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.
2026 Local Citizen of the Year - Dinesh Garg
Dinesh Garg has contributed significantly to the Strathfield Community and specifically, to the Indian Strathfield Community, over a number of years. Dinesh's commitment, diligence and professionalism have made him a respected and valued member of the community and Strathfield Council is proud to award him the 2026 Local Citizen of the Year award.
As a Justice of the Peace, Dinesh has been providing a quality JP service to residents for almost 10 years, even continuing the service throughout the Covid lockdown period. He has been deeply involved with Strathfield Australians of Indian Sub-Continental Heritage (SAISH), a local organisation providing support to Indians and those of Indian-descent in the Strathfield area as well as promoting the Indian culture. Dinesh has held four roles within the organisation including committee member, treasurer, secretary and president, as well as being a very active member for several years. He has been involved in organising celebrations of the Indian festivals Holi and Diwali, which have become much loved events in the Strathfield calendar and added to the multicultural vibrance of our area.
Dinesh has been hosting seniors morning yoga exercise and walking groups for over 10 years. He shares his leadership skills and passion for making a positive impact as a mentor, as well as contributing his time and energy to a number of charities throughout the Strathfield area.
Dinesh is proud and passionate about his culture and always looking for opportunities to advise, guide and educate the community. He is a great example of how people can live and be a part of the community of Australia, whilst maintaining and promoting their heritage, adding to our nation's rich multicultural tapestry.
2026 Young Local Citizen of the Year - Anoop Gholap
Anoop Gholap is a natural born leader and as he heads into his 12th and final year of school, he continues to increase his involvement in co-curricular and volunteer endeavours.
Anoop is a valued member of the student body at Homebush Boys High School and has sustained involvement in a wide range of volunteer work in both the school community and the wider Strathfield community, over many years. Within school, Anoop is an active member and leader in the Interact Club, Environment Club, Chess Club, Coffee Club, and Breakfast Club, as well as the Peer Support and Peer Literacy Programs. He is currently serving as a School Prefect providing a model of leadership and service for the younger boys to emulate.
Beyond school, Anoop is a committed member of the Australian Air Force Cadets, undertaking multiple leadership roles at flight squadron and bivouac levels. He has also contributed to Strathfield Rotary initiatives at Concord Markets; supported the local RSL sub branch with activities and programs for Anzac and Remembrance Day commemorations; and volunteered with local religious community organisations, hospitals, aged-care facilities, and other outreach initiatives.
Anoops many charitable endeavours and his community involvement have seen him recognised for a number of awards including:
- The Black Opal Award for 150 hours of volunteer service
- The 2025 State Parliament Citizenship Award presented by Jason Yat-Sen Li for outstanding service within the school and greater Strathfield community
- The 2024 Strathfield Rotary Citizenship Award for community involvement
- The 2022 Parliament of Australia Friendship Award presented by Sally Sitou for his brilliant character at school
- The Australia Defence Force Leadership and Defence Award
Anoop is an incredible young individual whose passion for his community is demonstrated through his consistent involvement with a wide variety of initiatives which hold service at their core. He is a man for others who has an impressive future ahead of him.