Newcastle's local heroes were recognised at the 2026 Citizens of the Year awards on Tuesday January 27, with awards going to a cancer charity founder, a young cricket advocate, and two senior volunteers. Lord mayor Ross Kerridge praised the winners for their compassion, dedication and leadership, saying they strengthen the community in countless ways.
Peter Sleap, founder of Sleapy's Foundation, was named Citizen of the Year. Diagnosed with stage four throat cancer in 2009 and given six to 12 months to live, he started a footy fundraiser in 2010 that grew into a major charity. The foundation raised $250,000 at its annual Sleapy's Day event in the past year, supported over 160 local families, and helped build a courtyard at the John Hunter Hospital's Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. Sleap said he was overwhelmed and humbled, and credited his wife Robynn, who is also fighting cancer, as the heart of the foundation.
Alyssa Wharton, 22, received the Young Citizen of the Year award for her work in cricket. She stopped playing at 15 due to a lack of female pathways but returned as an umpire, becoming the only female umpire in the Newcastle Junior Cricket Association. She now serves as Cricket Blast Coordinator, advocates for junior girls' games, and pushes for better facilities through the Newcastle Cricket Association women's advisory group.
For the first time, two residents were named Senior Citizens of the Year. John Cross was honoured for his long-standing support for people experiencing homelessness, including helping Vietnam veteran Alwyn Craig find housing, medical care and reunite with his family after three decades of homelessness. Wanda McInnes-Fogg was recognised for her work at Zara's House supporting refugee resettlement in Newcastle.
