Ballina Shire Council has announced its nominees for the 2026 Australia Day Awards.
Council said in a media release the awards are ‘a celebration of the people whose generosity, leadership and community spirit strengthen our region year after year’.
‘For more than four decades, the Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards have recognised the volunteers, innovators, environmental champions, young leaders and quiet achievers who give their time to support others.
‘These awards honour the people who help shape a vibrant, resilient community and remind us that local contribution, in all its forms, is at the heart of what makes our shire special,’ said Mayor Sharon Cadwallader.
‘A big thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination this year. Your efforts help shine a light on outstanding individuals and groups whose work often happens behind the scenes. Each nomination reflects a story of care, dedication and the positive impact people are making across the shire,’ she said.
‘Council congratulates all 2026 nominees. Their commitment to community, whether expressed through volunteering, advocacy, creativity, mentorship or service, is deeply valued. Every nominee has made a meaningful difference, and their recognition is a testament to the strong community spirit that continues to thrive in Ballina Shire’.
The nominees for the 2026 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards are:
Young Citizen Award (under 30 years of age)
Hugo Adlington
Tyler Causley-James
Ava Delaney
Patrick Jones
Aoife Kingston
Stella Payne
Eli Simmons
Amity Sweeney
Senior Citizen Award (60 years and over)
Joan Ashford
Kenneth Brown
Wayne Crawford
Gail Burley
Jane Gardiner
Cheryl and Wesley Inwood
Adrian Walsh
Lloyd Morris
Malcolm Johnson
Volunteer of The Year Award (open age)
Jillian Challinor
Helen Cooney
Jemma Coulter
Geoff Hutchinson
Joel Orchard
John Smith
Ballina Netball Association
Marine Rescue Ballina
Wollongbar Alstonville Rugby Club Committee
Ballina U3A
Lennox Head Residents’ Association Inc
Ballina Threshold Singers
Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond
Scope Club
Arts and Culture Award
Ray Arnott
Miah Bradley
Meggan-Lee Drew
Jim Hawkins
Archie Mason-Reynolds
Environmental Award
Stephen Axford
Amanda Philp
NSW TurtleWatch (Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue)
Friends of the Koala
Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond (DIKers)
Ballina Environment Society (BES)
Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue
Lennox Head Landcare and Partners
Ballina RSL (Claire Tyson and Sarah Rozario)
Sports Award
Jett Beck
Gary Bond
Trevor Dancer
Alexandra Dogan
Eve Drew
Michael Gidding
Emanuelle Harding
Hayden Kelvin
Asha Ledingham
Sam Miller
Ballina Coast Walking Football
Ballina Allstars Athletics – National Australian Junior and Open Championships 2025 team
Community Event of The Year
Alstonville Wollongbar Fun Run
The Ox 100km for Run DIPG
Carols on the Plateau
Rafiki Royale
Folded Festival
Northern Rivers Regional Rally Pickleball Tournament
North Coast Show and Shine
Oceania Cup
Council say, ‘Winners of each category will be announced at the 2026 Australia Day Ceremony, along with the Citizen of the Year, who will be chosen from across all nominees’.
‘Council invites the community to join the event from 9am to11am Monday 26 January at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre.
‘This annual gathering is an opportunity to come together, applaud local achievements and acknowledge the people who help build a supportive, connected and caring community’.
For full event details, visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/2026Awards.
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