The City of Ryde has honoured its 2025 Citizens of the Year in a special ceremony held at North Ryde Golf Club on 20 January, with Young Citizen of the Year Rajmallan Thiagarajan recognised for their exceptional contributions to the community.
Rajmallan, a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, was awarded for their inspiring leadership in raising $45,000 for leukemia research through the World’s Greatest Shave at Epping Boys High School.
As a Youth Ambassador, Rajmallan has worked tirelessly to promote anti-racism, expand cultural exchange programs, and mentor their peers, making a profound impact on the local community.
Other award winners included community leader Nora Etmekdjian, named Citizen of the Year for her two decades of service in growing community events and preserving heritage; Sportsperson of the Year Linda Ham, recognised for her work in inclusive community fitness programs; and Pamela Ward, awarded Environmental Citizen of the Year for her 35 years of ecological preservation.
City of Ryde Mayor Trenton Brown expressed pride in the awardees, saying,
“Nora, Rajmallan, Linda, and Pamela have made extraordinary contributions, embodying leadership, inclusivity, and sustainability. Their dedication inspires us all to make Ryde a better place.”
The City of Ryde, n the Northern Sydney region, in New South Wales, continues to celebrate individuals from all walks of life who contribute to the community, from business leaders to youth workers, reflecting the diversity and spirit that make Ryde a vibrant place to live.
Support Our Journalism
The global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today—with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors—is doing just that. Sustaining this requires support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon
