A much-loved member of the Byron Shire community has been recognised for her dedication to supporting older residents, with Byron Seniors facilitator Pippy Wardell named a recipient of the 2026 NSW Local Seniors of the Year Award.
The Byron Seniors Club meets regularly at Byron Community Centre and offers free activities, social teas and opportunities for older residents to connect with others in the community.
In a statement by the Byron Community Centre, they say, ‘The award recognises seniors who make an outstanding contribution to their local community through volunteering, leadership and service’.
‘Pippy was selected by Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina, as one of two recipients of the Local Seniors of the Year Award in recognition of her ongoing commitment to supporting older community members across the Byron Shire and her role in bringing people together through social connection, activities and support’.
Pippy said she was honoured by the recognition and sees her work as simply supporting the community she cares deeply about.
‘I feel extremely grateful to be part of such a wonderful group of seniors in the Byron Shire. The friendships, laughter and support that come from spending time together are so special. It means a lot to be recognised, but the real reward is seeing people connect with each other, stay active and have fun. Whether it’s drumming, hula dance or chair yoga, there is plenty on offer for seniors’.
The community centre said, ‘Pippy has been part of Byron Community Centre since 2010 and involved with Byron Seniors since 2013, bringing more than a decade of dedication and care to the community. She has played a key role in organising seniors programs and events, including the annual Byron Seniors Festival celebration, as well as running weekly Chair Yoga classes.
‘The 2026 Byron Seniors Celebration, Live Life in Colour, brought local seniors together on March 12th for a vibrant day of connection, creativity and community, featuring theatre, tai chi, storytelling, hula dance, live performances and a shared lunch at the Byron Community Cabin.
‘As the event organiser, Pippy helped create a welcoming and inclusive space where older community members could build friendships, stay active and remain connected’.
Byron Community Centre General Manager Michelle Heuer said Pippy has made a lasting and meaningful contribution to the Byron seniors community.
“Pippy has been an incredible advocate for our seniors and a driving force behind our seniors activities and events. She brings warmth, dedication and genuine care to everything she does, helping create a space where older community members feel welcomed, supported and part of something special’.
Tamara Smith MP said Pippy’s dedication to supporting local seniors reflects the strong community spirit of the Byron Shire.
“Pippy’s contribution to the Byron Shire community is truly special. Through her work with Byron Seniors, she has created welcoming spaces where older people feel connected, valued and supported. Her dedication to fostering inclusion and community spirit has made a meaningful difference in the lives of many, and this recognition is incredibly well deserved’
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
