Four nominees were awarded at a special ceremony on Australia Day to mark their significant contribution in the community.
Ku-ring-gai Council annually host the Ku-ring-gai Local Citizen of the Year Awards to recognise groups and individuals. The 2025 ceremony was held on the 26th of January at Knox Grammar.
The Mayor’s Award for an Outstanding Contribution by a Community Group was presented to the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter. HKWS delivers respite and a safe environment for women fleeing domestic violence, helping to empower those in crisis by providing access to financial advice, outreach services, counselling, and other essential services.
Ku-ring-gai’s Environmental Citizen of the Year was awarded to Sofia Zvolanek for her volunteering efforts with Birdlife Australia’s Powerful Owl Project, her wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, and being a 2023 was a finalist for the Nature Conservation Council ‘Rising Star’ award. Sofia has recorded 2,224 species and has made 154,535 identifications across her online platform Inaturalist.
The Young Citizen of the Year award was presented to former Ku-ring-gai High School student Matthew Hayes. With a keen interest in politics, public transport, and advocacy for young people with disabilities, Matthew began volunteering at the Sydney Tramway Museum after leaving school and is active on his Youtube channel Aheadmatthewawesome. Matthew was elected to be the Youth Member for Wahroonga in the NSW Youth Parliament and was elected by his peers to the position of Youth Deputy Premier.
Ku-ring-gai 2025 Citizen of the Year was awarded to Madeliene Steel for her work setting up organisation Empowering Parents in Crisis (EPIC). In 2024, EPIC facilitated 1065 connections, supported over 700 people through their phone helpline, hosted 29 workshops and forums, and organised 24 community walks.
‘These awards are a great way for our community to thank and recognise these special people,’ said Mayor Christine Kay. ‘Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all the many hundreds of other volunteers who work round the clock to help the people of Ku-ring-gai.’