We acknowledge people, community groups and organisations that make Wollongong a better place.
Nominations are now open for the 2022 Wollongong Australia Day Awards.
Nominations close at 11:59pm (AEST) on Monday 15 November 2021.
Every year, our community nominates people and groups for the City of Wollongong Australia Day Awards.
2021 Australia Day Award Winners
- Citizen of the Year: Chaplain John Kewa
- Senior Citizen of the Year: Laurence Jennett OAM
- Young Citizen of the Year: Thura Sabbar
- Arts and Cultural Achievement Award: Sharon Buikstra
- Sports Achievement Award: Open Men's Boat Crew, Bulli Surf Life Saving Club
- Innovation Achievement Award: Professor Sharon Robinson
- Community Group Award: One Door Mental Health Committee
- Diversity and Inclusion Award: Lisa Cuda
- Wollongong to the World Award: Corey Tutt
- Wollongong to the World Award: Carol Kiernan
- Lord Mayor's Award: Hasan Al Taleb
- Lord Mayor’s Award: Dapto High School.
You can read about each of our 2021 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.
Recipients of Keys to the City of Wollongong
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Recent awards and recognition
We’re calling on Wollongong to shine a light on our extraordinary residents and nominate those who are making a difference in our city.
Wollongong City Council is moving forward on plans to recognise local swimming sensation Emma McKeon.
Everyone who cheered on homegrown swimming sensation Emma McKeon during the Tokyo Olympics will have the opportunity to share their thoughts on ways to recognise her sporting success.
During a year overawed by the pandemic, Chaplain John Kewa was a beacon of hope from within the Wollongong community and today has been named Wollongong’s Citizen of the Year for 2021.
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.