Local Citizen of the Year

Each year, Strathfield Council announce a Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year for local citizens/groups who have made outstanding contributions to the community.

All nominees must be Australian citizens and residents of the Strathfield Council area at the time of nomination.

Nominees are judged on a number of criteria, including whether contribution was outstanding, voluntary, beneficial to the community and environment and/or of significant personal effort. A number of other criteria will also apply.

Young Citizen of the Year is open to nominees aged 16 to 21 on January 26 of the year they are being nominated for. All other nominees, including those nominated for Young Citizen will then be considered for the Citizen of the Year Award.

The awards are presented each year at Council’s Australia Day celebrations.

For more information about Local Citizens of the Year, visit the Australia Day Council of NSW.

Nominations for 2025 Local and Young Citizen of the Year are now open will close 13 December 2024.

 Citizen of the Year 2025 - Nomination-Form(PDF, 166KB)

Citizen of the Year – Mr Akhil Verma

Akhil is a local resident who has contributed significantly to the local community of Strathfield Council and beyond.  His commitment of volunteering includes various roles in the community.  He is passionate in making a positive impact through mentorship and leadership in the volunteer role he is committed to.  His volunteer work with the Strathfield Cricket Club for many years has made a significant and outstanding difference in fostering a bridge into the Strathfield community, through junior sports, its education, awareness, and introducing healthy lifestyles for families through sports for their children - creating programs, sports competitions, education for both parents and kids, and encouraging them to be engaged and be more involved in active sports in the Strathfield Community. This is extremely beneficial for the community and its environment.  He has also been involved with Strathfield local community events for many years such as Festival of lights, Deepawali events that is held every year.  He is passionate about his culture and is always looking at opportunities to educate the community about it and bring awareness.

Young Citizen of the Year – Mr James Craigie

James is a local resident of Strathfield South and a year 12 student at Trinity Grammar School.  He is an incredible young individual who has demonstrated a solid commitment to various organisations, communities and groups embodying his empathy and passion for making a positive impact.  James has been volunteering with a local community organisation called Prosper Project Australia which supports children and families in hardship and through his work and commitment, he has directly helped more than five hundred local families experiencing poverty and hardships. He has done numerous volunteer work with the Welcome to My Yard BBQ program who raise funds to support street children in Nepal, as well as volunteer with the Starlight Foundation to help raise funds for sick children.  His contribution and services have benefited the community and his ongoing tireless efforts and commitment to see to the task at hand.

James is a well-mannered and genuinely helpful person with an excellent can-do attitude. He is a good listener and natural leader, with strong engagement skills and excellent leadership qualities.  He is also very organised, possesses high emotional intelligence, and is keenly aware of his surroundings and the projects he is working on.  James is a proactive problem-solver and always willing to lend a hand.  James is a kind and thoughtful person, capable of deep and meaningful conversations, especially when working with the community.