Celebrating 25 Years of Good Neighbours
Shellharbour City Council proudly celebrated the 2026 Good Neighbour Award winners at a special event held at the Civic Centre tonight, marking 25 years of honouring the residents who help make communities better places to live, work and thrive.
Two new award categories were introduced this year - Most Environmentally Friendly Neighbour and a Rock Art Competition, which encouraged Participants to decorate a rock and share the joy by either giving it to a neighbour or placing it somewhere in the community to be discovered.
Caption: Good Neighbour of the Year 2026 winner Reece Childs with Deputy Mayor Cr Kellie Marsh and Angela Hales from Accounting Professionals. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council.
2026 Award Winners
Good Neighbour of the Year
Winner: Reece Childs (Warilla)
Runner up: Jack and Caeli Whitford (Shellharbour)
Honourable Mentions: Vasa, Tony McClelland and Stephen Cusack.
Most Environmentally Friendly Neighbour
Veronica Robin
Street of the Year
Ocean Beach Drive, Shellharbour
Rock Art Competition
Ages 0-5: winner: Spencer, second prize: Miller, third prize: Leonard
Ages 6-12: winner: Jaylah, second prize (tied): Londyn and Bella
Ages 13-17: winner: Sophie, second prize: Declan, third prize (tied): Amalia and Layla
Ages 18+: winner: Lorraine, second prize: Chloe, third prize (tied): Lyn, Paula and Kylie
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said the nominees in this year's Good Neighbour Awards reflect the very best of the city's community spirit.
"The calibre of people recognised at these awards, those who show up for their neighbours, put others first, and strengthen the places we all call home is something we can all be proud of," Mayor Homer said.
"Their kindness, their pride in their streets, and their willingness to look out for one another is a huge part of what makes Shellharbour such a special community."
Reece from Warilla named the 2026 Good Neighbour of the Year, was celebrated for bringing people together and creating a strong sense of belonging. Reece is known for going out his way to welcome new neighbours, hosting gatherings, sharing meals and assisting with everyday tasks.
"Reece's kindness, generosity, and selfless nature make him the heart of his neighbourhood, someone who shows up time and time again without being asked, simply because he cares," said one of Reece's nominators.
"He doesn't just live in the street, he strengthens it, making it a more connected, supportive, and joyful for everyone."
The 2026 Street of the Year, Ocean Beach Drive in Shellharbour, was recognised for its outstanding level of neighbourly connection and support. Nominations highlighted a genuine culture of looking out for one another. Residents regularly check in, share fresh produce, help with household tasks and offer support whenever it's needed. The street also runs its own Facebook group to share updates, assist during storm events and lend or give away items to neighbours.
Caption: Good Neighbour Street of the Year 2026 winners, residents from Ocean Beach Drive with Deputy Mayor Cr Kellie Marsh (far right) and Cr John Davey (3rd from right) and award sponsor Tina Britton from The Waterfront Shell Cove (2nd from left). Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council.
For 25 years, the Good Neighbour Awards, part of Relationships Australia's National Neighbour Day celebrations, held annually on the last Sunday of March - have recognised Shellharbour's unsung heroes and celebrated the power of kindness and community connections.
"These awards remind us that we can all make a positive impact through simple acts of kindness," Mayor Homer said.
"A conversation, a shared meal or a friendly gesture can help grow a sense of belonging in our neighbourhoods."
Council extends its heartfelt thanks to the sponsors who made this year's Good Neighbour Awards possible:
Accounting Professionals
The Waterfront, Shell Cove,
Illawarra Estate Agents
Kmart Shellharbour
Congratulations to all this year's nominees and winners and thank you for making Shellharbour a wonderful place to call home.
