Recognising Achievements and Welcoming Diversity this Australia Day

Whether you’re a long-time local, new to the shire, or visiting our patch of paradise, everyone is welcome to join us for this year’s Ballina Shire Australia Day Ceremony at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre on Friday 26 January 2024, from 9am.

The ceremony will start with a Welcome to Country by Bundjalung elder Aunty Julia Paden, followed by a special citizenship ceremony welcoming 18 new Australian citizens from the USA, Bolivia, UK, Italy, Thailand, Denmark, Brazil, Philippines, and Vietnam. This year’s ceremony is particularly special as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of Australian citizenship.

The event will also feature the much-anticipated Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards. These awards recognise the outstanding achievements of community members and groups. The 2024 Ballina Shire Citizen of the Year will be chosen from all nominees across all categories.

Advertisements

Attendees will be treated to special performances by talented members of the Ballina Players and the Lennox Beach Line Dancers following their international success at the World Dance Masters in Blackpool, UK. The event will be hosted by Sandra Jackson, a well-known and popular announcer on 101.9 Paradise FM.

The Lennox Head Lions Club will also be hosting a BBQ and music in Ross Park, Lennox Head on Australia Day. So don’t forget to pack your picnic blanket and cossies!

Let’s honour our local heroes, provide a warm welcome to our new citizens, and recognise all that is good about living in Ballina Shire.

Whether you choose to attend an organised event, gather with family and friends, or enjoy some time alone, Australia Day is a day to reflect and respect that we are all shaped by our own experiences, and to celebrate living in a nation where everyone’s views, beliefs and contributions are valued.

New Australia Citizens at the 2023 Ceremony.

Australia Day Award Nominees

This year, we received 40 nominations across the seven categories of Young Citizen, Senior Citizen, Volunteer, Sporting Achievement, Environmental, Arts and Culture, and Community Event of 2023.

The nominees are:

• Young Citizen – Imani Hannaford, Lucy Trease, and Tayla Kennedy.
• Senior Citizen – Brenda Zakaras, Colin Lee, Dianne Thompson, Dr Colin Macdonald, Dr Meng Yew Yeo, Jeffrey Gibbs, John Gordon, Veda Dorrough, Warwick Manning, and Yvonne Scarrabelotti.
• Volunteer – Daryl Holmes, David and Robii Harmon, Ivan Leahy, Ken Delany, Mark Ross, Nikki Powell, Robyne McGlashan, and Wardell Core.
• Sporting Achievement – John Hair (Water Polo), Ray Chapman (Croquet), Rondah Stevenson (Football/Soccer), Scott Jenkins (Rugby Union), Bailey Wilson (Basketball and Athletics), David Scott (Croquet), Joel Taylor (Surfing), Lennox Beach Line Dancing, and Naomi Doncaster (Pickleball).
• Environmental – Wardell Core, The Wildlife Twins, and the Annual Lennox Community Tree Planting Day.
• Arts and Culture Award – Ballina Contemporary Art Market, Ballina Players, and Ballina Shire Concert Band.
• Community Event of 2023 – A Night of Elegance James Bond (Tracey Everingham Armstrong), DV Walk (Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond), Flood Recovery Temporary Housing (Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond), Future Fit Our Dementia Community (Dementia Inclusive Ballina Alliance Inc), One Year On (Wardell Core), and Purple Friday (Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond and Cherry Street Sports).

The ceremony will conclude with the announcement of the 2024 Ballina Shire Citizen of the Year.

Transport is available for those unable to drive to the venue. For details about the Ballina Shire Australia Day Ceremony, please contact Council’s Communications Team at 1300 864 444. This event is proudly supported by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council and the Ballina Shire Council. For event details visit here.

For more local Ballina news, click here.