Ballina Shire Council is proud to announce the nominees for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, a celebration of the people whose generosity, leadership and community spirit strengthen our region year after year.

For more than four decades, the Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards have recognised the volunteers, innovators, environmental champions, young leaders and quiet achievers who give their time to support others. 

“These awards honour the people who help shape a vibrant, resilient community and remind us that local contribution, in all its forms, is at the heart of what makes our shire special,” said Mayor Sharon Cadwallader. 

“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,” she said.

Council congratulates all 2026 nominees. Their commitment to community, whether expressed through volunteering, advocacy, creativity, mentorship or service, is deeply valued. 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.

The nominees for the 2026 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards are:

Young Citizen Award (under 30 years of age)

• Hugo Adlington
• Tyler Causley-James
• Ava Delaney
• Patrick Jones
• Aoife Kingston
• Stella Payne
• Eli Simmons
• Amity Sweeney

Senior Citizen Award (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 Award (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 (BES)
• 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

Winners of each category will be announced at the 2026 Australia Day Ceremony, along with the Citizen of the Year, who will be chosen from across all nominees.

Council invites the community to join the event from 9am to11am on Monday, 26 January at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre.

This annual gathering is an opportunity to come together, applaud local achievements and acknowledge the people who help build a supportive, connected and caring community.

For full event details, visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/2026Awards.