Local Citizen of the Year Awards
On Australia Day, Council presented the Local Citizen of the Year Awards to members of the community. These awards honoured the individuals and organisations who generously donate their time and effort to help others and improve the Ku-ring-gai Community.
The Local Citizen of the Year Awards aim to recognise Ku-ring-gai residents who have demonstrate excellent citizenship and a contribution to the people of Ku-ring-gai or the wider community.
2026 Local Citizen of the Year Award Winners
Citizen of the Year - Dean Simes
At the age of 102 years, Dean has called Ku-ring-gai home for more than 50 years. Dean is the President of Computer Pals for Seniors in Turramurra. His passion and commitment to promoting digital literacy among seniors have transformed lives in our community. Dean served our country during the Second World War and later had a distinguished career in the mining industry. After retiring, Dean embraced lifelong learning by attending TAFE to study computer technology, which laid the foundation for his leadership at Computer Pals. Beyond these achievements, Dean is constantly involved in community life, contributing to organisations such as Probus, bowling, tennis, and music groups. His commitment to health and community engagement continues through his active participation in a local gym.
Young Citizen of the Year - Angelina Barnsdall
Angelina is the Chairperson of Council’s Youth Advisory Committee. She’s greatly contributed to initiatives organised by the committee including the Healing Out Loud Festival, the Youth Forum and Youth Week. At local schools, Angelina supports children with disabilities through play and other interactions. She has helped advise local refugee organisations and migrating families, finding educational and social opportunities in the community tailored to personal strengths.
Environmental Citizen of the Year - Jill Green
Jill is President of STEP, a community-based environmental organisation with about 500 members from Ku-ring-gai and northern Sydney which is helping conserve local bushland. Jill has established solid and respectful relationships with Councils and neighbouring environmental groups and conservation societies. In addition, Jill’s commitment to the natural environment is reflected in her voluntary work with the Lane Cove National Park as a member of the Ku-ring-gai Bushcare Association, a member of Ku-ring-gai Council’s Environment Advisory Committee, as a volunteer on four Bushcare sites and volunteering with Streamwatch at Quarry Creek.
Mayor’s Award for an Outstanding Contribution by a Community Organisation - Ku-ring-gai SES
The Ku-ring-gai SES has over 100 volunteers trained in operations, communications, logistics, storm operations and rescue. The unit is dedicated to providing round-the-clock assistance to the Ku-ring-gai community during storms, floods and other extreme weather events.