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Outstanding community service and exceptional achievements by local people and groups have been recognised by the Tweed Shire Council Australia Day Awards at a special ceremony held on Friday 23 January. In addition, 43 residents from 13 countries were welcomed as they became Australian citizens.
Jennifer Booth was named Tweed Citizen of the Year, for her leadership in emergency responses and decades of volunteer service. She has lived in Murwillumbah for more than 45 years, raising 5 children while supporting the community through floods, bushfires and cyclones. This volunteer work included helping during the 2017 and 2022 floods at Murwillumbah TAFE, the 2019 bushfire evacuation centre in Uki and the 2025 Cyclone Alfred evacuation centre.
Her volunteer journey began well before the natural disasters when she gave her time to St Vincent De Paul (Vinnies), Anglicare and local churches. She later expanded her efforts to committees supporting people facing homelessness and disadvantage.
"Not only did I heal myself, but I also found out that I could heal other people by giving to these services," Jennifer said.
Today, she coordinates local evacuation centres and ensures essential supplies are ready for emergencies.
Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry paid tribute to Jennifer's dedication.
"We know hardship all too well in the Tweed over the past few years, yet every event reminds us of the remarkable spirit that lives here," Cr Cherry said.
"Our community shows up for one another in ways that are truly inspiring, and this care for each other continues to build stronger community bonds and support for those who need it most."
Other winners of Tweed Shire Australia Day awards were:
Arts and Culture – Murwillumbah Philharmonic Choir
Murwillumbah Philharmonic Choir received the 2025 Arts and Culture award, with roots stretching back to 1923. This longstanding community ensemble has been proudly singing for more than a century. Despite pauses during major events such as WWII, the 1960s and Covid-19, they have always returned, sustained by dedicated volunteers and carrying forward a local choral tradition of bringing people together.
Community Event of the Year – Tyalgum Music Festival
Tyalgum Music Festival received the 2025 Community Event of the Year award. The much-loved annual celebration has brought opera and classical music to the local community for more than 3 decades. The 2025 festival marked its 33rd year, continuing to blend world-class performance with the natural beauty of the region. To ensure the event remains accessible, ticket prices are kept low, with free entry for children and the Tyalgum School community.
Senior Ambassador - Karen Dawson
Karen Dawson received the 2025 Senior Ambassador award, having been an active member of the Tweed community since 2017. Drawing on her rich background in health and welfare, Karen has built an impressive record of volunteer service, mentoring individuals and organisations across education, health, creative arts and environmental projects. She has also led a wide range of creative initiatives that bring generations together.
Sporting Achievement (Group) - Tweed Netball Association Under 18 Green Team
In the sporting arena, the 2025 Sporting Achievement - Group award went to the Tweed Netball Association Under 18 Green Representative Team. In 2025, this outstanding group of 10 young athletes delivered an exceptional sporting performance, earning the title of Queensland State Champions at the State Carnival held in Ipswich in mid-April. This award recognises not only their championship title, but the pride, talent, integrity, values, leadership and unwavering determination shown by each player.
Sporting Achievement (Individual) - William Mison
Honouring individual excellence, the 2025 Sporting Achievement - Individual award went to William Mison. A dedicated bowler since childhood, William has built an outstanding record in both able-bodied and disability competitions. He has overcome the challenges of Autism, ADHD and sensory processing difficulties to compete at state, national and international levels. William has represented Queensland multiple times, earned selection in the TBA Inclusion National Training Squad, the Elite Performance Inclusion Squad, and continues to pursue his dream of representing Australia.
Volunteer of the Year (Group) - Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary
Recognising compassion and care, the 2025 Volunteer of the Year - Group award goes to Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary. A not-for-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers in Tyalgum, the shelter began more than 15 years ago as a small project to help home-school circle students learn to take care of animals by looking after retired horses. Today the sanctuary provides a safe haven for more than 100 rescued animals, including horses, alpacas, pigs, goats, cats, dogs and birds.
Volunteer of the Year (Individual) - Amos Suthern
The 2025 Volunteer of the Year - Individual award shines a light on Amos Suthern, who has dedicated more than eight years to championing Tweed Palliative Support. Known affectionately as 'Moss', he has spent much of that time delivering hospital beds and heavy recliner chairs on his own, helping people who choose to spend their final days at home remain as comfortable as possible. He also supports families during some of their most stressful and emotional moments, making an extraordinary difference to people across the Tweed community.
Young Achiever in Community Service – Ruby Allen
Finally, the 2025 Young Achiever in Community Service award celebrates Ruby Allen, who created the 'Kids of Purple' website to help children and young people affected by domestic and family violence. Ruby launched the site while still in high school, drawing on her own family's experience and recognising that many of her peers faced the same lack of support. Kids of Purple validates children's experiences, explains complex topics in youth-friendly language, and empowers young people to seek help and hold onto hope for a safer future.
Watch the award videos at tweed.nsw.gov.au/australia-day.
Joining the awards presentation were Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot MP, State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin MP, State Member for Tweed Geoff Provest, Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry, Deputy Mayor Reece Byrnes and Councillors Meredith Dennis OAM, Kimberly Hone and Nola Firth.
The awards ceremony was followed by a Citizenship Ceremony hosted by Mayor Chris Cherry.
The event celebrated 43 residents from 13 countries, including Brazil, Vietnam, UK and Spain as they became Australian citizens.
The 2024 Tweed Shire Citizen of the Year, Mic Julien, joined the proceedings as this year's Australia Day Ambassador for the Tweed and welcomed the awardees and new citizens.
