27/01/2025
Five exceptional community members were recognised at Georges River Council’s Australia Day Awards at the Marana Auditorium, Hurstville on Saturday 26 January.
Nehal Nafcy (Hurstville), Fiona Jiang (Hurstville), Reginald Walker (Peakhurst), Tony Baddour (Hurstville), and Jennifer Parry (Mortdale) were honoured across four categories: Young Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Localability Citizen of the Year and Citizen of the Year.
Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg congratulated the award recipients: "I am incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding contributions of these individuals, who truly embody the spirit of service and community in Georges River.
Council also welcomed Georges River’s Australia Day Ambassador for 2025, Amar Hadid to assist with presenting winners with their awards. The 26-year-old female professional skateboarder was the recipient of a scholarship for skateboarding at the University of Sydney, the first of its kind in Australia.
“Each award recipient has shown unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others, whether through leadership, volunteering, or advocacy for inclusion and accessibility. Their hard work and dedication make our community stronger, and it is an honour to recognise them,” said the Mayor.
Young Citizen of the Year
Nehal Nafcy
Nehal Nafcy is a remarkable young leader who exemplifies the values of service, leadership, and dedication to the Georges River community. As a lifelong resident, Nehal has excelled academically, leading the UNSW Student Body as the longest-serving President, while mentoring students in their educational pursuits. Nehal’s leadership extends beyond academics—he founded an educational services business at 18, providing scholarships and support to students facing personal or financial challenges.
An accomplished athlete and mental health advocate, Nehal captained multiple sports teams and works with the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network to promote mental wellbeing. His role as Global Ambassador for the World Literacy Foundation highlights his commitment to tackling global issues like literacy, while locally, he contributes to causes such as the Red Cross, Clean Up Australia Day, and White Ribbon Day.
Nehal’s exceptional leadership, dedication to education, and advocacy for mental health make him a standout figure in the Georges River community.
Fiona Jiang
Fiona Jiang is an inspiring leader whose dedication to the community has made a profound impact. Through her work with youth, health organisations, and Georges River Council, Fiona has addressed critical issues like youth engagement, mental health, and cultural inclusion. She created the YouthExcel initiative, which helps local students with employment readiness and entrepreneurial pathways. Fiona has also worked with organisations such as the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) and headspace to improve mental health services for diverse communities.
As a Youth Consumer Representative, Fiona has worked to enhance mental health services for young people at headspace Hurstville and has led impactful projects, including Mental Health Month and Youth Week events. Fiona’s tireless efforts to raise awareness and support for marginalised groups have fostered inclusivity and equity in healthcare and community initiatives.
Fiona’s leadership, empathy, and commitment to systemic change have made her a role model for young people and a key figure in the Georges River community.
Volunteer of the Year
Reginald Walker
Reginald (Reg) Walker has been an invaluable volunteer and leader in the Georges River community for decades. A member of the Lions Club of Lugarno since 1996, Reg has served as Club President twice and has been an integral part of the Spring Festival Committee since 1997. He has helped organise events like Jazz in the Park, Christmas Carols, and Night Golf, all of which have become cherished traditions in the community.
Reg’s commitment to community service extends to his advocacy for the Autism Community Network and his tireless efforts to strengthen relationships between the Lions Club and local organisations. His work includes organising charity barbecues and building accessible garden beds to ensure inclusivity and support for all community members.
A recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Melvin Jones Fellow Award and the St George Senior Volunteer Award, Reg’s dedication to service and leadership continues to inspire and make a difference in the lives of many.
Reg’s unwavering dedication to service has touched countless lives and brought vibrancy to the community through his involvement with the Lions Club. His passion, leadership, and tireless efforts make him an outstanding candidate for the Volunteer of the Year Award, and a true cornerstone of our community.
Localability Citizen of the Year
Jennifer Parry
Jennifer Parry, born into a family with vision impairment, has faced and overcome numerous challenges throughout her life. Her experiences have shaped her resilience and determination to be treated equally, believing that despite not seeing the world in the same way as others, we are all connected through our shared humanity.
Jennifer’s passion for music allows her to inspire others and foster understanding through the universal language of song. She is dedicated to improving accessibility and inclusion for people of all abilities, working tirelessly to raise awareness and create more inclusive environments. Her efforts ensure that everyone has the opportunity to fully participate in society, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Jennifer’s advocacy for accessibility, combined with her passion for bringing joy to others through music, makes her a powerful force for positive change in the community.
Citizen of the Year
Tony Baddour
Tony Baddour has played a transformative role in revitalising the local business environment as President of Business Chamber South. Through his leadership, Tony introduced the “4 Pillars” strategic framework, which united local businesses with a shared vision for sustainable growth. His efforts have expanded the Chamber’s membership, fostered new partnerships, and ensured financial stability through successful sponsorship initiatives.
Tony’s leadershop has also led to groundbreaking projects such as the Southern Sydney Skills and Jobs Expo, which connected young people with local employers and supported youth employment. He was instrumental in organising a Gala Dinner Dinner in support of the Autism Community Network.
Tony’s respectful yet assertive advocacy style, combined with his ability to listen and engage with the community, has made him a respected leader and role model in the Georges River area.