Yesterday the Ballina community came together to honour their local heroes, welcome new Australian citizens, and recognise all that is good about living in beautiful Ballina Shire.
Ballina Shire Council hosted the official Australia Day ceremony at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre.
The event featured a Welcome to Country from Uncle Ricky Cook and entertainment from Katie Rutledge, Narelle Harris, Ian Davis and Ray Arnott. A heart-warming citizenship ceremony was then followed by the announcement of the Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards.
More than 40 nominees were recognised across the award categories of Local Hero, Young Citizen, Senior Citizen, Volunteer of the Year, Sports Achievement, Arts and Culture, Environmental and Community Event of the Year.
Mayor Sharon Cadwallader with Master of Ceremonies Sandra Jackson, a well-known and popular announcer on 101.9 Paradise FM, presented the awards.
Diversity of achievements
‘I have been so impressed by the calibre of this year’s nominees and the diversity of their achievements,’ said Mrs Cadwallader. ‘From rescue volunteers to wildlife carers; to mental health providers and sporting coaches; what they all have in common is their exceptional dedication and commitment to our community.’
Joel Taylor, 2024 Citizen of the Year, passed the baton and announced the 2025 Citizen of the Year, selected from all nominees across the various categories.
Congratulations to the following award winners and nominees:
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Ezekiel Knight
Ezekiel Knight (Zeke) has been a dedicated member of the Ballina SES unit for eight years. As Co-Section head of Flood Rescue, he has rebuilt the flood rescue team over the past few years, growing the team from two in-water operators to eight.
He was recently awarded the NSW SES Commissioner’s commendation for courage for his efforts rescuing two people from a vehicle during the 2022 floods. He was only 21 at the time.
As a Senior Road Crash Rescue Operator, Zeke also plays a crucial role in responding to accidents. His quick thinking, bravery and ability to stay calm in emergencies makes a significant difference to our community.
Zeke is also a driving force behind the ongoing success of Ballina SES young volunteers program (YETI’s). He actively mentors younger volunteers, helping them build skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose.
Whether it is responding to rescues, mentoring younger students, or leading training and development, his enthusiasm and leadership inspire others to get involved, making a positive impact on those around him.
LOCAL HERO
Jodie Shelly
Jodie Shelly demonstrates exceptional dedication to the Ballina Shire community through her role as Club Service Director for the Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond.
Jodie contributes not only her time but organising efforts to all Rotary events including the May 2024 Rotary District 9640 Conference, the Duck Race, Purple Shirt Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign, flood recovery efforts, student scholarships, vocational service awards, Mens Health Education Rural Van (MHERV) health checks, and countless collaborative events with a diverse range of organisations.
Her humble, selfless approach to her work embodies the spirit of a “quiet achiever” whose contributions are often unnoticed but are invaluable.
When she is not busy with event logistics, Jodie composes The Beacon, the club’s weekly newsletter, manages the social media and advertising, and provides IT support.
As well as her outstanding commitment to Rotary, Jodie also serves on the Board of The Hot Meal Centre in Ballina as Secretary.
The other nominees for the Local Hero Award were: Amy Gasnier, Sarah Rosborg, Andy Hamilton, Wardell Core, Micky Sahni, Rikki-Lee Petrie
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Lachlan Trease
An accomplished sportsperson and business operator, Lachlan Trease contributes to our community in many ways.
He has been a member of the Alstonville Swimming Club since 2015 and achieved plenty of success including the Local Sporting Hero Award in 2023 and 2024.
In July 2020 Lachlan and his siblings established their own artisan bakery business. This has enabled them to give back to the community, including donating loaves to evacuation centres across the Northern Rivers during the 2022 floods.
Lachlan has also shown great commitment to the school community at Emmanuel Anglican College through his roles as House Captain, with the Student Representative Council and debating team.
The other nominees for the Young Citizen of the Year Award were: Savannah Roberts-Hickling, Rose Christmas, Ezekiel Knight, Xavier Catholic College Ballina (Year 11 Immersion Group to Timor-Leste)
SENIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Rik Dillon
Rik Dillon works for many not-for-profit, sporting and charitable organisations.
A founding member of the Ballina Region for Refugees, Rik was recently voted the first ever ‘Life Member’ of the refugee group in recognition of his dedication and monumental efforts as a committee member and treasurer.
He has given his time at many fundraising events for the refugee group and put in endless hours developing their website and communication systems for members.
Rik is a founding member and inaugural president of the Northern Rivers Pickleball Club. He has guided the pickleball club through its growth and development from a little-known sport in the region to now boasting 300 members – the largest regional pickleball club in NSW.
In 2024, Rik was appointed as Northern NSW Ambassador for the Pickleball Association of NSW, advising players across the region on club development, facilities, and equipment.
The other nominees for the Senior Citizen of the Year Award were: Phil Chapman, Heather Munro, Robert Whiston
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Diane Parker
Diane is committed to helping others. She always has her ‘ear to the ground’ to identify the needs in our community and organise support.
She joined the community service organisation QUOTA in Alstonville in 1992. She has served as President of Alstonville Quota many times, as well as District Governor from Armidale and Walcha to Brunswick Heads and Tweed.
She has been at the forefront of organising the Quota Craft and Garden Fair for more than 23 years.
Diane has ensured that Quota supports charity initiatives across the age spectrum including BackTrack and North Tracks youth support services, Acts of Kindness in (Primary) Schools, the annual camp for children with hearing disability, Interrelate Lismore, the Rising Star Scholarship for secondary students and Hope Haven Women’s Refuge.
