A tireless community advocate dedicated to supporting people in need in Parramatta and western Sydney has been recognised as Parramatta’s 2026 Citizen of the Year.
Moses Vedamuthu, Founder and President of Support Organisation for Homeless and Asylum Seekers (SOHAS Charity), was awarded at the annual Citizen of the Year awards ceremony tonight for his volunteer work supporting homeless people, asylum seekers, international students, migrants and elders across western Sydney.
Vedamuthu said being named Citizen of the Year was an extraordinary honour that motivates him to keep doing better and inspire others to follow suit.
“This is an honour that fills me with a sense of pride and purpose,” Vedamuthu said.
“I believe being a good citizen means taking responsibility for the wellbeing of my community and I have learned that my small deeds make big differences to people in need.
“The Citizen of the Year Award is significant to me because it represents the values that guide my involvement and contributions to the community – service, responsibility and a genuine commitment to make a positive difference.”
Vedamuthu was honoured during an Australia Day eve ceremony held at Parramatta Town Hall alongside fellow volunteers Isabelle Marie Nilon, who was named Young Citizen of the Year, Jenni Corsaro who was awarded Senior Citizen of the Year, and Westmead Private Hospital Volunteers took out the Community Group Award.
Isabelle Nilon, volunteer from North Rocks Carlingford Little Athletics, said she hopes the award inspires local young athletes to strive for what they want to achieve and encourages girls to be future volunteers too.
“This award sets an example for the North Rocks Carlingford Little Athletics girls group I coach and mentor,” Nilon said.
“This recognition should inspire older athletes in my club to consider volunteering, coaching and Committee roles, as I have done and to pass on their knowledge and experience to make a meaningful contribution to the next generation of Little Athletes.”
Jenni Corsaro, Senior Citizen of the Year said she choose to work with senior citizens in the Parramatta area because it personally gives her so much pleasure.
“I love seeing senior citizens blossom and make new friends while having a good time,” Corsaro said.
“I do this for me, as much as I do this for them, because I too am a senior and it keeps a smile on my face.
“This award means so much to me because it confirms I am doing something positive to improve the lives of local senior citizens, if only in a small way.”
The Westmead Private Hospital Volunteers who took out the Community Group of the Year Award said winning this award is incredibly meaningful for their hospital volunteer group.
“This reflects the countless hours our volunteers give each week to support patients, families and hospital staff, often during difficult and emotional times,” the group said.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter said these awards recognise the individuals and groups who exemplify everyday service, leadership and community spirit.
“The Citizen of the Year Awards recognise people who consistently dedicate their time, energy and compassion to make Parramatta a better place,” Zaiter said.
“This year’s recipients show that leadership comes in many forms and that small acts of service can have a powerful impact on our community.
“Congratulations to all the winners. Thank you for inspiring us all and strengthening our community. You make us proud.”
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.