Ballina Shire’s Citizen of the Year was recently announced as Joel Taylor. A Lennox local since birth, Mr Taylor has made quite an impact in the world of surfing and beyond.
Originally a professional bodyboarder in his teens and twenties, Joel Taylor’s career took an unexpected turn due to a spinal cord injury at the age of 21. His passion for the ocean never waned however, leading him to embrace parasurfing after two decades.
Within just 12 months of his return to the water, Mr Taylor achieved remarkable success. He secured the Australian Para Surfing Title, earning him a spot in the ISA World Para Surfing Championships. His resilience and determination culminated in him being crowned the 2023 ISA World Para Surfing Champion in the Men’s Prone 1 Division.
Ballina Council says this achievement is not just a personal victory, but an inspiration to many, with his contributions also extending beyond his personal achievements. As the founder of Unite Clothing in 2004, Mr Taylor has been actively supporting bodyboarding worldwide. His commitment to promoting bodyboarding associations ‘fosters a deep love for the ocean within the community’.
Other awards
Young Citizen of the Year went to Lucy Trease, for her volunteer work and support for evacuation centres during the flood emergency, as well as her coaching. Joint winners of the Senior Citizen of the year were Dr Colin MacDonald, for his medical and volunteer work, and the CWA’s noted volunteer Yvonne Scarrabellotti.
Joint winners of Volunteer of the Year were Ivan Leahy, for his diverse community service in Ballina and overseas, and Ken Delany, a dedicated volunteer with Ballina Marine Rescue for over fifteen years.
Community Events of the Year were shared by Purple Friday (Rotary Club of Ballina on Richmond) and Cherry Street Sports Club, for their work raising awareness about domestic and family violence.
The Sporting Achievement Award went to Lennox Beach Line Dancing, and the Arts/Cultural Award went to Ballina Players with the Environmental Award taken out by the Wildlife Twins, Bridget and Sophie Thompson.
Seventeen new Australian citizens were also welcomed to Ballina on Australia Day, including people from the USA, Bolivia, UK, Italy, Thailand, Denmark, Brazil, Philippines, and Vietnam.
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After an emotional deputation from the owner of the dog involved, Ballina Shire Council has this morning revoked a menacing dog declaration for the kelpie Lilo, which was brought into effect following a bite in July 2022. This morning Ballina Shire Council will hear a motion from Cr Steve McCarthy to remove the native macaranga tree from the list of approved species for planting by Ballina Council and local community groups. Ballina Shire Council has started preliminary investigation works at Fishery Creek Bridge, on River Street, and Canal Bridge, on Tamarind Drive, as part of their plan to duplicate both bridges. Aiming to build on their two existing councillors, the Ballina Greens have announced their team of candidates for the upcoming Ballina Shire Council elections, set for 14 September this year. A proposal to assess the viability of a third village on the Alstonville Plateau was discussed at Ballina Shire Council's last meeting.
Menacing dog declaration revoked
Cr McCarthy versus the macaranga
The bridges of Ballina Council
Ballina Greens announce ticket for 2024
Third village for Alstonville Plateau?
