Clarence Valley's 2026 Citizen of the Year has been announced with Allan Woods being awarded the title at an event held at the Yamba Bowling Club on Monday, 26 January 2026.
As a long serving member of the Rural Fire Service, Allan has been involved in protecting our community during fires including the 2019 bushfire disaster that hit our region including Shark Creek and Ashby, where Allan responded to 90 callouts despite battling severe health issues.
Allans passion for volunteering doesn't stop with the Rural Fire Service. In his spare time, Allan served five years as President of the Clarence Valley U3A as well as participate in the local Women's and Men's Shed where he continues to build intergenerational relationships within our community.
Councillor Cristie Yager, who was this years event ambassador, congratulated Allan for all he has done within our community.
"The things Allan has done for our community, from fighting fires, catering for our firefighters and the work he's done for the Women's and Men's Sheds is nothing short of extraordinary.
"I love these awards because it lets us highlight people like Allan who are making such a difference in our community.
"Congratulations to not only Allan and all of the other winners but all of the nominees in this year's awards. You should all be so proud of yourself, because I know I am."
Reny Dooley was also named Young Citizen of the Year for her leadership, service, and advocacy as she revitalised agricultural shows through her work with the Grafton Show Society driving record youth engagement while continuing regional traditions.
As a dedicated volunteer at major community events, Reny inspires inclusion, resilience and pride across the Clarence Valley.
The Local Hero category was awarded to Haley Hodgson from Maclean who has transformed healthcare and community life in the Clarence Valley through visionary leadership and tireless advocacy.
While spearheading the expansion of Maclean Medical to include a walk-in access health clinic, advanced skin cancer screening and a women's health clinic, Haley's national advocacy for nurse practitioners and equitable Medicare rebates reflects her commitment to rural health.
The Cane Harvest Festival committee was awarded the Community Achievement Award for the work in reviving the beloved event with its return after a 25-year break since the previous festival in 1998.
The vibrant celebrations highlighted the importance of primary production in the Lower Clarence, promoted female participation in farming, and encouraged youth to stay for education and training, strengthening the region's future.
"Congratulations to Reny, Haley and the Cane Harvest Festival committee for elevating the Clarence Valley's profile statewide," Cr Yager said.
"Your advocacy across diverse fields, from supporting women in male-dominated industries to championing nursing, rural health, agriculture, and small business, plays a vital role in preserving the beauty and strength of the Clarence Valley.
For the first time, the Clarence Valley Citizen of the Year Awards introduced a 'Community Vote' in each category, giving our community the chance to play an active role in celebrating local achievements. The public voting survey ran from 17 November to 15 December 2025, and the response was incredible!
Our community has spoken, and here are the winners of the Community Vote:
- Citizen of the Year (Community Vote): Sally Rogers
- Young Citizen of the Year (Community Vote): Ella Lawrence
- Local Hero (Community Vote): Haley Hodgson – who also took out the main Local Hero award!
- Community Achievement (Community Vote): Happy Paws Haven Inc
See all the 2026 Citizen of the Year nominees here: www.clarence.nsw.gov.au/News-articles/2026-Citizen-of-the-Year-nominees-announced
