Julia Goff was named as Hurstville’s 2016 Citizen of the Year at the Australia Day Awards. Hurstville Young Citizen of the Year Award is Philip Chan and Young Sportsperson of the Year Award is Matthew Dufty Mayor Vince Badalati  said Julia Goff had dedicated many thousands of hours volunteering in the Hurstville community and was an outstanding example of a local citizen.  “Julia has volunteered her time for many local community organisations including Lugarno Public School, Peakhurst South Public School, St Joseph’s Primary School, Peakhurst High School and Georges River Cricket Club,” Councillor Badalati said. “Julia is the first to put up her hand for fundraising opportunities that help the club and to assist in any way she can for the benefit of the club. "The ongoing dedication Julia exemplifies is a real testament to her spirit of giving and commitment to the local community.” The 2016 Hurstville Young Citizen of the Year Award Philip Chan  is a human rights advocate, social entrepreneur and a recent University of Sydney Media/Law graduate. ‘’Philip has shown dedication beyond his years and has demonstrated a great ability to lead and motivate others to achieve the very best they can,’’ Cr Badalati said. “He has achieved remarkable success in empowering young people to fulfil their potential to make a lasting change in our local community by advocating for human rights, education and youth participation.  “With over a decade of social justice volunteering at home and abroad including volunteering for the United Nations, EarthRights International, and UNICEF, Philip has a genuine passion to serve others and to empower other young Australians.” The 2016 Hurstville Young Sportsperson of the Year Matthew Dufty is a contracted player with the St George Illawarra Dragons and was also a local junior, having played with Penshurst RSL. Matthew graduated to the Holden Cup in 2014 after having previously represented the district in the Harold Matthews Shield and SG Ball competitions.  In 2014, he was selected to play in the NSW U/18 team where he played a starring role against Queensland.  ‘’Matthew is a fullback with blistering speed, which is a great attribute that has seen him score many tries across all levels,’’ Cr Badalati said. “He is a talented football player who strives to be the best sportsperson he can be.  ‘’He is also an outstanding role model for his peers and has a real passion for training and striving to be the best possible athlete he can be.”   The citizens of the year were announced at Hurstville Council’s annual Australia Day Awards on Thursday,  January 21. Hurstville Council’s annual Australia Day Festival was held on Oatley Park on January 26, attracting more than 5000 people. The celebrations began at 10am with the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony that saw 89 people become new Australian citizens. As part of the event, the council announced the winner of the 2016 Hurstville City Council Australia Day Festival logo competition as Sanja Micic, 11, of Narwee Public School. The council’s charity barbecue was busy all day, selling more then 90 kilograms of sausages, with all the proceeds to assist the Cancer Care Centre at the St George Hospital.