In a heartwarming celebration of selflessness and community spirit, Cumberland City Council is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Local Citizen of the Year Awards. The awards highlight individuals and groups whose dedication has made an extraordinary impact across Cumberland.

Cumberland City Council is proud to announce Miss Anika Shinde as the recipient of the 2025 Local Young Citizen of the Year Award. A passionate advocate for social change, Anika is making a significant impact on her community through her involvement in the Merrylands Youth Centre’s Uncensored Podcast and her dedication to promoting positive change. Anika joins other young females in sharing relatable experiences and reliable information to raise awareness and engage with the community through various social media platforms.

Anika’s mission is to empower young people, challenge societal stigmas, and raise awareness about important social issues. Through the Uncensored Podcast, she and other young women share their relatable experiences and provide reliable information to help engage and uplift the local community. Her work on various social media platforms not only amplifies her voice but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for others to get involved in their communities.

The standout honourees also include:

• Local Citizen of the Year – Mr. Sriram Venugopal: For over five years, Sriram has selflessly volunteered with Support Organisation for Homeless and Asylum Seekers (SOHAS), providing essential grocery deliveries to those in need, including the elderly, refugees, victims of domestic violence, and international students. His commitment has transformed countless lives in the Cumberland community.
• Local Senior Citizen of the Year – Mrs. Sue Roper: Sue’s tireless work with community organisations like Cumberland RSL Sub-branch and Meals on Wheels has helped reduce social isolation, ensuring that elderly and vulnerable individuals receive the support and companionship they need. Her contributions have made a lasting difference in the lives of many.
• Sportsperson of the Year – Mr. Hakan Aslan: A pillar of the Auburn Football Club, Hakan dedicates his time as a coach and mentor, ensuring young athletes are supported both on and off the field. Beyond his coaching, Hakan demonstrated incredible compassion after a senior player’s sudden passing by setting up a GoFundMe to support the grieving family, going above and beyond for a fellow community member in need.