Your 2025 Ballina Australia Day Award Winners Announced
By Jeff Gibbs
Today, the Ballina Shire community gathered to celebrate local heroes, welcome new Australian citizens, and recognise all the great things about living in this beautiful region. The official Australia Day Ceremony, hosted by Ballina Shire Council at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre, highlighted the achievements of individuals and groups who have made an extraordinary impact on the community.
The event opened with a Welcome to Country from Uncle Ricky Cook and featured lively performances by Katie Rutledge, Narelle Harris, Ian Davis, and Ray Arnott. The ceremony also included a heartwarming citizenship ceremony, where 12 new Australian citizens from countries including Argentina, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Africa, and the United Kingdom were officially welcomed.
The highlight of the day was the announcement of the 2025 Ballina Shire Australia Day Award Winners, presented by Mayor Sharon Cadwallader alongside Master of Ceremonies Sandra Jackson, a popular announcer from 101.9 Paradise FM. Mayor Cadwallader praised the nominees and winners, saying:
“I am deeply impressed by the calibre of this year’s nominees and the diversity of their achievements. From rescue volunteers to wildlife carers and mental health advocates, all have shown exceptional dedication to our community. Their contributions inspire us to work together to build a stronger, more vibrant Ballina Shire.”
2025 Award Winners
Citizen of the Year: Ezekiel (Zeke) Knight
Zeke Knight, a member of the Ballina SES Unit for eight years, was honoured for his incredible contributions as the Co-Section Head of Flood Rescue and Senior Road Crash Rescue Operator. At just 21 years old, Zeke received the NSW SES Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage for rescuing two people from floodwaters during the 2022 floods.
Zeke has also revitalised the SES flood rescue team, growing it from two in-water operators to eight, and has been a driving force behind the Young Volunteers Program (YETI’s), mentoring youth to develop skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose. His leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on the Ballina community.

Ezekiel Knight
Local Hero: Jodie Shelly
Jodie Shelly’s tireless efforts with the Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond earned her this prestigious title. As Club Service Director, Jodie has organised major events such as the Duck Race, Purple Shirt Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign, and Rotary District 9640 Conference.
Jodie also contributes through her role as Secretary for The Hot Meal Centre in Ballina, managing social media, IT support, and producing Rotary’s weekly newsletter, The Beacon. Her humble, behind-the-scenes efforts have been invaluable to the community.
Young Citizen of the Year: Lachlan Trease
Lachlan Trease, a member of the Alstonville Swimming Club and co-founder of an artisan bakery, was recognized for his commitment to both sport and community. Lachlan’s bakery supported flood evacuation centres in the Northern Rivers during the 2022 floods, and he has been an active leader at Emmanuel Anglican College, serving as House Captain and a member of the Student Representative Council.
Senior Citizen of the Year: Rik Dillon
A founding member of Ballina Region for Refugees, Rik Dillon has made significant contributions as a fundraiser, website developer, and advocate for refugee support. Rik is also the inaugural president of the Northern Rivers Pickleball Club, guiding its growth to over 300 members and promoting the sport across NSW.
Volunteer of the Year: Diane Parker
Diane Parker’s extensive service with Quota Alstonville over the past three decades has left an indelible mark on the community. From organising the annual Quota Craft and Garden Fair to supporting charities like Our Kids, Orange Sky, and local fire brigades, Diane’s leadership and dedication have improved countless lives.
Sporting Achievement Award: Denise Cooper
Denise Cooper was recognized for her work as an outrigger paddling coach and mentor. Over two decades, Denise has developed local talent through the Northern Rivers Outrigger Club, introduced a national curriculum for coach training, and raised funds for the Heart Foundation through motivational clinics.
Arts and Cultural Award: Mariah Cavnaugh-Roberts
Mariah’s dedication to Aboriginal education and cultural preservation has had a profound impact. As a teacher’s aide at Ballina Coast High School, she mentors Goori students in traditional and contemporary dance and organizes performances for NAIDOC Week and other events.
Environmental Award (Joint Winners):
- Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue: Recognized for their decades-long efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife, raising awareness about conservation, and educating the community.
- The Late Shirley White: Honoured posthumously for founding Ballina Coastcare and her groundbreaking work in regenerating Ballina’s coastal reserves.
Community Event of the Year: Ballina ANZAC Day 2024 Commemorations
The 2024 ANZAC Day events drew record crowds and included a Dawn Service, March, and Commemorative Service. Featuring initiatives like the Youth Ambassador Program and a RAAF flypast, the event united generations in honouring Australia’s servicemen and women.
For more information and photos from the 2025 Ballina Australia Day Awards ceremony, visit Ballina Shire Council’s website.
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