Citizen of the Year Awards
2025 Nominees Announced!
Click on the links below to view the Nominees for 2025.
Every year the City of Ryde publicly acknowledges and recognises the outstanding accomplishments by individuals in our community who have excelled in their chosen field. Winners and nominations in the past have come from fields as diverse as sporting administrators, business leaders, fire fighters, church leaders, school captains, writers, youth workers and other entrepreneurs.
Categories
- Citizen of the Year 2025 - Recognises outstanding service to the community over the last 5 years.
- Young Citizen of the Year 2025 - Recognises outstanding service to the community over the last 5 years by a young person aged 12 -25yrs.
- Sportsperson of the Year 2025 - Recognises outstanding service to the sporting community over the last 5 years.
- Environmental Citizen of the Year 2025 - Recognises the service to the community through environmental and sustainable practices which benefit the community.
The awards are open to all Australian citizens living in the City of Ryde. The Young Citizen of the Year Award is open to Australian citizens between the ages of 12 and 25 years (as at 20 January 2025).
The awards are held under the auspices of the Australia Day Council of NSW and judging is conducted by a local selection panel. Winners are announced at Council’s Citizen of the year Awards Ceremony which will take place on Monday 20 January 2025.
2025 Nominees
Citizen of the Year
Anthony Tang
Anthony Tang is a community leader whose contributions span over 20 years. From coaching youth soccer to leading Eastwood-Gladesville Rotary Club, Antony has fostered cultural harmony and supported local causes. As President of the Ryde Community Forum, he spearheaded events like the Lunar New Year celebrations and Aussie Day Lunches. His initiatives bridge gaps between businesses, community groups, and government, enhancing communication and unity. Anthony’s dedication has strengthened Ryde’s cultural and social fabric.
Armen Arakelian NEM
Armen Arakelian, a refugee-turned-philanthropist, exemplifies resilience and generosity. Founder of Back to the Bush Indigenous Corporation, Armen champions Indigenous welfare, cultural preservation, and disaster relief. A veteran volunteer firefighter with a National Emergency Medal, he supports community safety and conservation. Through mentoring and advocacy, he empowers vulnerable communities, blending environmental stewardship with social justice. Armen’s leadership in Ryde reflects his commitment to building a unified, empowered, and sustainable future.
Hagop Zarmenian
Hagop Zarmenian’s multifaceted contributions enrich Ryde. As a leader in the Armenian Youth Federation, he raises awareness for causes like mental health and climate change. Hagop plays a vital role in the Armenian Film Festival, connecting audiences with cultural stories, and volunteers during elections to promote civic engagement. Whether in sports, community events, or cultural advocacy, Hagop fosters unity and participation, leaving a lasting impact on Ryde’s diverse community.
Kathryn Ferguson
Kathryn Ferguson’s dedication to fostering creativity and community defines her contributions. Through her music school, Katcha Music, Kathryn inspires students while using her talent to organise events like the BACK 2 BACK showcase, raising funds for children’s cancer research. Her commitment extends to mentoring and volunteering at local events, creating spaces for joy and connection. With over 20 years of impact, Kathryn’s passion for music and kindness enriches Ryde’s cultural and social life.
Keiran Gibson
Keiran Gibson, Local Commander of the Ryde SES Unit, has dedicated over 25 years to emergency response and community safety. Under his leadership, the unit has grown to over 100 volunteers and responded to thousands of requests. Keiran’s contributions include securing grants for better facilities, coordinating storm responses, and fostering community engagement through events like the Granny Smith Festival. His tireless service ensures Ryde remains resilient in the face of emergencies.
Leone Wood
Leone Wood has dedicated 45 years to nursing, including 41 years at Royal North Shore Hospital as a compassionate and skilled dialysis nurse. Her unwavering commitment to patient care and her reliability make her a cornerstone of the renal department. Beyond her professional role, Leone has volunteered with the McGrath Foundation for nearly five years, helping to raise vital funds for breast cancer support. Her kindness and dedication have profoundly impacted the lives of many in her community.
Nora Etmekdjian
For over 20 years, Nora Etmekdjian has championed Ryde’s community spirit. As Treasurer of the West Ryde Chamber of Commerce, she expanded the Easter Fair into a flagship event. Nora mobilises volunteers as Chair of the Red Shield Appeal and preserves Ryde’s heritage through cultural organisations. Her dedication to civic engagement and safety initiatives strengthens community bonds, making Ryde a vibrant, inclusive place. Nora’s leadership continues to inspire positive change.
Silva Kondakjian
Silva Kondakjian’s decade of community service highlights her dedication. As an ARS Araz chapter secretary, she organises cultural events that foster unity. Silva volunteers with the Salvation Army, providing food and comfort to those in need, and participates in environmental clean-ups. Her involvement in local elections promotes civic engagement and Silva’s commitment enhances Ryde’s cultural, social, and environmental well-being, reflecting her care for the community.
Young Citizen of the Year
Armaan Patni
At just 14, Armaan Patni exemplifies service and leadership in Ryde. From volunteering for the Salvation Army to spearheading sustainability efforts with the Lane Cove Bushcare Group, he fosters environmental conservation and community unity. As a Community Representative, he passed ground-breaking climate motions and champions youth advocacy. Balancing his selective school studies, Armaan has organised multicultural events and mentored peers, setting a profound example of dedication, resilience, and civic responsibility for future generations.
