The Council of the Order of Australia is calling for more nominations of women to be included in future Order of Australia’s annual Australia Day Honours lists.

I love Australia, but I don’t love Australia Day on 26th Jan. I don’t love that it is about a flag with a Union Jack on it.

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.

Last week the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, made his tenth appearance at the National Press Club as Labor leader. Peter Dutton hasn't spoken there since 2021, when he was the minister for defence.

Lismore City Council held an Australia Day event at Whitehorse Theatre at Southern Cross University yesterday, with Neville Graham being given the 2025 Citizen of the Year award.

Local council’s will be holding a range of Australia Day ceremonies and events across the Northern Rivers celebrating Australia Day and recognising that it is for many also the day that Australia was invaded. 

The World Championship Mullet Throwing competition is set to be played out this weekend in Ocean Shores, with competitors flexing their fish arms in the hopes of taking home a championship win.

Friday will see the Tweed Shire Australia Day Awards, to be held in Murwillumbah followed by a number of events throughout the Tweed Shire on Sunday, 26 January. 

The last meeting of the Ballina Shire Council saw another rancorous discussion about whether the local community awards ceremony should coincide with Australia Day.

Recognising the work, commitment and value that individuals bring to the community is an important and valuable part of celebrating Australians from all walks of life.