The Ballina community came together on Australia Day to honour local heroes, welcome new citizens, and celebrate what makes life in the Ballina Shire so special.
Ballina Shire Council hosted the official Australia Day ceremony at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre, offering an inclusive and welcoming event for residents and visitors alike.
The ceremony began with a Welcome to Country by Aunty Julia Paden, followed by the raising of the flags by Cadet Warrant Officers Andreas Pereira and Max Raguse from No. 326 (City of Lismore) Squadron, Australian Air Force Cadets. A citizenship ceremony was then conducted, followed by a performance of I Am Australian by the Ballina Players.
More than 60 individuals and groups were recognised in this year’s Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards, with accolades presented across categories including Young Citizen, Senior Citizen, Volunteer of the Year, Arts and Culture, Environmental, Sports, and Community Event of the Year.
Sandra Jackson served as MC, while Mayor Sharon Cadwallader presented the awards and paid tribute to those recognised.
“The Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards recognise the extraordinary people who help make our Shire such a wonderful place to live,” Mayor Cadwallader said.
“What truly sets Ballina Shire apart is our people – those who give their time, care deeply about others, and contribute in ways that strengthen our community. Our generosity, compassion, and respect for one another are at the heart of who we are,” she said.
Citizen of the Year – Geoff Hutchinson
Geoff Hutchinson was named Ballina Shire’s 2026 Citizen of the Year in recognition of his outstanding service with Marine Rescue Ballina. Known for his calm, professional manner and extensive maritime knowledge, Mr Hutchinson has attended 37 rescues in the past year alone, including several high-risk search operations.
In November 2024, he responded to a 3am Mayday call from a sinking trawler off Lennox Head, rescuing two fishermen moments before the vessel went down. He also led Ballina’s four-day search for a missing Queensland Police officer in March 2025, skippering more than 500km in rough seas. Other missions included a 19-hour offshore rescue of a jet ski operator and the search for an overdue catamaran.
In addition to his frontline duties, Mr Hutchinson is a dedicated mentor and trainer, contributes to fundraising, and plays a key role in improving operational procedures.
Young Citizen of the Year – Tyler Causley-James
At just 16, Tyler Causley-James is already an operational member of both the Ballina SES Storm and Flood Teams. Since joining SES and Marine Rescue on his 16th birthday, Tyler has attended numerous callouts, represented SES at community events, and served on the Student Representative Council at Richmond Christian College.
His commitment to public safety and civic responsibility was recognised with the Young Citizen Award.
Other nominees: Hugo Adlington, Ava Delaney, Patrick Jones, Aoife Kingston, Stella Payne, Eli Simmons, Amity Sweeney.
Senior Citizen of the Year – Kenneth Brown
Ken Brown was recognised for over 40 years of service to the NSW SES and NSW Ambulance Service. Since beginning with SES in 1982, Mr Brown has played a critical role in major emergencies, including the Lennox Head tornado and Northern Rivers floods.
He continues to serve with the Ballina SES in retirement, mentoring new members and assisting during emergencies. His commendation for brave conduct and work with the humanitarian organisation ADRA further exemplify his commitment.
Other nominees: Joan Ashford, Wayne Crawford, Gail Burley, Jane Gardiner, Cheryl and Wesley Inwood, Adrian Walsh, Lloyd Morris, Malcolm Johnson.
Volunteer of the Year – Joint Winners: John Smith and Marine Rescue Ballina
John Smith was recognised for over 50 years of community service, including 20 years with Ballina Shire Meals on Wheels and more than three decades with the East Ballina Lions Club. Mr Smith has delivered thousands of meals to vulnerable residents and once saved a client’s life through prompt first aid. He continues to volunteer at age 82.
Marine Rescue Ballina was jointly awarded for its dedicated response to 49 incidents in the past year. Volunteers undertook dangerous operations, including the 3am trawler rescue, a 270-nautical-mile search for a missing police officer, and a 19-hour mission off Brunswick Heads. The unit also raised $187,000 for a new rescue vessel.
Other nominees: Jillian Challinor, Helen Cooney, Jemma Coulter, Geoff Hutchinson, Joel Orchard, Kayden Muller, Ballina Netball Association, 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 – Jim Hawkins
Jim Hawkins was honoured for over 40 years of service with the Ballina Shire Concert Band. As a multi-instrumentalist and long-serving Deputy Conductor, he has supported the band’s growth while serving in roles such as Vice President, Secretary, Librarian, and Publicity Officer.
Mr Hawkins has mentored generations of musicians and helped preserve the region’s banding heritage.
Other nominees: Ray Arnott, Miah Bradley, Meggan-Lee Drew, Archie Mason-Reynolds.
Environmental Award – Lennox Head Landcare and Partners
Lennox Head Landcare was recognised for its long-term efforts to restore and protect Lake Ainsworth, particularly its successful response to an outbreak of water hyacinth in 2015. Volunteers have continued regular working bees and built a community-led initiative involving local partners and agencies.
Other nominees: Stephen Axford, Amanda Philp, NSW TurtleWatch (Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue), Friends of the Koala, Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond (DIKers), Ballina Environment Society, Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue, Ballina RSL (Claire Tyson and Sarah Rozario).
Sports Award – Sam Miller
Sam Miller was awarded for her extensive volunteer coaching with Lennox Head Alstonville Surf Life Saving Club. Over two decades, Ms Miller has trained junior and senior athletes, served on the committee, and contributed more than 220 volunteer hours annually.
She also supports the club’s Nippers program and mentors junior coaches, fostering the next generation of lifesavers.
Other nominees: Jett Beck, Gary Bond, Trevor Dancer, Alexandra Dogan, Eve Drew, Michael Gidding, Emanuelle Harding, Hayden Kelvin, Asha Ledingham, Ballina Coast Walking Football, Ballina Allstars Athletics.
Community Event of the Year – North Coast Show and Shine
Attracting nearly 10,000 attendees, the North Coast Show and Shine featured over 500 vehicles and raised more than $35,000 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service’s Northern Rivers base.
Led by Michelle and Martin Bailey, the event showcased strong collaboration between community, charity, and educational groups. Attractions included rides, face painting, food vendors, and trade stalls, with support from Rotary and TAFE NSW Wollongbar.
Other nominees: Alstonville Wollongbar Fun Run, The Ox 100km for Run DIPG, Carols on the Plateau, Rafiki Royale, Folded Festival, Northern Rivers Regional Rally Pickleball Tournament, Oceania Cup.
New Citizens Welcomed
As part of the day’s proceedings, 19 new Australian citizens were officially welcomed to the Ballina Shire. New citizens hailed from countries including England, Germany, the Philippines, Spain, Uruguay, India, Scotland, Italy, the United Kingdom, Nepal, New Zealand, Sweden and the United States.
Full award recipient biographies and photographs from the event are available on Ballina Shire Council’s website: ballina.nsw.gov.au/AustraliaDay.
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