A Vietnamese refugee couple recognised for their outstanding service to community, the co-founder of International Women's Day Illawarra, and a Keira High School student leading sustainability projects were honoured as this year's top three recipients at the City of Wollongong Awards.
On Thursday 19 February, Wollongong City Council hosted the City of Wollongong Awards 2026 to celebrate this year's well deserving nominees and finalists across nine award categories. The culmination of the event is the announcement of the top awards – Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year.
Wollongong's Citizen of the Year was bestowed to husband and wife, Teresa Tran OAM and H Phong Le OAM who have spent more than 30 years strengthening cultural connections and supporting war veterans and widows.
In 2025, the couple received the Medal of the Order of Australia in the general division for service to the Vietnamese Community in Australia. The Order of Australia recognises Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said Teresa and Phong's selflessness and determination to foster a welcoming community is nothing short of admiration.
"Our Citizens of the Year 2026 are truly an inspiration. They came to Australia as refugees and went on to build a life for themselves and their family. But incredibly, they also lent a hand for any others who were on a similar journey," she said.
"Their tireless dedication to service has made a difference to all those people they've helped, especially to the Vietnamese Community. They embody what it means to make Wollongong a better place, and they do it with such great humility and infectious smiles. We're privileged to have recognised their efforts with our city's top award."
Senior of Citizen of the Year was awarded to Judith Henderson, a long-standing community leader with more than five decades of service dedicated to strengthening equality and opportunity across our city. Judith is a Patron and co-founder of the International Women's Day Illawarra event and volunteered on key NSW Government advisory bodies and the Wollongong Sportsground Trust.
"Judith has played a pivotal role in empowering girls and women across our city, advocating for equality and access, and driving a brighter future for all," Cr Brown said.
"The popular Women's Day luncheon she has co-founded will mark its 21st year in 2026, and is celebrated for bringing hundreds of women together, from all walks of life to inspire and encourage one another.
"We're lucky to have a leader in Judith and thanks to her passion for equality, it has created endless opportunities for women and girls within our community."
The Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Fatima Al Taleb. Fatima is an active member of Keira High School's Student Representative Council where she has been supported in developing her concept of a Youth Green Space for students and the Garden Initiative Project.
"Looking ahead to our future, we know we're in good hands with the likes of Fatima, an exceptional young female leading her peers and making the city they live in, a better place to learn and connect," Cr Brown said.
"As an environmentally conscious person, she's encouraging young people to be aware of the change they can make to the world. She shows it can be as simple as greening your city.
"She's a fantastic role model. Her value for creating community at her school is outstanding and we're excited to see her grow in the years to come.
"Thank you to everyone who nominated a local champion, and I appreciate everyone who joined us in the celebrations. The dedication to make a positive difference for community was a strong ethos amongst everyone. It's never easy choosing the winners, but we've been inspired by all the incredible people who call Wollongong home."
For a full list of the recipients, including the Highly Commended and Lord Mayors awards, visit our City of Wollongong Awards page .
City of Wollongong Award recipients
Citizen of the Year: Teresa Tran OAM and H. Phong Le OAM
As refugees from Vietnam, Teresa and H. Phong have spent more than three decades strengthening cultural connections and supporting war veterans and widows in their community. In 2025, they were awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in the general division for service to the Vietnamese Community in Australia.
Senior Citizen of the Year: Judith Henderson
Judith has worked to strengthened equity and opportunity across Wollongong for 50 years. As Patron and co-founder of International Women's Day Illawarra, she has championed scholarships and development programs for women and girls. Judith has also volunteered on key NSW Government advisory bodies and the Wollongong Sportsground Trust, advocating for community access and regional representation.
Young Citizen of the Year: Fatima Al Taleb
Fatima is an exceptional young leader committed to making the Wollongong region an even better place for young people to live, learn, and connect. She is an active member of Keira High Schools Student Representative Council where she has been supported in developing her concept of a Youth Green Space for students and the Garden Initiative Project.
Community Group of the Year: Vietnamese Community in Wollongong
Founded in 1988, the Vietnamese Community in Wollongong has spent decades giving back in gratitude for the support given to refugees of the 1970s and 80s. Fifty years on, they remain a proud part of Wollongong - supporting local causes and celebrating their cultural heritage.
Diversity and Inclusion Award: Green Connect Farm Limited
The Green Connect Farm in Warrawong provides jobs, training, and work experience for young people and former refugees while producing organic, locally grown food. The farm welcomes thousands each year for nature-based learning, sustainability education, and inclusive community programs. Green Connect continues to grow its impact with resilience and commitment and is an example of inclusion, environmental leadership, and community working together.
Arts and Cultural Achievement Award: Korimul Gang Show
For five decades, Korimul Gang Show has embodied creativity, community spirit, and volunteerism in Wollongong. Produced entirely by Scouts, Guides, and local volunteers, the show gives young people opportunities to develop confidence, leadership, and performing arts skills while fostering lifelong friendships. With its enduring legacy of service, mentorship, and entertainment, it remains a proud part of Wollongong's creative landscape.
Sports Achievement Award: Rob Battocchio
Rob founded the Wollongong Aquathon more than 25 years ago making a lasting contribution to Wollongong's sporting and community life. Today, the Aquathon attracts over 4,000 competitors and spectators annually and has become a major highlight of the local calendar promoting health, tourism, and community pride. Rob has also coached countless athletes and helped establish other significant sporting festivals including Tri the Gong and the Splash and Dash.
Innovation Achievement Award: Ty Christopher
Ty has spent nearly 40 years contributing to Australia's clean energy transition. As Director of the University of Wollongong's Energy Futures Network, he leads close to 100 researchers and has been instrumental in establishing Wollongong as a clean energy powerhouse. He has driven major initiatives including the Energy Futures Skills Centre, 11 community batteries, and a Virtual Energy Network that shares local solar to cut costs and emissions. He co-authored the Illawarra Clean Energy Roadmap, organised the regional Clean Energy Expo, and continues to provide trusted technical support and advocacy to local groups.
Sustainability and Environmental Achievement Award: Jarrad Prangell
Jarrad is a recognised conservation leader whose innovation and dedication have transformed environmental outcomes across the Illawarra. He has led large scale Koala and Southern Greater Glider mapping projects, endangered frog recovery programs and designed a first-of-its-kind Indigenous mentorship program training young Rangers in thermal drone technology. He continues to make a substantial contribution to conservation and community stewardship in Wollongong.
