Newcastle has proudly honoured its 2026 Citizens of the Year, with a passionate young athlete, a stage-four cancer survivor, and dedicated Novocastrians supporting the region's most vulnerable residents receiving accolades for their unwavering compassion and leadership.
Local Heroes Celebrated at Prestigious Awards Ceremony
The Newcastle Citizens of the Year awards ceremony was held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, where community members were applauded for their significant contributions. Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge emphasised that the award winners' dedication and compassion have profoundly strengthened the Newcastle community in countless ways.
Citizen of the Year: Peter Sleap's Inspiring Charity Journey
Peter Sleap, founder of the Sleapy's Foundation charity, was named Citizen of the Year for his remarkable work delivering financial relief and practical programs to cancer patients and their families. What began as a footy fundraiser in 2010 has evolved into a substantial charity effort over 16 years.
Mr Sleap, diagnosed with stage-four throat cancer in 2009 and given only six to twelve months to live, survived through radiation and chemotherapy. Friends from the Souths Rugby League community rallied to raise funds for his medical expenses, inspiring him to give back.
In the past year alone, Sleapy's Foundation raised $250,000 at its annual Sleapy's Day event, supported over 160 local families, and led a project to establish a courtyard at the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at John Hunter Hospital. Mr Sleap credited his wife, Robynn Sleap, who is currently battling cancer, as the heart of the foundation and his personal inspiration.
Young Citizen of the Year: Alyssa Wharton Champions Women's Cricket
Alyssa Wharton, aged 22, was awarded Young Citizen of the Year for her leadership in mentoring young female cricket players and advocating for better facilities. After stopping cricket at age 15 due to limited opportunities for girls, she returned to the sport and now serves as the only female umpire in the Newcastle Junior Cricket Association and as Cricket Blast Coordinator.
Ms Wharton has pushed for junior girls' games and joined the Newcastle Cricket Association women's advisory group, working to ensure welcoming and well-resourced spaces for future players. She highlighted the need for improved local facilities, noting that many grounds lack basic amenities or fail to meet modern standards.
Senior Citizens of the Year: Dual Honours for Community Support
For the first time, two Newcastle residents were jointly awarded Senior Citizen of the Year. John Cross was recognised for his long-standing support of people experiencing homelessness, notably helping Vietnam veteran Alwyn Craig find housing, medical care, and family reunification after three decades on the streets.
Wanda McInnes-Fogg was honoured for her role at Zara's House, supporting refugee resettlement in Newcastle. Over five years as secretary and public officer, she has created skills and employment pathways for refugee women and coordinated a bilingual early education program, fostering an atmosphere of social inclusion and friendship.
Community Group of the Year: Jenny's Place Provides Safe Haven
The women's refuge Jenny's Place was named Community Group of the Year for its nearly 50-year commitment to assisting women and children experiencing domestic violence and homelessness. CEO Dawn Walker emphasised the organisation's focus on healing, not just survival, and thanked the city for its support over the decades.
Lord Mayor Kerridge described Jenny's Place as a pillar of the Newcastle community, offering a safe haven and hope to thousands of women.
Hunter Region Residents Also Recognised
Across the Hunter region, other remarkable residents were celebrated for their community efforts:
- Muswellbrook Citizen of the Year: Michelle O'Hara, a Meals on Wheels Denman volunteer, for years of service to older and vulnerable residents.
- Upper Hunter Shire Council Citizen of the Year: Gail Allen, an active member of the Scone and District Cancer Support Group since 2011.
- Dungog Shire Council Citizens of the Year: Gillian Finch, founding member of the Clarence Town Opportunity Shop, and Annette Ellicott from Paterson Meals on Wheels and the Red Cross.
- Singleton Citizen of the Year: School teacher and NSW State Emergency Service volunteer Tim Merrick.
- Maitland Citizen of the Year: Former teacher, committed Rotarian, and Maitland Healthstays chair Trevor Lynch.
These awards highlight the profound impact of local heroes across Newcastle and the Hunter region, whose selfless work continues to strengthen and uplift their communities.