Diane organises an annual high tea to recognise volunteers across the Plateau community, attended by more than 100 women each year.
Her community service has helped Quota provide financial support for Our Kids, the cancer support group Knitted Knockers, Orange Sky, the Hot Food Hub in Ballina, Alstonville Rural Fire Brigade, Whitecloud’s ‘Mums and Bubs’ program, and many individuals and families suffering hardship.
The other nominees for the Volunteer of the Year: Karen Wilson, Susan Morrison, Jesse Pamment, Mark Ross, Gabi Enright, Ballina Lighthouse and Lismore Surf Life Saving Club
SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Denise Cooper (Outrigger Paddling)
Denise is a competitive athlete, mentor, teacher, and administrator who has made an exceptional contribution to the wider sporting community.
As an outrigger Level 2 coach Denise has led the development and training of members at a local level for the Northern Rivers Outrigger Club for the past 20 years.
She took the lead role in developing a national curriculum for training and accreditation of new outrigger coaches through Australian Outrigger Canoe Association. This training course is now being implemented via state bodies.
Denise has delivered motivational coaching clinics alongside world renowned Vicki Wilson OAM, raising vital funds for research into Queensland’s Heart Foundation where over 70 outrigger, stand-up and canoe participants attended.
Denise continues to participate in local, national, and international competitions as an individual paddler or as a member of outrigger or dragon boat teams.
The other nominees for the Sporting Achievement Award were: Mikey McDonagh (Surfing) Ballina Netball Association Under 17 Boys Team (Netball), Le-Ba Boardriders Surfing Team (Surfing), Mary Davis (Dragon Boating), Beth Whaanga (Fuggle) (Rugby Union)
ARTS/CULTURAL AWARD
Mariah Cavnaugh-Roberts
Mariah has made an outstanding contribution to Aboriginal education and cultural preservation through dance and community engagement.
As a teacher’s aide at Ballina Coast High School, she works closely with Goori students to teach traditional and contemporary dance. She regularly organises performances for NAIDOC celebrations and other community events, enabling students to showcase their culture.
In 2024, she was recognised by the Department of Education for her outstanding work in aboriginal education.
Mariah also collaborates with local schools to teach Year 5 and 6 Goori students dances that help maintain cultural connections.
Her dedication extends beyond the classroom. Mariah works with the Bunjum Co-Op’s Homework Centre, assisting students with assessments, exam preparation, and HSC studies.
The other nominee for the Arts/Cultural Award was: Craig Parry (Photography)
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD (JOINT WINNERS)
Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue
Founded in Ballina in 1992, Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue has made a lasting impact on our local environment by providing essential rescue, rehabilitation, and release services.
The organisation’s dedicated volunteers perform rescues, provide care, and give each animal the chance to return to the wild.
Since 1992 they have rescued thousands of animals, offering a second chance to sick and injured sea turtles, seabirds, shorebirds, and sea snakes.
Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue plays a critical role in educating the public on conservation practices, engaging the community through educational programs, and fostering a deeper understanding of our role in preserving the environment.
Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue regularly conduct tours, participate in public events, and actively share educational content through social media, raising awareness about conservation issues and inspiring people of all ages to act.
The Late Shirley White
The late Shirley White was the founder of Angels Beach Dune Care, now known as Ballina Coastcare.
Between 1989 and 2002 Shirley led an outstanding effort to regenerate and restore the severely degraded coastal reserve along Ballina’s beaches.
Through her dedication, innovation and leadership, Shirley became a well-known figure in the local community, and highly respected throughout NSW in coastal regeneration circles.
As a group and individually, Ballina Coastcare and Shirley have received numerous awards. This includes the 2014 Australian Coastal Award for community engagement, multiple Keep Australia Beautiful Clean Beach Challenge awards, and the 2003 award for Outstanding Contribution to Community Bush Regeneration, by the Australian Association of Bush Regenerators.
During Shirley’s tenure as president, and in the years following, over $250,000 has been awarded from State and Federal government agencies towards the restoration of Angels Beach and East Ballina’s urban forest reserves.
The other nominees for the Environmental Award were: Ballina Environment Society, Wildlife Twins, Amanda Philp, Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital in Knockrow.
COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR AWARD
Ballina ANZAC Day 2024 Commemorations
A record crowd attended the 2024 Ballina ANZAC Day commemorations. The day included a Dawn Service at the RSL Memorial Park, a March down River Street, and a Commemorative Service, followed by a Royal Australian Air Force flypast.
The event was coordinated by the Ballina RSL Sub-Branch, administrative staff and community volunteers.
Sixteen local schools participated, as well as 14 community organisations, emergency services, and hundreds of veterans.
Complementary initiatives, such as the poppy commemoration project organised with the Rotary Satellite Lifestyle Club, further enhanced the event’s impact. Special features included the Youth Ambassador Program, lighting installations at the Dawn Service, and commemorative gifts for veterans in nursing homes.
Plans for 2025 include forming a youth drum corps and expanding initiatives that engage younger generations.
The other nominees for Community Event of the Year: The Ox 100km for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), 2024 Skullcandy Oz Grom Open, Dementia Inclusive Ballina Alliance, Rous Public School Bonfire Night, Rainbow Region Dragon Boat Regatta, Rotary Community Duck Race, 21st Charity Melbourne Cup Luncheon.
As part of the ceremony, 12 new Australian Citizens were welcomed to Ballina Shire from Argentina, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Africa and the United Kingdom.
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