Helen Cowan has been named as the 2026 Richmond Valley Australia Day Citizen of the Year, in recognition of her longtime work with the Casino East Fire brigade and the Greenridge Hall.

Richmond Valley Council Mayor Robert Mustow made the announcement at today’s Richmond Valley Australia Day celebration at the Rappville Hall.

Helen Cowan has been a dedicated volunteer with the Casino East Fire Brigade for 20 years. In her early years, she attended fires and emergency callouts alongside brigade members and has continued to support the brigade through fundraising activities. This includes coordinating the brigade’s major annual fundraiser, Santa at the Cecil, securing donations from local and national businesses, and managing more than 250 prizes each year.

In addition, she is the manager and caretaker of Greenridge Hall and is well respected throughout the community for her selfless work in keeping the hall a vibrant community meeting place.

Connor Shephard was named the Young Citizen of the Year. Connor works proactively in the community in a variety of roles, including a retained firefighter at Casino Fire Station, a volunteer rescue operator and drone pilot with VRA Rescue NSW Casino, and with the Casino Chamber of Commerce.

(Connor Shephard. Photo: supplied)

The Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Phil Cornish for more than 40 years of volunteer service to the VRA Rescue NSW Casino. The young volunteer of the year was awarded to Isabel de Wit for her selfless work with the Casino Community Kitchen.

Tony Curtis was awarded the Sportsperson of the Year for his national and international achievements in fitness events such as HYROX and Spartan championships. Young Sportsperson of the Year was awarded to Crystal Gill for her success in multi-class athletics competition.

A new award this year, Community Organisation of the Year, was presented to Frangipani Care. Led by Katie Thompson, the organisation provides holistic care for those who need it, filling in service gaps in the community.

Before the awards, Cr Mustow also conducted a citizenship ceremony for three new Australian citizens in the Richmond Valley. A small ceremony and tree planting were also held to honour last year’s Citizen of the Year, Neil Burnett, who has since passed away.