Last night local heroes and innovative businesses were recognised at Byron Shire’s annual Community Awards night.
Community Member of the Year
Julie Williams, from the Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre (MDNC), was recognised as Byron Shire’s 2026 Community Member of the Year for her long term commitment to, and work at the MDNC.
What an honour to present Julie with her award and say thank you for her hard work and dedication to helping people in our community,’ Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, said.
‘Julie has led the Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre for 35 years, advocating for people in our community, responding to escalating incidents of domestic violence, stepping up in emergencies, and everything in between,’ Mayor Ndiaye said.
‘Julie is the epitome of calm in an emergency, and her vibrancy, wicked sense of humour and resolute belief that we can do better and be better together make her such a respected person in our community.
‘Through Julie, the MDNC is an organisation that listens to people, works with them to deliver services to meet their needs; the MDNC is always there when the need is greatest.
‘There are few people more deserving of this award than Julie Williams and on behalf of our community and Council, thank you to you, and your MDNC team, for your hard work and dedication,’ Mayor Ndiaye said.
Young person of the year
Seventeen-year-old Rowen Bienke Von Freyhold received the Young Community Member of the Year Award for his work with engaging young people in decision-making at a community level.
Rowen led an innovative social change group targeting young people in a three-day workshop where they created solutions to social and environmental issues impacting them.
The group he established ‘Venture of Impactful Community and Environmental Sustainability’ is working on projects that will be implemented in local schools to improve outcomes for students.
Celebrating fun and diversity the Access and Inclusion Award went to the A Midsummer’s Night Queen Production.
The production celebrated queer identity, chosen family, performance as protest, and the radical joy of visibility. The show is set during Lismore’s iconic Tropical Fruits New Year’s Eve festival, with Ballina’s Big Prawn & the Byron Bay Lighthouse also making cameos.
Running for 12 sold-out shows, it was selected for performances at Pride Fest in Sydney.
The Caring for Country Award went to Reid Waters for his tireless and deeply committed volunteer with Byron Bird Buddies. Reid’s work is hands-on and practical. He collaborates respectfully and effectively with Council, NPWS and other stakeholders to ensure that nesting areas are protected and well managed.
During the critical breeding season for beach-nesting birds, he often attends sites daily, especially when eggs are due to hatch or when tiny chicks are at their most vulnerable.
Brett Haylock and Chris Chen from the Brunswick Picture House received the Creativity Award.
‘The Brunswick Picture House is a place where, at night ‘the show goes on’, and during the day choirs rehearse, improv acting classes play and live drawing classes are run. It’s a sanctuary where people feel safe, celebrated and welcomed,’ said a spokesperson for Byron Shire Council (BSC)
‘The artists who Chris and Brett have brought to the Byron Shire has been a treat for our community, creating a time and place for people to enjoy the talents and crafts of so many incredibly creative, gifted and entertaining people.’
Kylie Martin, the force behind Surf Sisters, received the Contribution to Health and Wellbeing Award. Surf Sisters is a welcoming and inclusive network for women of all ages and surfing abilities to come together in a safe, supportive environment.
Beyond surfing, Kylie has created a broader support network that includes social events, carpool coordination, supporting and promoting local businesses, board rentals, and even connections for housing.
The In Business for Good Award went to Mullumbimby’s The Paddock Project who provide meaningful employment and opportunities for people living with disabilities growing sustainable, organic produce.
The Community Initiative of the Year Award went to two local organisations the Seed Giving Circle and the Mullumbimby Show Society.
By pooling resources and decision-making power, members of the Seed Giving Circle join a movement that amplifies regenerative climate and environmental projects while strengthening the backbone of a thriving regional ecosystem of changemakers.
Half of members’ contributions fund a small grants program supporting grassroots projects across the Northern Rivers. The second half goes toward the creation of the Seed Changemakers Collective, to deliver training, mentoring, and capacity-building support to help local leaders and organisations thrive, build lasting connections, and lead with care in complex times.
The Mullumbimby Show promotes social cohesion, celebrates local identity, and supports local businesses and talent. By hosting this annual event, the Mullumbimby Agricultural Society is helping to build a stronger, more connected community in the Byron Shire.
‘There is an incredible volunteer effort behind the Show Society that goes into making it happen. Every member of the organising committee is a volunteer,’ said a BSC spokesperson.
‘The partnership between volunteers and local businesses is a key factor in the show’s success, and in turn, the Show Society can give back to the community $7,000 through donations to volunteer organisations and sporting groups.’
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