Byron Shire Community Awards winners revealed

BYRON Bird Buddies founder Jan Olley has been named Byron Shire Community Member of the Year at the council’s annual awards.

Olley launched the conservation group two decades ago with a mission to protect vital habitats for both resident and migratory birds, safeguarding their roosting, breeding and feeding areas.

The organisation logged 270 hours of conservation surveys last year, with Olley at the helm. She also leads educational workshops, guided bird walks, bird counts and environmental clean-up initiatives.

“Her knowledge is immense, she shares it so willingly, and she advocates passionately for the birds — with strong support from her fellow volunteers,” Byron Shire mayor Sarah Ndiaye said.

Council received 95 nominations across eight categories in this year’s Byron Shire Community Awards, which were announced at the Byron Bay Golf Club on Tuesday night.

WIRES volunteer Billie Rettenmaier was named Young Community Member of the Year. The 21-year-old also volunteers with Newrybar Rural Fire Brigade, offers young children free music lessons and is a regular face at community gardens.

Former world number one surfer Pauline Menczer received the Access and Inclusion Award for her advocacy in making local beaches — such as Torakina at Brunswick Heads — more accessible for people of all abilities. She also donates her time to coach surfers living with disability.

Two winners were announced in the Creativity Award category — artist Virginia Reid and theatre director Anouska Samantha Gammon.

Reid has taught at Byron Community College for more than a decade, mentoring many beyond the classroom through exhibitions, performances and showcases. Her work has also been displayed at Byron Hospital and the Byron Writers Festival.

Gammon is president and artistic director of the not-for-profit Bangalow Theatre Company and founder of BANG! Academy of Performing Arts, which provides drama classes and workshops for children and teens.

Pilates instructor Dianne Browne received the Contribution to Health and Wellbeing Award in recognition of her efforts to improve community wellness, while Perigee Farm in Wilsons Creek won the In Business for Good Award for its dedication to sustainable agriculture, local employment and environmental stewardship.

Sound Shell Piano and Community Care by Laura Upsall was named Community Initiative of the Year. Upsall entered the ABC’s Play It Again competition and won a new piano for the community at the Soundshell outdoor venue in Brunswick Heads.

Save Wallum campaigner Lisa Sandstrom, who is a familiar presence at the Mullumbimby Community Markets, took home the Caring for Country Award.