Jarrad Borg and Tahlia Bonanno were recipients of the Shellharbour Citizen of the Year Awards. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
Two Shellharbour leaders who have made a lasting impact on the community were celebrated at the 2026 Shellharbour Community and Australia Day Awards, with Jarrad Borg named Citizen of the Year and Tahlia Bonanno recognised as Young Citizen of the Year.
Chosen from a record number of nominations, the pair was honoured on Friday (16 January) for their leadership, volunteering and dedication to strengthening the Shellharbour community.
As one of 10 recipients, Jarrad was recognised for having transformed the landscape of rugby league refereeing in the region, leading innovative change in recruitment, development, governance, and culture.
Under his leadership, the South Coast Group 7 Referees Association has grown from 80 members in 2022 to 175 in 2025, now ranking as the fourth largest in Australia.
Jarrad’s journey with Group 7 began in 2007 as a 13-year-old referee. In 2025, he became the youngest life member in the association’s 100-year history and received the prestigious NSW Referees Association Denis Braybrook Award for his outstanding contribution to refereeing and culture.
Young Citizen recipient Tahlia is also the 2025 Young Rural Ambassador and was awarded for her volunteer work and leadership.
She has supported agricultural shows across Albion Park, Kiama, Robertson and Dapto, while also volunteering for Convoy and mentoring young athletes in karate.
Tahlia plays a key role as vice-president of The Ag Group (TAG), inspiring youth involvement in agriculture and local committees.
Her achievements span from running school agriculture programs to earning multiple awards for poultry showing, all while competing at elite levels in karate.
Other individuals and groups were recognised across diverse categories, highlighting how their dedication and achievements have enriched the Shellharbour community.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said Jarrad and Tahlia “truly reflect the spirit and strength of our city”.
“Jarrad’s commitment to mentoring and developing others has created lasting opportunities within our sporting community, while Tahlia’s passion and leadership at such a young age is an inspiration to youth across Shellharbour,” Councillor Homer said.
“When we recognise people like Jarrad and Tahlia, we’re reminded that the future of our community is in great hands.
“Their dedication, compassion, and willingness to give back show what can be achieved when individuals step forward to make a difference.”
Winners of the major awards were:
- Citizen of the Year — Jarrad Borg
- Young Citizen of the Year — Tahlia Bonanno
- Athlete of the Year — Rebecca Dunning (Stand-up Paddleboarding)
- Young Athlete of the Year — Imogen Moore (Dual Sports)
- Service to Sports — Boris Baraldi
- Outstanding Diversity & Inclusion — Illawarra Star Strikers Ten Pin Bowling Club
- Outstanding Contribution to the Arts — Renee Brighton
- Volunteer of the Year — Ruth Jenkins
- Community Capacity Builder — Shellharbour Surf Lifesaving Club
- Community Group of the Year — Shellharbour Hospital Auxiliary.
Xplore for Success founder, author and gender equality advocate Diana Ryall AM was this month selected to be an ambassador for the Shellharbour LGA as part of the State Government’s Australia Day Ambassador program.
Each year the Australia Day Council of NSW invites ambassadors to take part in local Australia Day events across the state, joining citizenship ceremonies welcoming new Australians, delivering speeches at community festivals, and attending cultural performances, charity events and more.
