This month the City of Canada Bay has recognised the outstanding individuals, community groups, schools, businesses and organisations making a positive impact across the local area at its inaugural Community Awards ceremony.
After receiving over 100 nominations from community members, Council held the Community Awards ceremony on Thursday, 18 June.
The Community Awards were established to celebrate the people and organisations whose dedication, leadership and community spirit help make the City of Canada Bay a vibrant, inclusive and connected place to live, work and play. The awards are a reimagining of Council’s former Sustainability and Business Awards program, expanding recognition across a broader range of community contributions.
The 2026 Community Award winners are:
Diversity & Inclusion Champion Award:
Individual: Coral Arnold
Organisation: 2nd Abbotsford “Port Neptune” Sea Scouts
Environmental Champion Award:
Individual: Joanna Wong
Organisation: The City of Canada Bay Men’s Shed (Harry’s Shed)
Local Community Heritage Award:
Joint Winners (Individuals): Aditi Halder and Sarah Lumsden
Organisation: Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway
Sporting Group of the Year: West Harbour Rugby Union Football Club Limited
Social Inclusion Award:
Individual: Cynthia Dragovic
Organisation: Let’s Get Going
School Spirit & Community Impact Award:
Joint Winners: Angela Farrell and Beth Collinge
Spirit of Community Award:
Joint Winners: Mark Jarvis and Richard Hanna, and Sonja Screpis
Local Volunteer of the Year: Peter Blakeney
Mayor Michael Megna congratulated all recipients and nominees, acknowledging their significant contribution to the local community.
“These award winners represent the very best of our community. Through their dedication, generosity and leadership, they have enriched the lives of others and helped strengthen the social fabric of the City of Canada Bay,” Mayor Megna said.
“These awards recognise people and organisations who often work quietly behind the scenes to create positive change. Their efforts inspire us all and demonstrate the extraordinary impact that individuals and groups can have when they are committed to making a difference.”
The Community Awards ceremony also recognised local organisations and businesses achieving significant service milestones through the Recognition of Service Awards, celebrating long-standing contributions to the City of Canada Bay community.
The 2026 Recognition of Service award recipients are:
25 Years
Drummoyne Veterinary Hospital
50 Years
Abbotsford Plumbing
Cabarita-Mortlake Kindergarten
Drummoyne Toastmasters Club
Liu Rose Restaurant
Morgan Printing
Regatta Motor Body Repairs
St Andrew's Kindergarten
75 Years:
Greenlees Park Men’s Bowling Club
100 Years
313 Automotive
Abbotsford Public School
125 Years
Concord Golf Club
Also receiving recognition on the night were our Community Grant recipients and the winners of our Connected to Nature Photography Competition. For more information about the City of Canada Bay Community Awards, visit Collaborate Canada Bay.
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Representatives from St Andrew's Kindergarten accepting recognition for 50 Years of Service.
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Social Inclusion Award winner, Cynthia Dragovic (centre).
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Concord Golf Club was recognised for 125 Years of Service.
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Representatives from Inner West Neighbour Aid with Mayor Michael Megna.
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Members of Rhodes Community Garden with Mayor Michael Megna.
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Representatives from the Mongolian Knucklebone Shooting Inc.
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Representatives from the Rhodes Multicultural Association with Mayor Michael Megna.
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Diversity & Inclusion Award recipient Coral Arnold with her husband.
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Mayor Michael Megna with Photography Competition Finalist Siena.
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Members of City of Canada Bay Men's Shed accepting their award.
