The Blue Mountains community came together last night at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre in Katoomba to celebrate the 2025 Blue Mountains Local Citizen of the Year Awards, recognising residents whose dedication and service make the region stronger.
Around 60 people attended the event, including nominees, their guests and Councillors. Deputy Mayor, Romola Hollywood presented the awards on behalf of the Mayor, while guests enjoyed light refreshments and live music from local artist Isaac Grouse.
Blue Mountains Mayor, Mark Greenhill said the awards recognise people whose generosity and commitment enrich the local community.
“Each year our community celebrates the achievements and contributions of residents who are role models for us all,” Cr Greenhill said.
“They inspire us through their achievements and challenge us to make our own contributions to create a better Blue Mountains and a better Australia.
“Every nominee has made an indelible mark on our community, and their contributions help make the Blue Mountains an extraordinary place to live.”
Thirteen nominees were recognised across the three award categories: Senior Citizen of the Year, Community Achievement of the Year and Citizen of the Year.
The 2025 Senior Citizen of the Year award was presented to Christine “Erst” Carmichael for her decades of advocacy, volunteering and community leadership across environmental and social justice initiatives.
The 2025 Community Achievement of the Year award was presented to Farm It Forward, led by Emmanuela “Manu” Prigioni, in recognition of the project’s work bringing people together through community gardening, food security and youth engagement.
The 2025 Citizen of the Year award was presented to Jocelyn Williams for her long-standing contribution to community wellbeing and inclusion, including founding the Bush Lemons community group and supporting LGBTQIA+ initiatives and events across the Blue Mountains.
Cr Greenhill thanked the nominees for their dedication to community life. “We know you don’t do it for awards or recognition – you do it because you want to make a difference,” he said.
“The Blue Mountains is fortunate to have such generous and committed people helping to strengthen our community.”
