The City of Ryde community gathered in force at Meadowbank Park on 26 January for Council's 2026 Australia Day Celebrations, enjoying a relaxed summer evening by the Parramatta River with free family activities and fantastic live entertainment.
The afternoon and evening program featured kids' craft and cooking activities, face painting, our annual Aussie thong-throwing competition, skate workshops, sports inflatables and a fireworks finale to round out the night.
"Australia Day is a time to reflect on who we are as a nation — and here in Ryde, it reminds us that we are a diverse, inclusive and welcoming community," Mayor Trenton Brown said.
"Thank you to everyone who attended and helped to deliver a safe, family-friendly event for our community".
Mayor Brown announced the City of Ryde's 2026 Mayor's Citizen of the Year award recipients prior to the Meadowbank Park celebrations.
It was the first time these prestigious community awards have been held on Australia Day.
The winners are:
Citizen of the Year 2026: Keiran Gibson
Keiran Gibson served as Ryde SES Unit Commander for 18 years, becoming the longest-serving leader in its 50-year history and the youngest ever appointed in SES NSW at age 24. Under his leadership, the unit grew from 30 to over 100 volunteers and responded to thousands of storm, flood and bushfire events. A highly decorated volunteer, Keiran has earned multiple state and national awards for service and continues to inspire through training, mentoring and emergency management leadership.
Young Citizen of the Year 2026: Christian Lane
Christian Lane, 2025 School Captain of Epping Boys High School, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service through record-breaking fundraising, wellbeing initiatives and sporting excellence. In 2025, he led campaigns raising over $47,000 for cancer research and delivered the ANZAC Day address for Ryde. Founder of 'Whistle Wellness', he mentors young referees and champions mental health through Movember and the Push-Up Challenge. A national baseball representative and dedicated community volunteer, Christian embodies humility, teamwork and a commitment to inspiring others.
Environmental Citizen of the Year 2026: Sam Star
Sam Star is a legally blind senior who personifies community spirit through his proactive care for the local environment. Navigating his neighbourhood with a white cane, he trims overgrown branches, organises Cleanup Australia Day events and regularly collects litter and recyclables. At his social housing building, Sam has transformed a garden bed into a vibrant space, planting and nurturing flowers to create a welcoming entry. His dedication to safety, tidiness and sustainability makes him an inspiring local hero.
Sportsperson of the Year 2026: Dr Yagiz Aksoy
Dr Aksoy has led the Macquarie University Table Tennis Club for 11 years, transforming it into one of Sydney's most inclusive community sports programs with more than 200 members. A medical doctor and volunteer, he promotes table tennis as preventive healthcare and social connection. Under his leadership, the club nurtures elite athletes, empowers youth through coaching roles and will soon offer Parkinson's therapy sessions. Nationally recognised for innovation, Dr Aksoy represents how sport can drive wellbeing and inclusion.
"Congratulations to all this year's nominees and winners," said Mayor Brown. "Their achievements come not from seeking recognition or reward, but from a genuine desire to serve others in our community".
Australia Day in the City of Ryde was also marked with a special 9.30am Citizenship Ceremony, held at the North Ryde School of Arts, welcoming 120 new Australian citizens.
You can view a fantastic selection of photographs from the Australia Day Celebrations here
