2024 Local Celebration Award Winners with Mayor Todd Carney

Some of the region’s most enthusiastic, compassionate, and selfless residents were recognised for their contributions to the people and City of Penrith at the 2024 Local Celebration Awards on Thursday 25 July 2024.

More than 120 guests attended the event at the Western Sydney Conference Centre, including the honourees of the Local Celebration Awards: 

• Citizen of the Year is Troy Dodds, a champion of local stories and voices

• The Mayor’s Local Heroes for 2024: dedicated fundraiser and community organiser Mike Hicks, and inspirational volunteer Julie Parsons

• Young Citizen of the Year Jack Conroy, with a long list of sporting, academic and community achievements under his belt

• The three recipients of the Making a Difference – Community Service Award: the founder of Penrith Women’s Walk and Talk, Angela Lambros; valued volunteer at Mama Lana’s Community Foundation, Bailey Hand; and the founder of mental health charity Saving True Blues, Lucinda Harvey

The event also honoured 2024 recipients of the King’s Birthday Honours and Australia Day Honours, including:   

• Dr. Adrian Sheen OAM, who has dedicated his long career to family medicine and advocating for his profession

• Belinda Cashman PSM, who supports Aboriginal women in having a voice in achieving optimal outcomes for their communities

• Uncle Greg Simms OAM, an ambassador for respect and an activist for reconciliation

• Sister Janet Mary Woods OAM, recognised for services to secondary education and to the Catholic Church in Australia

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the Local Celebration Awards are an annual opportunity to celebrate the unsung heroes in our local community.

“This year’s award recipients contribute to our community through caring professions, by volunteering, and through leading by example
with optimism and personal resilience,” Cr Carney said.     

“None of these people do what they do for recognition, which makes it all the more meaningful to thank and uplift them in the Local Celebration Awards,” Cr Carney concluded.