Today, our community gathered to honour local heroes, warmly welcome new Australian citizens, and celebrate all that is special about living in the beautiful Ballina Shire.
Ballina Shire Council hosted the official Australia Day Ceremony at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre, bringing the community together in an inclusive and welcoming celebration.
The event opened with a Welcome to Country by Aunty Julia Paden, followed by the raising of the flags by Cadet Warrant Officer Andreas Pereira and Cadet Warrant Officer Max Raguse from No. 326 (City of Lismore) Squadron, Australian Air Force Cadets. A citizenship ceremony was then held, before a moving performance of I am Australian by Ballina Players.
This was followed by the announcement of the Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards, with more than 60 nominees recognised across the award categories of Young Citizen, Senior Citizen, Volunteer of the Year, Arts and Culture, Environmental, Sports and Community Event of the Year.
Sandra Jackson was the MC for the event, with Mayor Sharon Cadwallader presenting the awards, acknowledging the remarkable contributions made by individuals and groups across the Shire.
Mayor Cadwallader said, "The Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards recognise the extraordinary people who help make our Shire such a wonderful place to live."
"What truly sets Ballina Shire apart is our people – those who give their time, care deeply about others, and contribute in ways that strengthen our community. Our generosity, compassion, and respect for one another are at the heart of who we are," she said.
The 2026 Citizen of the Year was selected from all nominees across the Award categories.
Congratulations to the following award winners and nominees:
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Geoff Hutchinson
Geoff has demonstrated exceptional service, leadership and dedication as a volunteer with Marine Rescue Ballina, consistently going above and beyond to protect lives on local waterways. Known for his calm, professional approach and extensive maritime experience, he responds at any hour, often in challenging and dangerous sea conditions. His integrity, reliability and selfless commitment have earned him deep respect across Marine Rescue NSW.
Over the past 12 months alone, he has personally attended 37 rescues and assists, including 10 searches for missing persons or vessels. In November 2024, he responded to a 3am Mayday call from a sinking trawler east of Lennox Head, rescuing two fishermen from the water moments before the vessel sank. In March 2025, he led Ballina's response to a four-day search for a missing Queensland Police officer off Broken Head, skippering more than 500 kilometres in demanding seas. In June 2025, he undertook a 19-hour offshore mission to locate and tow a stranded jet ski 18 kilometres back to Ballina. Later that year, he joined a 10-hour coastal search to locate an overdue catamaran with two people onboard.
Beyond operations, he dedicates significant time to training and mentoring new recruits, improving procedures and fundraising for a replacement rescue vessel. His service exemplifies courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment to community safety.
YOUNG CITIZEN AWARD
Tyler Causley-James
The day he turned 16, Tyler joined both SES and Marine Rescue. He is an operational member of two critical response units: the Ballina SES Storm Team and the Ballina SES Flood Team and has responded to numerous storm-related jobs.
He has represented SES at public engagement events such as the Ballina Emergency Services Expo, and programs with Ballina Coast High School and Southern Cross Public School. He has completed boat training with Marine Rescue and excelled at school, serving on the Student Representative Council at Richmond Christian College. Tyler demonstrates exceptional dedication to his community and a profound sense of civic duty.
The other nominees for the Young Citizen of the Year Award were: Hugo Adlington, Ava Delaney, Patrick Jones, Aoife Kingston, Stella Payne, Eli Simmons, Amity Sweeney
SENIOR CITIZEN AWARD
Kenneth Brown
For more than four decades, Ken has served the community through the NSW SES and NSW Ambulance Service, consistently placing the wellbeing of others first. Beginning his SES service in 1982, he has held roles including Rescue Operator, Storm Operator, Team Leader and Senior Operator, contributing to major emergencies such as the Lennox Head tornado and Northern Rivers floods.
Even in retirement, he continues to volunteer with the Ballina SES, mentoring younger members and responding during storms and emergencies. His service has been marked by courage, including earning a national Commendation for Brave Conduct. Beyond emergency response, he extends his compassion through humanitarian work with ADRA locally and internationally.
The other nominees for the Senior Citizen of the Year Award were: Joan Ashford, Wayne Crawford, Gail Burley, Jane Gardiner, Cheryl and Wesley Inwood, Adrian Walsh, Lloyd Morris, Malcolm Johnson
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD
(JOINT WINNERS)
John Smith
John is an outstanding community volunteer whose service spans more than 50 years across Ballina Shire, he has made an extraordinary contribution to the lives of others. For 20 years with Ballina Shire Meals on Wheels, he has delivered thousands of meals to elderly and vulnerable residents, providing not only nourishment but vital companionship - once even saving a client's life through swift first aid.
For more than 30 years, he has also served with the East Ballina Lions Club, including as President, and was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship in 2018 for exceptional humanitarian service. A tireless fundraiser and community supporter, he continues volunteering at 82, exemplifying generosity, humility and true community spirit.
Marine Rescue Ballina
Marine Rescue Ballina has demonstrated outstanding and selfless service to the community, exemplifying leadership, teamwork, discipline and resilience. Over the past year, volunteers have responded to 49 incidents in challenging and often dangerous conditions.
