Media Release
Sydney Awards to celebrate “local heroes” who make our city the best in the world
16 July, 2021

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Matt Levinson
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The Committee for Sydney today launches the inaugural Sydney Awards to recognise and applaud those who drive change, push boundaries and contribute to Sydney as one of the world’s leading cities.

Former Premier Mike Baird AO, CEO of HammondCare and a member of the Sydney Awards judging panel, said Sydneysiders had shown great resilience through the pandemic – a quality that will be honoured in the new Awards.

“Covid has challenged our city, but we are determined to come out on top,” he said.

“That’s the Sydney spirit that I see daily, at work and in my community. At this time, while we work through lockdown and rise again, this is a great moment to reflect on the positives – there is actually a lot to celebrate.

“My experience over the years has allowed me to get to know much about our city and I’m looking forward to seeing who Sydneysiders think are our local heroes. There is no shortage of worthy candidates.”

With the support of Major Partner Newgate Communications, the first ever annual Sydney Awards will recognise achievements of individuals, groups or organisations across five categories:

  • Global Sydney Award: Celebrating a significant contribution to elevating Sydney’s position as a leading world city and boosting our global competitiveness. Proudly supported by Investment NSW.
  • City Visionary: Celebrating impact on the evolution of Sydney’s physical environment. Proudly supported by Mirvac Design.
  • Western Sydney Champion: Celebrating a significant contribution to Sydney’s engine room – Western Sydney.
  • Emerging Leader: Celebrating an up-and-coming Sydney leader under 30 years of age.
  • Unsung Hero: Celebrating those who go under the radar and help make Sydney the best city in the world. Proudly supported by Coles.

Ann Sherry AO, one of Australia’s top business leaders, said she was delighted to be a judge for the inaugural Sydney Awards.

“There are so many wonderful people contributing to the fabric of our city – across the built environment, arts, education, government, tech and community services,” she said.

“I’m thrilled to be involved with this new program that’s about celebrating the champions of our city – and shining a light on achievements that don’t necessarily get the recognition they deserve.”

“As a Committee for Sydney Life Member and former board member, I jumped at the chance to participate on the inaugural judging panel.”

The Sydney Awards judging panel is made up of eminent and experienced Sydneysiders, people who are passionate about the city and know it well:

  • Ann Sherry AO, one of Australia’s top business leaders
  • Mike Baird AO, CEO HammondCare, former NSW Premier
  • Wesley Enoch AM, Director and former Sydney Festival Artistic Director
  • Cameron Adams, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer, Canva
  • Sara Mansour, Co-Director Bankstown Poetry Slam and lawyer Allens
  • Cameron Adams, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer, Canva
  • Brian Tyson, CFS Director and Managing Partner Newgate Communications

Gabriel Metcalf, CEO of the Committee for Sydney, said the new Awards program could not be more timely: “It’s time to put your thinking caps on and get ready to nominate high achievers and people who have gone under the radar. This is an opportunity to say thanks to the people who make Sydney the city we all love.”

Brian Tyson, Newgate Managing Partner and Committee for Sydney Director, said: “As someone who has been involved in the CFS and many of its campaigns over 20 years, Newgate is delighted to support what we are confident will become a much-celebrated annual event to shine a light on the best and brightest from one of the world’s truly great cities.”

For interviews, contact Matt Levinson: 0499 319 385 matt@sydney.org.au

Notes: The Committee for Sydney is the peak advocacy and urban policy think tank for Greater Sydney. We are advocates for the whole of Sydney, developing pragmatic and innovative solutions to the most important problems we face. We are funded by a group of Sydney’s leading corporations, government departments and cultural institutions. Our goal is to make Sydney the best city in the world.

Key dates:

  • Nominations open: Wednesday 14 July – Wednesday 4 August 2021
  • Award presentation – Thursday 16 September