The City of Wollongong Awards celebrated the citizens who have made an impact on our local community. Photos: Wollongong City Council.
A refugee couple who has dedicated decades to strengthening cultural connections and supporting others have been honoured as Wollongong’s Citizens of the Year.
Hong-Phong Le and Teresa Tran joined an impressive line up of locals who were celebrated at this year’s City of Wollongong Awards.
They have been a core part of the Illawarra’s multicultural community for more than three decades, selflessly serving and advising to improve the lives of others across the region.
The husband and wife were honoured on a national level last year when each received an Order of Australia Medal, but their newest accolade is a recognition much closer to home by those who see their impact first hand.
“Our Citizens of the Year 2026 are truly an inspiration,” Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown said.
“They came to Australia as refugees and went on to build a life for themselves and their family. But incredibly, they also lent a hand for any others who were on a similar journey.
“Their tireless dedication to service has made a difference to all those people they’ve helped, especially to the Vietnamese Community.
“They embody what it means to make Wollongong a better place and they do it with such great humility and infectious smiles. We’re privileged to have recognised their efforts with our city’s top award.”
Nine of the region’s most dedicated community members were recognised at the ceremony on Thursday 19 February.
International Women’s Day Illawarra co-founder and patron Judith Henderson received the Senior Citizen of the Year award for her work improving equality and opportunity across the city for more than 50 years.
“Judith has played a pivotal role in empowering girls and women across our city, advocating for equality and access and driving a brighter future for all,” Cr Brown said.
“The popular Women’s Day luncheon she has co-founded will mark its 21st year in 2026 and is celebrated for bringing hundreds of women together, from all walks of life to inspire and encourage one another.
“We’re lucky to have a leader in Judith and thanks to her passion for equality, it has created endless opportunities for women and girls within our community.”
Phong and Teresa have helped improve the lives of refugees and multicultural community members in the Illawarra for decades.
She’s helped pave the way for future generations and leaders like Keira High School student Fatima Al Taleb, who was named Young Citizen of the Year.
Through her school’s Student Representative Council, Fatima has been driving environmental awareness and change through developing her concept of a youth green space for students and the Garden Initiative Project.
“Looking ahead to our future, we know we’re in good hands with the likes of Fatima, an exceptional young female leading her peers and making the city they live in a better place to learn and connect,” Cr Brown said.
“As an environmentally conscious person, she’s encouraging young people to be aware of the change they can make to the world. She shows it can be as simple as greening your city.
“She’s a fantastic role model. Her value for creating community at her school is outstanding and we’re excited to see her grow in the years to come.”
Other winners included conservation leader Jarrad Prangell who has led large-scale koala and southern greater glider mapping projects, endangered frog recovery programs and designed a first-of-its-kind Indigenous mentorship program training young rangers in thermal drone technology. He was awarded the Sustainability and Environmental Achievement Award.
The Innovation Achievement Award went to UOW Energy Futures Network director Ty Christopher for his nearly 40 years contributing to Australia’s clean energy transition.
Rob Battocchio received the Sports Achievement Award for founding and continuing the Australia Day Aquathon for more than 25 years, as well as creating other sporting events and coaching countless athletes throughout the years.
The Diversity and Inclusion Award went to Green Connect Farm Limited for its work providing jobs training and work experience for refugees, while the Korimul Gang Show won the Arts and Cultural Achievement Award.
The Vietnamese Community of Wollongong was honoured as Community Group of the Year for supporting local causes and celebrating its cultural heritage since its creation in 1988.
“The dedication to make a positive difference for community was a strong ethos amongst everyone,” Cr Brown said.
“It’s never easy choosing the winners, but we’ve been inspired by all the incredible people who call Wollongong home.”
A full list of winners, Lord Mayor’s recipients and Highly Commended is available on the Wollongong City Council website.
