A South Sudanese refugee who founded a basketball club that has engaged Western Sydney youth and produced talent for the Sydney Kings has been named Blacktown City’s Citizen of the Year.
Mayor Chagai, the founder of the Savannah Pride club, was one of the winners at Blacktown City Council’s Australia Day Awards at Blacktown Civic Centre today.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said the winners, from a wide range of backgrounds, were recognised through the Blacktown City Australia Day Awards, which shine a spotlight on local people whose leadership and service have changed lives and helped shape the future of Blacktown and Western Sydney.
“Each of our winners has in their own way helped other people enjoy the gifts and freedoms we have in this country,” he said.
“The Blacktown City community is a great example of people from different places and cultures who come together as Australians and lift each other up.”
Mr Chagai was born in wartorn South Sudan and discovered basketball in a Kenyan refugee camp before coming to Sydney.
A successful basketball coach, he has proven a mentor by encouraging academic achievement through his “No Study, No Play” policy and inclusivity regardless of background or skill level.
Savannah Pride has helped change lives and is an important part of the PCYC Mount Druitt program, the Council said in a statement.
Other Blacktown City Australia Day Award recipients were:
- Senior Citizen of the Year – Kerri Meyer-Gleaves
Kerri has been a guide leader at Blacktown District Girl Guides for about 50 years. She has dedicated her time in assisting with Guides events and fundraisers, including domestic and international jamborees.
- Young Citizen of the Year – Jamison Dustin
A former Blacktown City Council Youth Ambassador, Jamison has helped give a voice to the young people of the area. As a member of the Australian Air League, City of Blacktown Squadron, Jamison was named Air League Federal Cadet of the Year.
- Environmental Citizen of the Year – Robert Kefford
Robert has been working for years improving the landscape and grounds of Duncan Park at Seven Hills. He dedicates most mornings to making the park a beautiful space that people and animals can enjoy.
- Community Group of the Year – 202 Blacktown Army Cadet Unit
Run by volunteers, the unit prides itself on being one of the largest in Australia and instils national pride and discipline in young people.
- Community Event of the Year – Hindu Council of Australia
The Deepavali Festival at Blacktown Showground has gone from strength to strength and attracted about 20,000 people last year. It includes cultural performances, traditional cuisine and light displays.
Watch Mayor Chagai speaking about what Australia means to him (after gaining citizenship in 2025): https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1ErxnhJZm9.
