For the first time, the Prize introduced a Local Artist Award valued at $5,000, recognising and supporting talent from the Illawarra. Visitors to the gallery also play a role by voting in the People’s Choice Award, ensuring the community’s voice is part of the celebration.
7. You boosted the local economy
Smashing previous job targets, local businesses and industry partners played a big part in shaping Wollongong’s future. Your input informed a new Economic Development Strategy that will build momentum and deliver 20,500 new jobs in target sectors like clean energy, advanced manufacturing, technology, health and creative industries.
You also helped Wollongong earn a tick of approval from UNESCO, putting us on the world stage as part of the Global Network of Learning Cities. This recognition celebrates our city’s commitment to lifelong learning for all and makes us the first city in NSW to receive this honour.
Goal 4 –Â We have a healthy, respectful, and inclusive community
This goal is all about ensuring we have a healthy, respectful and inclusive community. You rallied around Culture Mix and Comic Gong, supported the growth of the Indigenous Expo, and got active on our gyms, shared paths, pools and parks.
8. You celebrated our differences
At the heart of Wollongong is a commitment to creating a city where everyone feels welcome, respected and connected. This year, our community came together to celebrate diversity and inclusion with events and festivals designed to bring people together. These celebrations fostered spaces where people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds could join in and feel included.
Culture Mix lit up the Wollongong CBD with plenty of colour, flavour, music and dance! With a jam-packed day of vibrant performances and energy, our community showcased our multicultural spirit and shared culture with each other, creating a welcoming and inclusive event where we felt connected and proud of the diversity that makes Wollongong so unique. Comic Gong moved to the suburbs and transformed the Dapto Ribbonwood Centre into a buzzing hub where cosplay, comics, and imagination shined through. It’s a welcoming and inclusive event at its heart, where our community came together to celebrate their passions in a respectful and supportive environment. Tune In hit the CBD by storm and live music rocked Wollongong, with local and visiting musicians filling out venues with incredible sounds and immaculate vibes. From intimate gigs to rocking stages, Tune In celebrated all things Live and Local – bringing the CBD to life with a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
9. You supported First Nation owned and operated businesses
The huge growth of Aboriginal Business Expo continued in 2025, with the annual event held at the Novotel for the first time after outgrowing the host venues of its first two years.
More than 50 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned and operated businesses from diverse industries showcased their expertise, products and services to the community.
Launched in 2023 as a joint initiative of Council and the Illawarra Indigenous Business Network, this year’s event was delivered by First Nations business, Sacred Country Consulting, realising a long-term vision for the expo.