resident of Wollongong LGA,
• be 12-24 years of age,
• be nominated outside of your immediate family group.

Applicants are encouraged to include supporting documents such as character references with nominations.

The Environmental Achievement Award recognises those individuals or groups championing environmental initiatives in our community.

The Arts and Cultural Achievement Award recognises those individuals or groups making valuable contributions to the creative arts including performing arts, visual arts or heritage.

The Sports Achievement Award recognises outstanding sporting achievements or contribution to playing, coaching, management, or enrichment of sport.

The Innovation Achievement Award recognises those individuals or groups who have made innovative contributions in endeavours to the benefit of the community - such as science, technology, education, and health.

The Community Group of the Year Award recognises not-for-profit organisations of a volunteer nature, providing an in-kind service or contribution (not in a paid capacity) and are making outstanding contribution to the community.

The Diversity and Inclusion Award recognises those individuals or groups who are showing outstanding and innovative contributions that promote social inclusion, acceptance and understanding of human diversity.

The Lord Mayor’s Award is presented to those who deserve special recognition for their contribution across any field of endeavour. The winner is selected by the Lord Mayor after reviewing all the nominations across all categories.

Congratulations to our 2025 City of Wollongong Award winners, and everyone who was nominated.

You can also read our media release to learn more about our 2025 recipients.

2025 Highly Commended Awards

2025 Lord Mayor Award

You can read more about our award recipients in our 2024 City of Wollongong Awards media release.