By ANNA USHER

Long time local and tireless community contributor Tamara Keniry has been named 2026 Mosman Citizen of the Year.

The honour was awarded as part of an Australia Day event at Allan Border Oval Pavilion, which also included a citizenship ceremony. The award followed a community-led nomination process.

The Mosman resident was formally recognised for her valuable contributions to the local community, notably in her voluntary role as President of the Mosman Chamber of Commerce, where she has strengthened the relationship between residents and small businesses.

This includes through leading campaigns such as ‘Think Mosman First’, ‘Drop Your Dollars’, and a “Heart of Mosman” short film, all designed to encourage local spending, showcase Mosman businesses and help ensure village shops and eateries continue to thrive.

Through her small business, PureFree, Ms Keniry has helped promote environmentally friendly alternatives to single-use plastics by encouraging the community’s transition to reusable glass water bottles and coffee cups.

Her contributions were also recognised through her role managing the Community Engagement program at Bendigo Community Bank Mosman, which supports the reinvestment of profits back into the local community via sponsorships and grants.

Ms Keniry said she was very appreciative of the recognition and truly honoured to accept the Citizen of the Year Award.

“Mosman is a wonderful community, with many people who volunteer and contribute, often quietly and behind the scenes, across a wide range of organisations and causes, so I see this award as acknowledgement of that collective effort and spirit,” she said.

“I’m grateful to Mosman Council and to everyone who took the time to nominate me.

“When people give back and contribute in whatever way they can, it genuinely makes a difference. I’m proud to be part of a community that values connection, collaboration, participation, and care for both the people and the place that we all call home.”

Mosman Mayor Ann Marie Kimber said Ms Keniry was a very worthy Citizen of the Year recipient.

“Tamara makes an immense contribution to the Mosman community, defined by her inspiring leadership, spirited energy, and dedicated commitment to those around her,” she said.