Citizen of the Year Awards, 2022

City of Ryde combined it's Citizen of the Year and Citizenship ceremonies.  They were held on the morning of the 26th January at Lachlan's Line Park, Macquarie Park, as part of it's Australia Day celebrations.

Citizen of the Year – Phillip Ward

Mr Ward has devoted his life to supporting local youth across the City of Ryde and improving the local environment.

He began teaching at Ryde East Public School in 1980 and retired in 2013, however, still volunteers at the school to assist with their environmental and music studies programs.

He has been an adult scout member for almost 50 years, having held numerous positions in the East Ryde Scout Group and supporting youth members of all ages during this time.

In addition, he helped create the Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre and was a founding member of the Hunters Hill Flora and Fauna Preservation Society. He regularly plants trees on National Tree Day and has managed a clean-up site for the past 25 years as part of Clean Up Australia Day.

Mr Ward also volunteers with the Ryde City Band and has played the bugle at numerous ANZAC and Remembrance Day services in the City of Ryde over many years.

Young Citizen of the Year - Kimberly Anne Spencer

The Ryde Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Kimberley Anne Spencer, who has volunteered for various local organisations and charities from a very young age.

Ms Spencer is a leader of the Eastwood Girl Guides in which she helps arrange activities for members each week and also volunteers with the Buddies program at Macquarie University where she supports international students.

She is also a regular volunteer at community events such as Clean Up Australia days and ANZAC commemoration services and has assisted with church services at St Therese Church in Denistone.

Special Commendation - Julie Hill

Disability advocate Julie Hill, meanwhile, received a City of Ryde Special Commendation. Ms Hill’s many achievements in the disability sector include helping establish the Royal Rehab Lifestyle Choir and being the volunteer camp director with Camp Quality NSW.