SYDNEY ROTARY COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Honouring Extraordinary Contributions to Our Community
For generations, the Rotary Club of Sydney has recognised and celebrated outstanding Australians whose selfless efforts have enriched our communities. These annual awards reflect Rotary’s enduring commitment to service, integrity, and the belief that one individual or organisation can make a lasting difference.
We are proud to extend the reach of our Community Service Awards to recognise individuals and organisations across Greater Sydney—from Newcastle to Wollongong, and west to Lithgow. This initiative offers a unique opportunity to honour those who are quietly driving change—people and groups whose efforts uplift, support, and strengthen our communities.
Call for Nominations
We invite you to nominate individuals or organisations you believe embody the spirit of community service. If you know someone whose impact deserves to be recognised, please send your nomination to office@sydneyrotary.com, including:
- Name of the individual or organisation
- Contact details for the nominee or key representative
- Relevant background, links, or references
- A clear description of their contributions and why they are deserving of this recognition
Incomplete nominations will not be processed.
Nominations will be reviewed by the Community Service Awards Committee. Due diligence will be conducted confidentially for all finalists. While nominators will be contacted as a courtesy, the committee’s deliberations will remain private. Eligible but unselected nominations may be carried forward for consideration in future years.
Award Categories & Criteria
Category 1 – Individual (Community Champion)
- Demonstrated long-term, voluntary service with a significant local impact
- Contributions not part of their normal professional role
- A minimum of five years of service
- Limited or no remuneration for their community work
- Not previously recognised with major honours such as an OAM for the same work
Category 2 – Organisation
Applies the same criteria as above, recognising community-focused organisations that have delivered sustained benefit over time
Category 3 – Distinguished Public Leader
A high-profile Australian who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the community beyond their formal role. This individual will be invited to address the Rotary Club of Sydney at the award presentation
Please note: One, two, or all three categories may be awarded each year at the discretion of the Committee and Club Board.
Join the Selection Committee
Members of the Rotary Club of Sydney who are interested in serving on the Community Service Awards Selection Committee are encouraged to express their interest by emailing president@sydneyrotary.com. The Chair of the Committee will be selected by its members.
For more information or to submit your nomination, please contact:
- office@sydneyrotary.com
Let us celebrate those who lead with compassion, act with courage, and serve without expectation.
Recipients of the Rotary Club of Sydney Community Service Award
| 2007 | Sister Clare Nolan |
| 2008 | Rev Bill Crews AM |
| 2008 | Elaine Henry (Smith Family) |
| 2009 | Jack Health (Inspire Foundation) |
| 2011 | Diana Mahony (Children's Medical Research Institute (CMRI), Westmead Hospital) |
| 2013 | Susan Belling (Girl Guides Australia) |
| 2014 | Anne Knight (Rape & Domestic Violence Services Australia; Girl Guides NSW & ACT) |
| 2015 | John Brogden AM |
| 2016 | Dr Jamal Rifi |
| 2022 | Freny Ardeshir (Sydney Food Share) |
| 2025 |
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