Passionate local residents and community organisations were recognised for their contributions to Campbelltown during the 2026 Australia Day Awards ceremony at the Greg Percival Community Centre in Ingleburn today.
Mauren Lemalu was this year's recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award in recognition of her tireless community work.
Ms Lemalu has been a long-term advocate for women's wellness, paediatric care and community wellbeing, instigating and championing a range of programs to support people of all ages.
She has extended her leadership to support schools, charities and cultural groups in caring for the most vulnerable members of our community.
Ms Lemula founded the I'm Every Woman Sydney Incorporated charity in 2023, which focuses on women's wellness and paediatric care. She has also dedicated 17 years to supporting 24-Hour Fight Against Cancer campaign and actively contributes to events such as Kids of Macarthur golf days, women's luncheons and annual galas.
Her leadership and volunteer work has extended to being P&C President at Mary Brooksbank Special Needs Schools and her involvement with organisations including Fiji Diaspora Women's Alliance, Bravery Buddies and NSW Pacific Communities.
Ms Lemalu was among six citizens and one community organisation who were acknowledged across the seven award categories today.
"Campbelltown and its residents are known for their community spirit and for giving back, so it's fantastic to recognise these people who go above and beyond through this important awards program," Mayor of Campbelltown Cr Darcy Lound said.
"I'd like to congratulate our winners and thank all the nominees and everyone who took the time to nominate them for their outstanding contributions to our city," Cr Lound said.
Nevin Johnson was named Young Citizen of the Year for his exceptional leadership and commitment to the medicine industry in the Campbelltown area and beyond.
Mr Johnson has held a variety of roles with several bodies, including the NSW Medical Students Council, the Asian Medical Student's Association, and Western Sydney University's GP Student Network and WSU's Opthalmology Society He also served as Deputy Convenor at the 2025 Australasian Students' Surgical Conference.
He also been involved in several other community initiatives, including being a member of Campbelltown's Youth Action Team and volunteering with YACI and Vinnies.
Long-term Rotary Club member David Symonds was awarded Senior Citizen of the Year for his tireless dedication to voluntary work in the Campbelltown community.
Mr Symonds has volunteered for more than 30 years, leading international exchanges with the Campbelltown-Koshiga Sister Cities Association, and supporting youth development, and strengthening community and cultural ties through the Rotary Club of Campbelltown.
Marsheal Walker received the Sports Award for her selfless dedication to softball in the Campbelltown region and beyond.
Ms Walker has spent more than three decades coaching and mentoring softball players, building confidence, teamwork and resilience in countless young athletes. She has also held a variety of roles with the Ingleburn RSL Softball Club, Softball Campbelltown and the South West Sydney Academy of Sport, and coached teams at state level across multiple age groups.
Rotary Club of Ingleburn was named Community Group Initiative of the Year for their ongoing support of vulnerable members of the Campbelltown community, especially in the mental health and wellbeing space.
The club has served the community for almost 50 years and recognised for their achievements through initiatives including the Pride of Worksmanship Award, Student Service and Leadership Awards and the Ingleminds Mental Health and Wellbeing Committee.
Diana Mailata received the Diversity and Inclusion Award for her dedicated advocacy for families with children with disabilities, fostering inclusion and empowerment.
Ms Mailata co-founded Hands on Hearts Macarthur and has undertaken tireless work for the Passfield Park Kids Incorporated.
Mark Keaton received the All Abilities Award for his advocacy and hands-on support to uplift and empower people in the disability community.
He has held several roles with NSW Physical Disability Rugby League, volunteers with the 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer Macarthur, Rainbow Crossing at Oz Fun Land and Fast Lane Karting Minto, and supports the Dancing Together program.
