Canterbury-Bankstown’s 2025 Australia Day and Citizenship Awards united families and friends of recipients of local Australia Day Awards and new Australian citizens, recognising excellence in six areas: Organisation of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Community Woman of the Year, Jack Mundey Environmental and Heritage Award, Young Citizen of the Year, and Citizen of the Year.

This year, the Canterbury-Bankstown Council honoured a total of 34 individuals and local organisations.

Abdullah Al-Mamun, a local business professional and Justice of the Peace, has been recognised for his support of awareness campaigns that strengthen ties between people and local health providers, while also challenging the stigma associated with mental health, particularly within the Bangladeshi community.

Abdullah explains his hope for this work to continue, especially for more vulnerable communities and older residents. He says, “it’s a great honour to be a finalist for Canterbury-Bankstown’s Australia Day Awards. It’s a beautiful day for me. My hope is that the community programs I’ve supported through the Nobodhara Association continue.”

Renuka Fernando and Ben Stammer, Australia Day Ambassadors and co-founders of ReLove, shared their personal journeys and the lasting impact of ReLove’s mission.

“My father was one of the first six Sri Lankans to migrate to Australia,” recounts Renuka. “He came to teach medicine at the University of NSW.”

ReLove’s mission provides people with the dignity and comfort of a safe and loving home.

Ben reflects, “Australia Day is a reminder that there is no ‘us and them,’ just us.’”

For others, it was the first day of a new journey as proud new Australians – a ‘dream come true’ and a moment they won’t forget.

Sarah Barker says she was counting down the days until she received her citizenship. Proudly now a citizen, this day brings to her hope and opportunity.

“I waited a long time to officially call Australia my home,” she says. “To me, being Australian means embracing diversity and respecting others. It’s what you carry within you.”

For her partner Ron, Australia brings hope of new study and life opportunities that wouldn’t be possible in her home country.

“Today is a dream come true. I love the people in Australia,” she says. “I am able to work and study here. I wouldn’t have been able to do this overseas.”

The Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony are held annually, celebrating the achievements and contributions of local people and businesses and new Australian citizens.

The winners of the 2025 Canterbury-Bankstown Australia Day Awards are: Riverwood Community Centre (Community Organisation category), Dina Kheir (Volunteer of the Year category), Linda Nguyen (Community Woman of the Year category), the Bankstown Bushland Society (Jack Mundey Environmental and Heritage category), Michaela Loukas (Young Citizen of the Year category), and Sheila Pham (Citizen of the Year category).

The state and federal members in attendance included Tony Burke MP, Jihad Dib MP, David Coleman MP, Sophie Cotsis MP, Dr David Saliba  MP, Lynda Voltz MP, and Kylie Wilkinson MP.

Oz Arab Media was represented at the ceremony by Chay Gittany and Lina Nafie.