The City of Canada Bay has announced the recipients of its 2024 Citizen of the Year Awards.
"These awards celebrate the incredible contributions of individuals who go above and beyond to make our community a better place. The 2024 Citizens of the Year embody the spirit of generosity, dedication, and service that makes the City of Canada Bay such a vibrant and welcoming community."
This year Superintendent Christine McDonald was awarded the 2024 Citizen of the Year Award. Other residents honoured at the ceremony included Young Citizen of the Year: Kate Barry; Arts and Culture Citizen of the Year: Fausto Biviano and Sports Citizen of the Year: Peter Johnston.
“It’s an honour to recognise their efforts and thank them for their outstanding contributions to the City of Canada Bay," Mayor Megna said.
2024 Citizen of the Year – Superintendent Christine McDonald
Local Drummoyne resident Superintendent Christine McDonald has dedicated over two decades of service to the NSW Police Force, making significant contributions across a range of roles. Since joining in 2001, she has served in general duties and criminal investigation roles at Lake Illawarra, Bega, Fairfield, and Wetherill Park. In 2009, she joined the Sex Crimes Squad, managing high-profile sexual abuse and child abuse investigations.
In 2013, Superintendent McDonald was seconded to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, earning promotion to Detective Sergeant. She continued her progression with key leadership roles, including Investigations Manager and Crime Manager at Newtown Local Area Command, and Human Resources Manager for the Central Metropolitan Region.
Her expertise in managing major events came to the forefront during her time at the Marine Area Command, where she coordinated on-water responses for New Year’s Eve, Invictus Games, and other high-profile events.
In 2022, she became Chief of Staff to Commissioner Karen Webb, becoming the first female to hold this role in NSW Police history.
We have seen first Superintendent McDonald’s dedication to community-based policing and proactive crime prevention.
Since her appointment in early 2024 her commitment to community engagement has contributed significantly to the safety and well-being of residents in the Canada Bay LGA.
Through her leadership, the Burwood Police Area Command has advanced initiatives focused on building trust, collaboration, and public safety. Her approach to engaging with the community and addressing their concerns continues to make a meaningful difference for our residents and community members.
2024 Young Citizen of the Year - Kate Barry
Kate Barry is a 17-year-old Drummoyne resident commencing Year 12 at PLC Sydney. With an impressive CV, Kate is no stranger to the stage.
She’s a Young Ambassador for Belvoir St Theatre Company, a member of the Youth Advisory Board for the Australian Theatre for Young People and has been actively involved in a range of arts and public speaking programs since a young age.
Kate was selected as the Youth Member for Drummoyne at NSW Parliament in 2024, where, as part of the Arts and Culture committee, she advocated for more youth representation and funding for the Arts. Kate placed equal third in Australia at the Australian Individual Public Speaking and Debating Competition in 2024 and will represent Australia in Malaysia at the World Series in March.
She won 2024 district Rostrum Voice of Youth, and is an active member of PLC theatre sports program, encouraging others to get involved in a range of public speaking and drama programs and mentoring and coaching younger students.
In addition to Kate’s involvement in the Arts, she’s also a young entrepreneur. Her business Scrunchie Munchies was started when Kate was just 11, and is now in its seventh year. She’s diversified her range and won awards giving her a platform to champion entrepreneurial thinking and encourage young people to enter business.
2024 Arts & Culture Citizen of the Year – Fausto Biviano
Born in 1955 in Filicudi, one of Italy’s Aeolian Islands, Fausto Biviano migrated to Australia in 1964 at the age of nine. Settling in the Canada Bay area, he has proudly called our community home ever since.
Fausto’s professional journey began and ended at Mediterranean House Five Dock, where he worked from 1971 until its closure in 2018. Over his career, he actively supported numerous cultural charities and organisations, often volunteering as an MC and providing financial assistance to various causes.
Since retiring, Fausto has continued his dedication to community service and to the cultural life of Canada Bay. He serves as the Executive Director of the Canada Bay Club and has proudly resumed his role as President of Associazione Isole Eolie, where he has been a board member for over 25 years.
He is also actively involved with the Fr Attanasio Charitable Fund, the Ferragosto Committee, the Children’s Medical Research Institute Strathfield Committee, and more. Notably, he was instrumental in organising the creation of Piazza Eolie in Five Dock, a lasting tribute to the Aeolian Islands.
Through decades of service, whether raising $225,000 with the Dine & Dance for a Cure committee or fostering cultural connections, Fausto Biviano remains deeply committed to supporting our local community.
2024 Sports Citizen of the Year – Peter Johnston
Peter has been a dedicated member of the West Harbour Rugby Club for over 12 years, serving both on and off the field. His contributions span a wide range of roles, including committee member, president of the West Harbour Juniors for three years, and club captain. Beyond these formal roles, Peter has made a lasting impact through his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and community wellbeing.
In 2023, Peter was instrumental in establishing the first All Abilities Rugby Union program and match in New South Wales. This initiative, now an annual event, provides opportunities for adults living with disabilities to participate in the sport. His work with the "Let’s Get Going" program further highlights his dedication to using sport as a tool for empowerment and inclusion.
Peter has also organised fundraisers supporting individuals living with cystic fibrosis, collaborating with local organisations such as CF Together and the Sydney Children’s Hospital. Additionally, he has championed mental health initiatives within the rugby community, promoting the importance of positive mental wellbeing.
Peter’s contributions are driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact. His passion and dedication exemplify the spirit and all the best attributes of community sport in the City of Canada Bay.
