Citizens of the Year

2025 Award winners

Our 2025 Citizen of the Year awards were awarded on 26 January 2026 across four categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Sports Citizen of the Year and Arts and Culture Citizen of the Year.

Our 2025 Citizen of the Year award recipients were:

2025 Citizen of the Year: Natalino Bongiorno

Natalino is one of those rare individuals whose impact on the community is profound, yet his work is often carried out quietly and without expectation of recognition. For many years, Nat has given tirelessly of his time, energy and expertise to support charitable causes, community organisations and people experiencing hardship across the City of Canada Bay and beyond.

A founding committee member of the Foundation for A Bloody Great Cause, Nat has been instrumental in supporting the Haematology Clinical Research Unit at Concord Hospital for more than seven years. As a volunteer committee member, Director and Secretary, his behind-the-scenes work, planning skills and hands-on support have been vital to the Foundation’s success. His contributions have helped the Foundation for a Bloody Great Cause raise over $1.8 million to fund life-changing and life-saving blood cancer clinical trials.

Beyond his involvement with the Foundation, Nat is deeply committed to supporting people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage. He has been a driving force behind regular feeding programs in Sydney’s CBD and locally, bringing together food suppliers, volunteers and community partners to ensure people receive not only meals, but dignity and connection.

Nat is also a strong advocate for local business and community collaboration. As Vice President of the Majors Bay Chamber of Commerce, a role he has held for eight years, he helps guide the Chamber’s strategic direction, supports local events and networking activities, and consistently encourages businesses to contribute positively to the wider community.

He leads by example, inspires others to get involved, and consistently steps forward when help is needed. 

2025 Young Citizen of the Year: Isla Costin and Téa Costin (joint winners)

Isla and Téa are outstanding young citizens whose commitment to community service, leadership and social responsibility has already made a meaningful and lasting impact across the City of Canada Bay and beyond. They exemplify what sustained, values-driven youth leadership looks like in practice – grounded in action, responsibility and genuine care for others.

Together, Isla and Téa are the co-founders of 4GreaterGood, a youth-led community initiative established to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness, food insecurity and hardship. Through this work, they have designed and delivered ongoing programs providing regular care packs, meals and practical assistance to vulnerable people.

Both sisters are actively involved in the practical delivery of support. They assist with preparation, organisation and distribution, coordinate volunteers, source donations and maintain partnerships with community organisations. They have also contributed to broader community responses during times of crisis.

Together, their leadership, compassion and commitment strongly reflect the values of the City of Canada Bay.

2025 Sports Citizen of the Year: Santino Grieco

Santino has dedicated over three decades of voluntary service to football, helping ensure that generations of young people have the opportunity to participate in sport in a safe, inclusive and well-organised environment.

For more than 25 years, Santino has served as Secretary of Inter Lions Football Club, a role he has carried out with exceptional dedication and care. He is widely known as the first to arrive and the last to leave, a steady and reliable presence who ensures the club operates smoothly and to the highest standard.

Santino’s commitment to football also spans many years of service with the Canterbury District Soccer Football Association, where he has volunteered with fairness, integrity and a genuine focus on the development and wellbeing of young players. He remains actively engaged in supporting the association and contributing to the ongoing growth of the sport across the region.

Beyond titles and formal roles, Santino has had a lasting impact on countless young players and their families. Through coaching, mentoring and leadership, he has helped teach not only the skills of football, but the values of respect, teamwork, discipline and integrity. His influence extends well beyond the field and into the lives of those he has supported over many years.

2025 Arts and Culture Citizen of the Year: Jing Hong

For more than ten years, Jing has been a key coordinator of the Rhodes Moon Festivals and Lunar New Year celebrations, guiding their growth into large-scale, inclusive community events that actively promote social cohesion. These events bring together residents, frontline workers, local businesses, people with disabilities and government representatives through shared cultural experiences, fostering understanding and mutual respect.

Jing has also served three terms as a Rhodes Community Committee member with the City of Canada Bay. In this role, she has acted as a trusted bridge between Council and the community, consistently advocating for culturally accessible, inclusive and responsive programs that reflect the diversity of local residents.

Jing also works closely with agencies including the Sydney Local Health District, NSW Police, Metro Assist, TAFE NSW, Service NSW, Service Australia, the Department of Communities and Justice, and Settlement Services International, supporting equitable access to services for multicultural communities.

Through sustained advocacy, creative leadership and deep community trust, Jing Hong exemplifies cultural citizenship. Her work strengthens social cohesion, promotes inclusion and helps build a more connected, equitable community for all.

Citizen of the Year honour board