Chris Vagg, the Australia Day ambassador for Campbelltown, neatly described the character of those who received awards this morning in Ingleburn.
“If you have a go, you’ll get a fair go,’’ he said during his address.
“Helping others is the way to go forward for Australia.’’
His speech preceded the presentation of citizen of the year awards by Mayor Darcy Lound.
It’s fair to say that all seven award categories went to Campbelltown residents who have a go – and have been doing so for a long time.
Maureen Lemalu, the 2026 Campbelltown Australia Day citizen of the year, covered her face in shock when her name was read out.
Ms Lemalu, who has lived in Campbelltown for 35 years, has been a long-term advocate for women’s wellness, paediatric care and community wellbeing, instigating and championing a range of programs to support people of all ages.
She has extended her leadership to support schools, charities and cultural groups in caring for the most vulnerable members of our community.
Ms Lemula founded the I’m Every Woman charity in 2023, which focuses on women’s wellness and paediatric care.
She has also dedicated 17 years to supporting 24-Hour Fight Against Cancer campaign and actively contributes to events such as Kids of Macarthur golf days, women’s luncheons and annual galas.
Nevin Johnson was named young citizen of the year for his exceptional leadership and commitment to the medicine industry in the Campbelltown area and beyond.
He has held a variety of roles with several bodies, including the NSW Medical Students Council, the Asian Medical Students Association, and Western Sydney University’s GP Student Network and WSU’s Opthalmology Society.
He also been involved in several other community initiatives, including being a member of Campbelltown’s Youth Action Team and volunteering with YACI and Vinnies.
Long-term Rotary Club member David Symonds was named senior citizen of the year for his tireless dedication to voluntary work in the Campbelltown community for more than 30 years.
He has also been involved in international exchanges through the Campbelltown-Koshiga Sister Cities Association.
Marsheal Walker received the sports award for her selfless dedication to softball in the Campbelltown region and beyond.
Ms Walker has spent more than three decades coaching and mentoring softball players, building confidence, teamwork and resilience in countless young athletes.
She has also held a variety of roles with the Ingleburn RSL Softball Club, Softball Campbelltown and the South West Sydney Academy of Sport, and coached teams at state level across multiple age groups.
Rotary Club of Ingleburn was named community group initiative of the year for their ongoing support of vulnerable members of the Campbelltown community, especially in the mental health and wellbeing space.
The club has served the community for almost 50 years with many initiatives, including the Pride of Worksmanship award, Student Service and Leadership awards and the Ingleminds Mental Health and Wellbeing committee.
Diana Mailata received the diversity and inclusion award for her dedicated advocacy for families with children with disabilities, fostering inclusion and empowerment.
Ms Mailata co-founded Hands on Hearts Macarthur and has undertaken tireless work for the Passfield Park Kids Incorporated.
Mark Keaton received the all abilities award for his advocacy and hands-on support to uplift and empower people in the disability community.
He has held several roles with NSW Physical Disability Rugby League, volunteers with the 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer Macarthur and other community initiatives.
Mayor of Campbelltown Darcy Lound praised everyone who was nominated for this year’s awards.
“Campbelltown and its residents are known for their community spirit and for giving back, so it’s fantastic to recognise these people who go above and beyond through this important awards program,” he said during his speech.
“I’d like to congratulate our winners and thank all the nominees and everyone who took the time to nominate them for their outstanding contributions to our city,” said Cr Lound, pictured below.
