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 will open mid-2024. Stay up-to-date and sign up to the Council eNews.

2024 Local Citizens of the Year

Citizen of the Year – Ms Bridget Sakr

Ms Sakr is a local resident and active community member, who was inspired by her own personal tragedy to reach out and help those in her community experiencing trauma. Ms Sakr’s 11-year-old daughter was tragically killed in a car crash in 2019, an event that was highly publicized at the time.  Ms Sakr used her grief as a catalyst for good, using the high-profile of her family tragedy to advocate for others who have similar experiences. Additionally, Ms Sakr volunteers as a mentor to Santa Sabina students and sponsors a yearly scholarship for students in years 10 – 12, demonstrating her commitment to the wellbeing of young locals. Her outstanding work with the community through various endeavours, and her empathetic nature has earned her a place in the hearts of Strathfield locals.

L-R: Australia Day Ambassadors, Ms Maria Vanuti AM and Mr Col Hardy OAM; Strathfield Citizen of the Year, Ms Bridget Sakr; Ms Karen Pensabene, Mayor of Strathfield; Ms Sally Sitou MP, Member for Reid; Mr Jason Yat-Sen Li MP, Member for Strathfield; Hon Tony Burke MP, Member for Watson.

Young Citizen of the Year – Miss Roukaya Ayoub

Miss Ayoub is a year 12 student from Strathfield Girls High School with a passion for making a positive impact. She has been involved with many community initiatives including supporting the Chalmers Road Special Education School’s 10-week reading program and fundraising for school facilities. She further volunteers with children at day care centers and coaches soccer, showcasing her ability to connect with and inspire children and benefit their overall wellbeing. Miss Ayoub’s drive for change extends internationally, with her participation in MATW Projects including fundraising to construct wells in African nations, and assisting in raising almost half a million dollars to support families in third world countries during Ramadan. These are just a few of the charitable endeavours that highlight her empathy, social conscience, and unwavering eagerness to assist those less fortunate.

One of Miss Ayoub’s referees described her as well-mannered, humble, intelligent, and high academic achiever, a wonderful and sensational student, very nurturing minded, identify solutions, a doer and is always keen to put her hand up to help.  She is a very heartful person, can be very deep and thoughtful in her conversation and is genuine individual who wants to make the world a better place to live in.