We acknowledge people, community groups and organisations that make Wollongong a better place.
Nominations for the 2021 Australia Day Awards now open!
See our Australia Day Awards page for details and to apply by 2 December 2020.
Every year, our community nominates people and groups for the City of Wollongong Australia Day Awards.
Nominate now for the 2021 Awards
Visit our Australia Day Awards page for details. Applications close 2 December 2020.
2020 Australia Day Award Winners
- Citizen of the Year: Geoff Phillips
- Senior Citizen of the Year: Val Fell
- Young Citizen of the Year: Ian Steven Muhayimana
- Arts Achievement Award: Machiel (Mick) Berghuis
- Cultural Achievement Award: The Arcadians Theatre Group
- Sports Award: Gerry Doyle
- Outstanding Innovation Award: Make-Do Library of Things
- Outstanding Achievement Award: Dr Mohit Tolani
- Community Group Award: Illawarra Cancer Carers Incorp
- Diversity and Inclusion Award: The Strangeways Ensemble
- Wollongong to the World Award: Professor Peter Quinn
- Wollongong to the World Award: Jennifer Condon
- Lord Mayor's Award: Jarred Dyer
- Lord Mayor’s Award: Scouting Movement of Wollongong.
You can read about each of our 2020 award recipients in our Australia Day Awards media release.
Our Recognition Receptions are held twice a 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.
If you’d like to suggest someone to be included in a future recognition reception, email or call us on (02) 4227 7111.
Recent awards and recognition
Do you know someone extraordinary?
Wollongong-born violin virtuoso Richard Tognetti will be awarded the Keys to the City in recognition of his long musical career, including his 30 years at the helm of the Australian Chamber Orchestra.
Wollongong City Council recognises the current Illawarra Academy of Sport Scholarship Holders and their coaches and congratulates the Academy on the exceptional work they undertake to enhance the skills of the athletes.
For generations, Geoff Phillips has been a firm fixture of local news bulletins and tonight he was named Wollongong’s Citizen of the Year for 2020.