Canberra Citizen of the Year
The Canberra Citizen of the Year Award recognises people who have made a large contribution to the Canberra community. The award promotes and fosters a sense of civic pride. Our Canberra Citizen encourages others to give back to our community.
The award was first introduced in 1989, continuing a tradition started by The Canberra Times.
Who you can nominate
You can nominate anyone who is making a significant contribution to the Canberra community. They could be a person who goes above and beyond to help those in need. Or someone who excels in their field and inspires others.
The person needs to be an Australian Citizen living in the ACT. If you don't know if they're a citizen, you can mention this in the nomination form.
If you know of someone in our community who inspires you, we encourage you to submit a nomination.
How to nominate
If you can, check the nominee is an Australian Citizen.
To nominate online:
- Include examples of the nominee's contributions.
- Include contact details for the nominee and a referee, if possible.
- Submit your nomination before the close date.
2026 Canberra Citizen
Ms Tendayi Ganga is recognised for her dedication and contribution to women’s empowerment through her leadership of Born to Shine.
In 2019, Ms Ganga founded Born To Shine, a not‑for‑profit organisation that supports women through mentoring, skills development, financial empowerment and family‑focused community events. She builds meaningful connections with women, encouraging them to embrace their confidence and realise their potential. Through her ability to facilitate open and supportive conversations on challenging topics, she creates safe spaces and fosters a purpose‑driven community.
In 2025, Born To Shine hosted its first Mother–Daughter Event Against Domestic Violence, a community initiative designed to spark meaningful conversations and raise awareness about domestic violence.
From keynote speeches to grassroots workshops, Ms Ganga continues to support women and girls to overcome barriers and pursue their aspirations.
Contact us
Honours and Awards team
Let us answer your question by phone or email.
Call
(02) 6205 0076