Notable operations included rescuing the crew of a sinking prawn trawler east of Lennox Head at 3am, leading a four-day, 270-nautical-mile search for a missing Queensland Police officer, and completing a 19-hour mission to locate a missing jet ski operator off Brunswick Heads. The unit also assisted the Australian Maritime Safety Authority to locate an overdue catamaran drifting offshore near Yamba. Beyond operations, volunteers raised $187,000 toward a new rescue vessel. This nomination honours those who choose to respond when lives are at risk and refuse to look the other way.
The other nominees for the Volunteer of the Year Award were: Jillian Challinor, Helen Cooney, Jemma Coulter, Geoff Hutchinson, Joel Orchard, Kayden Muller, Ballina Netball Association, Wollongbar Alstonville Rugby Club Committee, Ballina U3A, Lennox Head Residents' Association Inc, Ballina Threshold Singers, Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond, Scope Club
ARTS AND CULTURE AWARD
Jim Hawkins
Jim has dedicated more than 40 years to the Ballina Shire Concert Band, helping it to become one of the Northern Rivers' leading ensembles.
A talented multi-instrumentalist and long-serving Deputy Conductor, he has supported three generations of Bandmasters and upheld the band's high musical standard. His service includes 25 years as Vice President, along with roles as Secretary, Librarian and Publicity Officer, managing the music library, coordinating concerts and supporting fundraising and grants that have kept the band sustainable. Known for his humility, generosity and commitment, he mentors young and returning musicians and strengthens the band's intergenerational culture.
Jim's contribution to Australian banding heritage reflects a lifelong commitment to community music.
The other nominees for the Arts/Cultural Award were: Ray Arnott, Miah Bradley, Meggan-Lee Drew, Archie Mason-Reynolds
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
Lennox Head Landcare and Partners
Lennox Head Landcare has worked tirelessly to maintain the health, accessibility and cultural value of Lake Ainsworth.
Their work began in 2015 when the highly invasive water hyacinth – capable of doubling in size every five days – was first detected in the lake. The group mobilised 25 volunteers, contributing more than 75 hours over two intensive weeks to contain the initial outbreak. Since then, volunteers have conducted regular working bees from September to April, supported by a 30-member WhatsApp group running pop-up sessions.
Their dedication has ensured that this special place remains protected and accessible for generations to come, while their leadership has brought other partners and agencies into the effort, building a community-driven response that continues to strengthen over time.
The other nominees for the Environmental Award were: Stephen Axford, Amanda Philp NSW TurtleWatch (Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue), Friends of the Koala, Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond (DIKers), Ballina Environment Society (BES), Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue, Ballina RSL (Claire Tyson and Sarah Rozario)
SPORTS AWARD
Sam Miller
Sam has made an extraordinary contribution to Lennox Head Alstonville Surf Life Saving Club as a senior surf sports coach for more than two decades.
Sam trains competitors from Under-10s through to Open across board, ocean swim, ski, and iron disciplines, contributing around 220 volunteer hours each season. She is a Committee Member, Surf Sports Coordinator, Patrolling Member, Emergency Call Out Team member, and a coach for the Far North Coast Representative Team.
Her leadership extends to supporting the Nippers program, helping more than 300 children each season complete their swim proficiencies, and mentoring junior coaches. Sam's dedication has shaped hundreds of young people and strengthened the spirit of the Lennox Head Alstonville SLSC community.
The other nominees for the Sporting Achievement Award were: Jett Beck, Gary Bond
Trevor Dancer, Alexandra Dogan, Eve Drew, Michael Gidding, Emanuelle Harding, Hayden Kelvin, Asha Ledingham, Ballina Coast Walking Football, Ballina Allstars Athletics - National Australian Junior and Open Championships 2025 team
COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR
North Coast Show and Shine
The North Coast Show and Shine attracted nearly 10,000 attendees to Ballina, with many travelling interstate. There was something for everyone with 500 vintage, classic and modern vehicles on display plus children's activities including rides and face painting.
The Event Committee led by Michelle Bailey (President of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Volunteer Support Group) and Martin Bailey, worked closely with the Lennox Head Machinery Club and local car clubs to coordinate vehicle displays, food vendors, entertainment and trade stalls.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service ran a breakfast BBQ and Rotary managed lunch, while TAFE NSW Wollongbar provided apprenticeship information. More than $35,000 was raised for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service's Northern Rivers Base.
This event demonstrates how collaboration across education, charity, sport and community sectors can deliver an inclusive, high impact event that benefits the whole community.
The other nominees for Community Event of the Year: Alstonville Wollongbar Fun Run, The Ox 100km for Run DIPG, Carols on the Plateau, Rafiki Royale, Folded Festival, Northern Rivers Regional Rally Pickleball Tournament, Oceania Cup
As part of the ceremony, 19 new Australian Citizens were welcomed to Ballina Shire from England, Germany, Philippines, Spain, Uruguay, India, Scotland, Italy, United Kingdom, Nepal, New Zealand, Sweden and the United States of America.
