Media Release David Gonski AC has been named Sydneysider of the Year for 2026 at the annual Sydney Awards.
Originally from South Africa, Gonski moved to Sydney when he was seven years old – a move he says has shaped his work ethic, sense of self and approach to life.
“Although I was a very young and indeed fortunate immigrant, the move had an enormous effect on me,” he said.
“Each day I feel as though I’ve got to prove myself and, I know at the end of each day I probably haven’t done as well as I should have. I attribute that very strongly to our immigration.”
Gonski’s parents brought him and his siblings to Australia for a better life, with education at the centre of that.
“I see education as incredibly important. My family is proof of the actual advantage of education because, although my father was not allowed to bring much money with him to Australia, he was allowed to bring his skills as a brain surgeon. Because of that he had mobility in the world and the ability to do well in Australia.”
“I’ve always seen that as the power of education – that although someone may not start with much, education can give them the ability to build their way up. I hope a lot of others have that opportunity too.”
Beyond education, Gonski’s career has spanned decades and industries, including business, the arts and philanthropy. Often referred to as the ‘chair of everything,’ Gonski has led UNSW, Barrenjoey Capital Partners, Sydney Airport, Art Gallery of NSW, ANZ, Levande Living, Sydney Theatre Company, Investec and Coca-Cola Amatil, among many others.
The Committee for Sydney’s Sydneysider of the Year Award celebrates an individual who has had a truly city-shaping impact on Sydney.
Eamon Waterford, CEO of the Committee for Sydney, said: “Every child and young person in Sydney’s education has been shaped by David’s commitment. While he’s well known for his business acumen, his impact has touched far more industries and people than most of us realise.”
“That’s what Sydneysider of the Year is all about – the work that sometimes goes unseen but, over time, transforms Sydney for the better. David is absolutely the person for this award.”
Professor Leonie Tickle, Executive Dean of Macquarie Business School, said: “David Gonski’s contribution to Australian education is profound and enduring. The Gonski Review fundamentally reshaped the national conversation about equity in education, and its impact has been felt by generations of Australian students. His leadership has helped make fairness and opportunity in education a national priority.”
Gonski sees his role as helping others to get from A to B.
“I think there’s always another train to get onto – a new excitement – that’s the wonderful thing about life. I can’t believe in my life that I was allowed to be involved in the administration of health, having decided not to follow my father into medicine. I’ve been allowed to be involved in the arts; I couldn’t draw for nuts. I’ve been allowed to be involved in education, and I’ve never been a school teacher.”
“All of this makes me think that there’s always something new coming and it’s terribly exciting. And I’ll tell you what, I won’t be available to drive trains when I’m not excited like I am now about new opportunities.”
Designed to celebrate people whose efforts make Sydney the greatest city in the world, there are six categories: Sydneysider of the Year, Young Sydneysider of the Year, Project of the Year, Local Project of the Year, Unsung Hero and the People’s Choice.
The judging panel for the awards included:
- The Hon. Prue Car MP, Deputy Premier of NSW
- Kellie Sloane MP, Leader of the Opposition
- Zac McLean, Head of News, The Daily Telegraph
- Prof. Leonie Tickle, Executive Dean, Macquarie Business School
- Susan Wheeldon, Country Manager, Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, Airbnb
- Kerry Robinson OAM, CEO, Blacktown City Council
- Shaun Christie-David, Founder & CEO, Plate it Forward
- Karen Bevan, CEO, Full Stop Australia.
The Sydney Awards are supported by major partner Macquarie Business School, media partner The Daily Telegraph, and event sponsors Aqualand, Architectus, EY, Sydney Airport and Lime.