A record number of nominations were received for City of Palmerston’s 2025 Australia Day Awards

A record number of nominations were received for this year’s Palmerston Australia Day Awards, as more than 30 newly-minted Aussies are recognised at its ceremony. See who the winners were.

City of Palmerston hosted the nominees of the 2025 Palmerston Australia Day Awards at an event last week, ahead of Sunday's awards ceremony. Photo: City of Palmerston Facebook

A record number of nominations were received for this year’s Palmerston Australia Day Awards, as more than 30 newly-minted Australian citizens from 12 countries were recognised at its ceremony.

City of Palmerston on Sunday hosted its annual citizenship and awards ceremony, which saw friends, families, government officials and local and community leaders come together to witness 30 conferees officially become Australian citizens.

Three awards – Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year – were also on offer, with a record-breaking number of nominations received.

Rodney Greenwood was awarded Citizen of the Year for his leadership, community spirit and unwavering dedication as president of the Palmerston Raiders Rugby League Football Club.

Since 2019, Mr Greenwood has increased Palmerston Raiders Club membership by 56 per cent and established a successful women’s team.

Yoland Kanyai was awarded Young Citizen of the Year for her work with community organisations including Vibrant Diverse Cultures, Football without Borders and Rotaract NT Young Professionals.

Community Event of the Year went to Palmerston NAIDOC Committee Elders Lunch, which was held on July 10, 2024.

Arranged by the NAIDOC Committee and funded by Grassroots Action Palmerston, the event brought together 100 First Nations Elders from across the community and encouraged connection and belonging through shared stories.

City of Palmerston Mayor, Athina Pascoe-Bell, said the awards were a great way to thank people for their contributions.

“We extend a warm welcome to our newest citizens and congratulate our award winners and all those who were nominated,” she said.

“The commitment and dedication of all our award winners across each of the categories is remarkable.

“The prestigious Palmerston Australia Day Awards give us the chance to publicly thank the people in Palmerston who go above and beyond to make such a valuable contribution to our community.”

For more information about the Palmerston Australia Day Award winners, visit palmerston.nt.gov.au

Originally published as A record number of nominations were received for City of Palmerston’s 2025 Australia Day Awards