A long-serving Chester Hill community leader, an inspirational young cadet, a tireless volunteer in the Lebanese community, a selfless non-profit charity and a local environmental champion have been honoured with Australia Day Awards in Canterbury-Bankstown today.

The five award recipients were recognised, and 21 new citizens officially welcomed to the City, at a special ceremony in the Bryan Brown Theatre hosted by Mayor Khal Asfour as well as Australia Day Ambassador and 2GB announcer John Stanley.

“Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients as they have shown what it means to be outstanding citizens of Canterbury-Bankstown,” Mayor Asfour said.

“These people are our community’s unsung heroes. They do a fantastic job but don’t seek recognition and are an inspiration to us all.

“Today is our chance to say a big thank you.”

The recipients of the 2021 Canterbury-Bankstown Australia Day Awards are:

• Citizen of the Year – Dale Donadel who for 20 years has not only managed Chester Hill Neighbourhood Centre but has reinvented the centre, increasing its capability and raising it to a Centre of Excellence.
• Young Citizen of the Year – Lachlan Hyde is an outstanding young person and a member of the Australian Air League Squadron, second in Command. He is a selfless and tireless individual, always volunteering in the community for the betterment of others.
• Volunteer of the Year – Salim Diab is the President of St Charbel's Youth Association. He is a dedicated member and leader; serving at masses and leading the Youth Association throughout the challenges of the pandemic.
• Community Organisation of the Year – Lighthouse Community Support is a not-for-profit charity, engaging with the community to support families and students in need. It runs a range of youth leadership and mentoring programs and also offers support for domestic violence victims.
• Jack Munday Environment and Heritage Award – Peter Stevens exemplifies everything about being an environmental champion. On joining the Wolli Creek Preservation Society (WCPS) 17 years ago, he launched a bush regeneration group and works tirelessly to increase awareness of sustainable practices that have a positive impact on bushland, water quality and ecological communities.