How exciting to read about the awards bestowed on our fellow Sydneysiders in a glittering celebration of what makes this city the best in the world. (Sydney awards recognise the people who make our city the place it is, 18/9). The Committee for Sydney Awards might have forgotten to invite many of us who would have loved to be there, but they correctly made determinations of greatness on the basis of the character of our people rather than inanimate design. Landmarks, historic buildings, grandiose panoramic views and the true bliss of our world’s best beaches are not the pulse of our city worthy of acclaim. The judges are right to focus on valiant Erin Longbottom from St Vincent’s focusing on homelessness and Jedidiah Evans organising creative writing workshops in prisons. All nominees might not walk home with shiny engraved trophies, but the publicity for their causes is priceless. Igniting our collective conscience to care for each other endows Sydney with a greatness bereft of arrogance but steeped in timeless gratitude and awe. A big THANK YOU for all involved in this worthy awards process. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 19September2026
