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Byron Shire
June 28, 2026

Ballina Rotary Awards Night

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(L-R) Teena Grissell, Chris Hawkins, Shivani Lama, Cathy Jupp, Mark Nicolle, Kim Pauling, Rotary President Dave Harmon. Photo supplied.

The Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond recently held its annual Vocational Service Awards Evening at Ballina RSL. These annual awards are given to a limited number of people in the community who have been recognised by Rotary Club members as being employees who give exemplary service in their vocation.

2020 is the 31st year for the Vocational Service Awards.

Ballina Rotary’s Vocational Service Director, Robyn Harmon, said, ‘Rotary club members nominated six outstanding employees from the local community.

Ballina Rotary’s Vocational Service Director Robyn Harmon. Photo supplied.

‘The nominee can only be an employee, not a company owner or CEO.

‘He or she must have shown the member that they have performed their vocation in a manner that is regarded over and above that of their normal job description; have gone out of their way to help their customers or others in the community,’ she said.

Rotary recognises four avenues of service.

Vocational Service is one of these and the banner by which Rotarian’s ‘recognise the worthiness of all useful occupations’ and demonstrate a commitment to ‘high ethical standards in all business and professions.’

And the winners are…

Ballina Rotary celebrated the outstanding efforts of the following six awardees:

  • Teena Grissell –  Lighthouse Beach Café
  • Chris Hawkins – Ballina Golf Club
  • Cathy Jupp – Ballina Tiles
  • Mark Nicolle – Autobarn
  • Shivani Lama (Shrestha) – The Cove Restaurant
  • Kim Pauling – Ballina RSL Club

Robyn Harmon said, ‘Vocational Awardees are ordinary people, doing ordinary jobs with an extra-ordinary something that has made them stand out in the community. They were chosen because each one has shown that they give that extra something of themselves in everything they do when serving people in the community and for this, they have been noticed.

‘In short, Vocational Service Awardees are special people who stand out and set an example to the rest of us.’

She said the nominated employees, their employers, family, friends and Rotary Club members shared an enjoyable evening recognising these outstanding employees from the Ballina Shire.



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