With Australia Day only two days away, Lismore is celebrating the extraordinary individuals and groups nominated for the 2025 Australia Day Awards.

The awards highlight the achievements of community members whose efforts make Lismore a vibrant and caring place to live. 

Everyone is welcome to attend the ceremony at the Whitebrook Theatre at SCU at 9am this Sunday.

The list of nominees includes:

Citizen of the Year Nominees 

• Patrick Higgins 
  • A steadfast volunteer, Patrick has dedicated countless hours to local charities and community initiatives, embodying the spirit of generosity and service. His efforts have uplifted countless individuals and created lasting positive impacts throughout Lismore. 

• Len Ward 
  • For over six decades, Len has been a pillar of the Lismore Basketball community. From refereeing and fundraising to documenting the sport’s history, Len’s tireless commitment inspires generations. 

• Andre Els 
  • Andre has spearheaded crime prevention efforts in Lismore, uniting communities through public meetings and innovative tools like the "We Watch" app. His initiatives have reduced local crime and empowered residents to act. 

• Bradley Hicks 
  • Brad has inspired over 20,000 children to embrace health and fitness through Fitness Kidz. His dedication to young people has even shaped Olympic athletes like Chloe Cavell, leaving a profound legacy in the region. 

• Warren Osborne 
  • With nearly 50 years at G&S Electrical, Warren has kept vital community infrastructure running, especially during disasters. His contributions as a professional and a volunteer in sports and community groups are deeply valued. 

• Tracy Ward 
  • Known for her tireless community initiatives, Tracy has transformed the South Lismore Post Office into a hub of kindness and creativity. From her intergenerational communication projects to advocating against domestic violence, Tracy’s impact is immeasurable. 

• Neville Graham 
  • A dedicated volunteer for over 40 years, Neville has served in emergency services, the SES, and numerous community groups. His commitment to helping others embodies the very best of Lismore’s spirit. 

Nominees in Other Categories 

Services in the Community (Individual): Patrick Higgins, Len Ward, Jeff Thompson, Andre Els, Maryanne Sewell, Peter Brown, Warren Osborne, Tracy Ward, Nathan Rose, Margaret Seydel, Shirley Donovan, Captains Philip & Donna Sutcliffe and Neville Graham. 

Services in the Community (Group): Northtracks, Lismore Basketball, Lismore CWA, Rainbow Roos, Resilient Lismore and Richmond Valley Day Club. 

Junior Sportsperson: Luke Elsley, Alex Sipple and Caitlyn Halliday. 

Sports Team (Group/Organisation): Lismore Rowing Club. 

Arts & Culture: Victoria Collignon. 

Volunteer of the Year: Patrick Higgins, Len Ward, Jeff Thompson, Andre Els, Maryanne Sewell, Warren Osborne and Shirley Donovan. 

These nominees represent the very best of our community, showcasing dedication, passion and generosity. 

The Australia Day Awards Committee, consisting of the Mayor as Chairperson, and Councillors Jeri Hall, Harper Dalton-Earls and Big Rob, selects the winners. This committee is chosen at the start of every four-year term and meets to review all nominations, scoring each application objectively based on specific criteria.

The highest-scoring nominee in each category is declared the winner, ensuring a fair and transparent process.

The 2025 Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony will occur on Sunday, 26 January, at 9 a.m. at the Whitebrook Theatre, Southern Cross University. The day will begin with a Welcome to Country, followed by the presentation of the Australia Day Awards.

Geoff Coombes OAM, the 2025 Australia Day Ambassador and co-founder of Tour de Cure, will deliver an inspiring keynote speech about his journey in raising over $140 million for cancer research.

The event will also include the Citizenship Ceremony, where 16 new citizens from 12 countries will officially join the Lismore community.