Australia Day Awards
Every year we look to the community for nominations for Council’s Australia Day Awards. These awards are recognised as our most prestigious and pay tribute to the incredible individuals who are making a significant difference to their community.
Contribution includes areas such as; education, health, fundraising, charitable and voluntary services, business, sport, arts, the environment, or any other area that contributes to the advancement and wellbeing of the Blacktown community.
We are encouraging you to nominate a family member, friend, community leader or colleague who went above and beyond to serve the Blacktown community in 2026. Self-nominations are also welcome.
The Australia Day Awards have become the most sought-after, prestigious and publicly recognised awards program in Blacktown City.
The awards recognise and pay tribute to local individuals who have made outstanding contribution to community service, have attained remarkable achievement in education, sport, the arts or a community group that have organised a successful event in the community.
Contribution includes areas such as: education, health, fundraising, charitable and voluntary services, business, sport, arts, the environment, or any other area that contributes to the advancement and wellbeing of the Blacktown community.
Let’s give them the recognition they deserve!
2026 Winners
2026 Winners
Citizen of the Year – Mayor Chagai
A South Sudanese refugee who founded a basketball club that has engaged Western Sydney youth and produced talent for the Sydney Kings has been named Blacktown City’s Citizen of the Year.
Mr Mayor Chagai, the founder of the Savannah Pride club, was one of the winners at Blacktown City Council’s Australia Day Awards at Blacktown Civic Centre on Monday.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said the winners, from a wide range of backgrounds, were recognised through the Blacktown City Australia Day Awards, which shine a spotlight on local people whose leadership and service have changed lives and helped shape the future of Blacktown and Western Sydney.
“Each of our winners has in their own way helped other people enjoy the gifts and freedoms we have in this country,” he said.
“The Blacktown City community is a great example of people from different places and cultures who come together as Australians and lift each other up.”
Mr Chagai was born in war-torn South Sudan and discovered basketball in a Kenyan refugee camp before coming to Sydney.
A successful basketball coach, he has proven a mentor by encouraging academic achievement through his "No Study, No Play" policy and inclusivity regardless of background or skill level.
Savannah Pride has helped change lives and is an important part of the PCYC Mount Druitt program.
Young Citizen of the Year - Jamison Dustin
A former Blacktown City Council Youth Ambassador, Jamison has helped give a voice to the young people of the area. As a member of the Australian Air League, City of Blacktown Squadron, Jamison was named Air League Federal Cadet of the Year.
Community Event of the Year – Hindu Council of Australia
The Deepavali Festival at Blacktown Showground has gone from strength to strength and attracted about 20,000 people last year. It includes cultural performances, traditional cuisine and light displays.
Australia Day Ambassador Biography
Stay tuned for more information!
Citizen of the Year Award
Citizen of the Year Award
To be eligible, the person must be an Australian Citizen who has on a voluntary basis, contributed to the welfare and betterment of the people within the Blacktown community throughout the year and/or over a number of years.
Young Citizen of the Year Award
Young Citizen of the Year Award
To be eligible, the person must be an Australian Citizen and 25 years of age or less on 26 January 2026, who has provided outstanding community service and/or attained outstanding achievement in academics, sport or the arts during the year and/or over a number of years.
Senior Citizen of the Year
This award is to recognise someone over the age of 55 who has made a significant contribution to the community on a voluntary basis.
Community Organisation of the Year
This award celebrates a community group in Blacktown City that has shown outstanding dedication to improving the local area. Nominees should have actively worked on projects that benefit the community such as organising events, providing services, or advocating for important causes.
Environmental Citizen/Organisation of the Year
This award is open to individuals and oragnisations within Blacktown City championing litter reduction and/or environmental initiatives in the local community.
Terms and Conditions
Terms and conditions
1. Nominees must live in the Blacktown City local government area.
2. Nominees must be aged 25 years and under as of 26 January 2026 to be eligible for the Young Citizen of the Year category.
3. An independent panel will select award winners. The panel’s decision will be final.
4. Nominations must be received by COB, Friday, 2 January 2026.
5. For more information please contact Brendan.Wright@blacktown.nsw.gov.au
Nominations are now open.
Click here to view form.
Assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council.