Ballina Councillors fail to get the message on Australia Day
Our 12 newest Aussies take the oath and are presented with a native tree by Mayor Sharon Cadwallader and Richmond MP Justine Elliot, representing the Federal Minister for Immigration.
Emergency volunteers who helped save lives in the region’s flood disaster received major honours in the 2025 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards.
Citizen of the Year Ezekiel Knight was only 21 when commended for his courage in rescuing two people trapped in rising floodwaters. He’s since been credited for helping rebuild and revitalise State Emergency Service operations, encouraging and training more young volunteers.
Zeke was joined on stage by fellow SES leader and former Ballina Shire Citizen of the Year Gerry Burnage who was recognised with a special commendation on his retirement after more than 40 years service along with wife Margaret.
A capacity crowd of all ages was in attendance to celebrate local heroes at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre – joined by a record turn out of local MPs – possibly reflecting recent opinion polls showing more than 60 per cent of Aussies are now in favour of celebrating Australia Day.
The MP contingent included President of the NSW Legislative Assembly Ben Franklin (Nats), along with Greens Party Member for Ballina Tamara Smith and endorsed Greens candidate for the seat of Richmond, comedian Mandy Nolan. Their attendance was in stark contrast to the three recently elected Greens Party members of Ballina Shire Council who failed to show, with some having previously chosen to attend the alternative “Invasion Day” protest in neighbouring Byron Shire.
Community members expressed disappointment that only half the elected members could attend the shire’s most significant event paying tribute to volunteers and welcoming new citizens.
Award Winners:
Citizen of the Year Ezekiel Knight – SES
Local Hero Jodie Shelly – Ballina on Richmond Rotary, Ballina Hot Meals Centre
Young Citizen of the Year Lachlan Trease – sportsman, entrepreneur
Senior Citizen of the Year Rik Dillon – Ballina Refugees
Volunteer of the Year Diane Parker – Quota Alstonville
Sporting Achievement Denise Cooper – Northern Rivers Outrigger Club
Arts and Cultural Award Mariah Cavnaugh-Roberts – Outstanding work in Aboriginal education
Environmental Award Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue – saving lives since 1992
and The Late Shirley White – Coastcare pioneer
Community Event of the Year Ballina ANZAC Day 2024 Commemorations
Community Hero Jodie Shelly from the Ballina on Richmond Rotary Club (centre) with Mayor Cadwallader (left) and Richmond MP Justine Elliot
Volunteer of the Year Diane Parker – Alstonville Quota Club
Young Citizen of the Year Lachlan Trease