Rajmallan Thiagarajan
Rajmallan Thiagarajan inspires through leadership and service. As a school Prefect, he led the school to raise $45,000 for the World’s Greatest Shave, uniting peers for leukemia research. Their advocacy as a Youth Ambassador promotes diversity and anti-racism, while their mentorship expanded a cultural exchange program by 50%. From environmental initiatives to cadet participation, Rajmallan embodies inclusivity and civic duty, setting an extraordinary example of youth leadership in Ryde.
Sportsperson of the Year 2025
Jack Spencer
Jack Spencer, an outstanding young athlete, represents Ryde across state and national levels in athletics, rugby, and more. Known for his sportsmanship and leadership, he’s earned gold at the Nationals All Schools Athletics and captained teams to success in rugby and rugby league. Jack’s humility shines in his decision to support teammates over personal accolades. A mentor to younger athletes, Jack exemplifies kindness, dedication, and excellence, inspiring Ryde’s next generation of sportspeople.
Linda Ham
Linda Ham has revolutionised fitness and community engagement in Ryde. As manager of Teambros Fitness Club, she fosters inclusivity and well-being, earning national awards for her efforts. A former teacher, Linda introduced innovative sports programs, inspiring students of all abilities. Her initiatives, such as Clean Up Australia Day and the Biggest Morning Tea, blend health with community spirit. Linda’s dedication transforms lives, uniting people through fitness and shared purpose.
Dr. Yagiz Alp Aksoy
Dr. Yagiz Aksoy, founder of the Macquarie University Table Tennis Club, has transformed it into a community hub with over 200 members, including Olympians. His volunteer-driven leadership fosters inclusivity, affordability, and elite athlete development. Partnering with local schools and organisations, Dr. Aksoy promotes health and fitness across Ryde. His dedication has earned national recognition, cementing his legacy as a leader in sports and community wellness.
Environmental Citizen of the Year 2025
Anthony Butteriss
Anthony Butteriss, a devoted advocate for the natural environment, has championed conservation in the City of Ryde for over 15 years. As President and Grants Coordinator for the Friends of Lane Cove National Park, Anthony has led initiatives in bush regeneration, environmental education, and community engagement. He also coordinates River Ave Bushcare Group and National Tree Day events, fostering ecological preservation. His tireless efforts ensure the Lane Cove National Park remains a vital green space for the community.
Pamela Ward
Pamela Ward has championed Ryde’s natural environment for 35 years. A co-founder of The Habitat Community Nursery, Pamela oversees propagation, bushcare, and education initiatives. Her tireless work with the City of Ryde Bushcare Program and local festivals raises environmental awareness, while mentoring students and individuals with disabilities. Pamela’s dedication fosters ecological preservation and inspires future generations to protect Ryde’s biodiversity.
Conditions of Entry
Categories
Citizen of the Year 2025
Recognises outstanding service to the community over the last 5 years.
Young Citizen of the Year 2025
Recognises outstanding service to the community over the last 5 years by a young person aged 12 -25yrs.
Sportsperson of the Year 2025
Recognises outstanding service to the sporting community over the last 5 years.
Environmental Citizen of the Year 2025
Recognises the service to the community through environmental and sustainable practices which benefit the community.
The awards are open to all Australian citizens living in the City of Ryde. The Young Citizen of the Year Award is open to Australian citizens between the ages of 12 and 25 years (as at 20 January 2025). The awards are held under the auspices of the Australia Day Council of NSW and judging is conducted by a local selection panel. Winners are announced at Council’s Citizen of the year Awards Ceremony which will take place on Monday 20 January 2025.
How to Nominate
Carefully read the guidelines before nominating. Nominations close on Sunday 10 November 2024.
Complete and return the form attached or submit an online nomination.
In assessing a nomination, the judging panel may consider:
- achievements in the year immediately prior to the nomination of the Award, as well as consideration of the nominee’s past achievements, longevity of service and ongoing contribution to the City of Ryde
- broad community involvement
- the benefit to the community from the nominee’s service or contribution
- other recognition of the nominee's work
- whether the nominee worked as part of a team and their role within the team
- whether the nominee has had to overcome any particular challenges or hurdles
Nomination Guidelines
- Any individual who has made a noteworthy contribution to the City of Ryde during the current year and/or given outstanding service to the local community over a number of years shall be eligible
- Only nominations submitted on the approved nomination form or via the online web form will be accepted
- Nominations may be submitted by an individual or an organisation
- Young Citizen of the Year must be between 12 and 25 years of age as at 20 January 2025
- Previous Award recipients are eligible to be nominated again however only the contribution to the community since the last award will be considered during the judging process
- Unsuccessful nominees can be re-nominated in following years
- All Nominees must be residents of the City of Ryde
- Persons cannot nominate themselves
- Supporting written material and copies of other documents may be attached to the nomination form if desired
- The decision(s) of the judges are final, and no correspondence will be entered into
- The judging panel will consist of the Mayor or delegate of the City of Ryde, CEO or delegate of the City of Ryde and current Citizen of the Year.
- Current City of Ryde Staff and Councillors cannot be nominated for an award
- City of Ryde Staff and Councillors may nominate people in the community with the exception of members of the Judging panel.
- Nominations close at 12.00am (midnight) on Sunday 10 November 2024.
- Those selected as finalists should be available to attend the City of Ryde’s Citizen of the Year Awards Ceremony on Monday 20 January 2025 (inability to attend does not disqualify entry)
- Nomination information in relation to winners may be used for publicity purposes
- Winners may be asked to make themselves available without cost for publicity purposes
- Organisations or individuals can submit a maximum of 2 nominations per organisation
Photo Gallery
View photos from the 2024 Citizen of the Year Awards ceremony.
Contact us
For general enquiries regarding the Citizen of the Year Awards please contact community@ryde.nsw.gov.au.
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