For the first time in history, City of Newcastle has honoured two seniors as joint winners of a top award, acknowledging their decades of service to vulnerable communities.
John Cross is honoured for his quiet, dedicated support for Newcastle residents experiencing homelessness, and Wanda McInnes-Fogg has been recognised for her long standing, vital role at Zara's House where she supports refugee settlement in Newcastle.
From L-R Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge joins the 2026 Citizen of the Year award recipients Peter Sleap, Wanda McInnes-Fogg, Alyssa Wharton, Jenny's Place representative Dawn Walker and John Cross. Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said the joint award recognises the extraordinary dedication of two seniors who have spent decades strengthening the city's social fabric.
"John and Wanda have each dedicated countless hours, often unnoticed to supporting people doing it tough," Cr Kerridge said.
"John's consistent advocacy for rough sleepers to access care and Wanda's work supporting refugee women and children with settling and education both contribute to a stronger community cohesion across Newcastle. We are incredibly proud to honour two people who give so much of themselves to others."
One of John's most cherished achievements was helping reclaim the identity of Vietnam veteran Alwyn "Shorty" Craig, from decades of anonymity on the streets to long‑term housing, medical care and reunion with his family.
Over the last five years, Wanda has served as the Secretary and Public Officer for Zara's House, forging key partnerships with the Red Cross, University of Newcastle and TAFE NSW, to build disaster resilience and create skills and employment pathways for refugee women.
She has also assisted numerous refugees to eliminate debt and serves as the coordinator of a bilingual early education program, providing teachers with age‑appropriate activities tailored to each child.
City of Newcastle also announced its Citizen of the Year, honouring a community champion whose personal adversity has driven him to create meaningful change for local families.
Peter 'Sleapy' Sleap is a well-known character in Newcastle who has been recognised for transforming his own stage‑four throat cancer survival into a powerful force for good.
Since 2019, Peter's charity Sleapy's Foundation has delivered immediate financial relief, meaningful experiences and practical programs for cancer victims and their families, with 99 percent of all funds going directly back into the community.
In the past year, Sleapy's Foundation raised $250,000 at its annual Sleapy's Day event, supported more than 160 local families, provided Cancer Care Bags for patients at Calvary Mater Hospital and led a $500,000 project to establish a courtyard at the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at John Hunter Hospital.
Rounding out this year's honours, City of Newcastle has also named its Young Citizen of the Year and Community Group of the Year, acknowledging the contributions of emerging leaders and vital community organisations.
Young Citizen of the Year went to 21-year-old Alyssa Wharton, who was acknowledged for her leadership in cricket, where she mentors young players, organises cricket carnivals and serves as the Cricket Blast Coordinator, growing the program from eight to 50 participants in just three years.
As the only female umpire in the Newcastle Junior Cricket Association, she pushed for junior girls' games to encourage visibility and representation and was named Cricket NSW's 2025 Young Leader of the Year.
Community Group of the Year went to Jenny's Place Women's Refuge for its long-standing commitment to assist women and children experiencing domestic violence and homelessness.
In the past year, Jenny's Place Women's Refuge supported more than 1200 women and children through crisis accommodation, outreach casework and early‑intervention programs.
The organisation continues to enhance its support model, establishing the Community Transport Program in 2025 to help clients without access to a vehicle or who have difficulty affording public transport.
City of Newcastle's annual Citizen of the Year awards formally recognise the outstanding contributions of exemplary Novocastrians over the past year.
