Ballina Shire Council has announced the nominees for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, which recognise individuals and groups whose generosity, leadership and community spirit continue to strengthen the region.
For more than 40 years, the Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards have celebrated volunteers, innovators, environmental advocates, young leaders and quiet achievers who dedicate their time to supporting others.
“These awards honour the people who help shape a vibrant and resilient community, and remind us that local contribution, in all its forms, is at the heart of what makes our shire special,” Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said.
“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.”
Council has congratulated all 2026 nominees, acknowledging their commitment to community through volunteering, advocacy, creativity, mentorship and service. 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.
Nominees for the 2026 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards:
Young Citizen of the Year (under 30 years)
Hugo Adlington
Tyler Causley-James
Ava Delaney
Patrick Jones
Aoife Kingston
Stella Payne
Eli Simmons
Amity Sweeney
Senior Citizen of the Year (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 (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
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
Category winners, along with the 2026 Citizen of the Year—selected from across all nominees—will be announced at the official Australia Day Ceremony.
The community is invited to attend the awards presentation from 9am to 11am on Monday, 26 January, at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre.
This annual event is an opportunity to celebrate local achievements and recognise the individuals and organisations helping to build a supportive and connected community.
For full event details, visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/2026Awards.
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