Award and citizen ceremony

NEW citizens and award winners will be celebrated at the Ballina Shire Council Australia Day ceremony.

It will be held at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre on Sunday, January 26.

The citizenship ceremony will welcome 12 new Australians from Argentina, New Zealand, Philippines, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

The awards highlight outstanding individuals and achievements by community groups over the last 12 months.

This year, council received more than 40 nominations across the eight categories.

The Ballina Shire Citizen of the Year will be selected from someone who has already been nominated in a category.

Joel Taylor won the award last year after he became an ISA world para surfing champion in 2023.

The award categories are local hero, young citizen, senior citizen, volunteer of the year, sports achievement, arts and culture, environmental and community event of the year.

There will be a special performance by singer Katie Rutledge with the event hosted by local radio personality Sandra Jackson.

The Lennox Head Lions Club will also be hosting a barbecue and music across the road in the park.

People are invited to bring a picnic basket and settle in for the afternoon.

Transport is available for anyone unable to drive to the venue and can be organised by contacting the council’s communications team on 1300 864 444.

For event details visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/AustraliaDay