Fairfield City has honoured two outstanding individuals as joint winners of its highest accolade at the 2026 Australia Day Community Awards.
Russell Edwards and Father Anthony Fregolent were both named Fairfield City Citizen of the Year at today's ceremony at Aquatopia, Prairiewood Leisure Centre.
Fairfield City Mayor Frank Carbone presented the awards, and praised the recipients saying:
"Our City is fortunate to have residents who generously share their time, talents, and compassion to make a real difference. These awards celebrate those who work quietly behind the scenes to strengthen our community. Today, we proudly put them in the spotlight and thank them for helping make Fairfield City a better place for everyone."
The four major awards went to:
- Fairfield Citizen of the Year: Russell Edwards and Father Anthony Fregolent
- Young Citizen of the Year: Selina Ha
- Volunteer of the Year: Josephine Borg
- Sports Achiever of the Year: Siennah Pukeroa
A Special Achievement Award was presented to:
Citizen of the Year: Sinilia Radivojevic,
Medallions and certificates were also awarded to recognise exceptional contributions:
Medallion recipients
- Citizen of the Year: Ben Stewart
- Volunteer of the Year: Ramsen Shallow, Joan Warters
- Sports Achiever of the Year: Luke Tiberti, Gabriel Tilo
Certificate recipients
- Citizen of the Year: Anwar Atto, Amy Luong, Agathia Yin Lan Ge
- Young Citizen of the Year: Miguel Beira, Mallak Farhan
- Volunteer of the Year: Abhinesh Karan, Alberto Macchione, Rachel Versace
- Sports Achiever of the Year: Cesar Gonzales, Jereimyah Gonzales
"Congratulations to Russell Edwards, Father Anthony Fregolent, Selina Ha, Josephine Borg, and Siennah Pukeroa on their outstanding achievements," Mayor Carbone said.
"Your dedication and service inspire us all."
2026 Citizen of the Year Russell Edwards
For nearly five decades, Russell Edwards has been a pillar of the Fairfield City community. A Wetherill Park resident since 1978, Russell was recognised as the 2025 Western Sydney Senior Volunteer of the Year and now holds Fairfield City's top honour.
Serving as a Justice of the Peace since 1989, Russell has supported residents at community desks across Bonnyrigg, Fairfield, and Wetherill Park. In 2024 alone, he signed more than 3,600 documents, ensuring vital services for locals.
A passionate gardener, Russell has been a member of the City of Fairfield Garden Club for 32 years, earning Life Membership and holding roles including Treasurer, Auditor, Publicity Officer, and Vice President. He has managed the club's website, coordinated events, and organised community functions such as annual spring shows and garden competitions.
His dedication was rewarded in 2025 when he won Grand Champion Garden. Beyond horticulture, Russell volunteers with the Fairfield City Museum & Gallery Living the Past school program, sharing local history and traditional skills. His tireless efforts reflect a deep commitment to enriching community life.
2026 Citizen of the Year Fr Anthony Fregolent
Father Anthony Fregolent has devoted more than 55 years to pastoral service, leaving an enduring legacy in Fairfield City.
Ordained as a Scalabrini Missionary Priest in 1969, he arrived in Australia in 1970 and served in Wollongong, Melbourne, and Adelaide before settling in Sydney in 1997.
Appointed Chaplain for the Italian community at Mt Carmel Church, Mt Pritchard in 2003, and later Parish Priest in 2008, Father Anthony transformed the parish into a vibrant hub of faith and support.
His leadership revitalised the church and parish centre, fostered inclusivity, and strengthened unity among diverse cultures. Guided by the Scalabrini mission to care for migrants and nurture community spirit, Father Anthony's compassion has touched countless lives across Fairfield City.
2026 Young Citizen of the Year: Selina Ha
Selina is a passionate changemaker whose community involvement spans local and state levels. This year alone, she has volunteered hundreds of hours with organisations including St John Ambulance, Kids Giving Back, Thread Together and Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation. As a War on Waste ambassador, Selina promotes sustainability in schools, while her performing arts work empowers others to express themselves. She mentors preschoolers at her dance studio and serves as a four-year SRC member and newly elected prefect, giving voice to youth and supporting wellbeing. Through service, advocacy and creativity, Selina inspires the next generation to lead with purpose.
2026 Volunteer of the Year: Josephine Borg
Josephine has been fundraising for over 20 years with the Cancer Council through Australia's Biggest Morning Tea, raising an impressive $497,444 to date, with annual contributions now exceeding $30,000. She co-founded the Horsley Park Community Craft Group, creating a space for connection and creativity, and has served as secretary of the Maltese Community Council for five years. Her service includes news reading for Maltese radio, committee work with the Horsley Park Rams Soccer Club, and ministry roles at Our Lady of Victories Parish, where she provides care for the sick and elderly. Josephine's tireless dedication continues to enrich the Horsley Park community across generations.
2026 Sports Achiever of the Year: Siennah Pukeroa
Siennah, a student at Freeman Catholic College, delivered an extraordinary performance at the 2025 World Powerlifting Championships in Costa Rica. Competing in the Female Sub-Junior 84+kg division, she claimed the title of overall best lifter and set multiple world records. Siennah secured gold in the squat with a 252.2kg lift, achieved another gold and a world record in the bench press at 129kg, and earned silver in the deadlift with 202.5kg, bringing her total to 584kg. Her remarkable achievements and sporting impact earned her the 2025 Fairfield City Mayor's Youth Achievement Award for Sports Impact.
For more information about Council's Australia Day Community Awards program, visit Australia Day Community Awards | Fairfield City Council
