Emergency response volunteer Jennifer Booth named Citizen of the Year

EMERGENCY response volunteer Jennifer Booth has been named Tweed Shire Citizen of the Year, having supported hundreds of people in recovery efforts from natural disasters.

A long-time volunteer based in Murwillumbah, Booth has played a critical role in evacuation centres and immediate emergency response during bushfires, cyclones and floods across the Tweed.

Her efforts include helping establish response units at Murwillumbah TAFE during the 2017 and 2022 floods, coordinating support at the 2019 Uki bushfire evacuation centre, and assisting at the Cyclone Alfred evacuation centre in 2025.

Booth has been chiefly responsible for ensuring essential supplies were available for people in crisis, providing practical support at times when it was needed most.

Her volunteering journey began through organisations including St Vincent de Paul, Anglicare and local churches, before expanding to committees supporting people experiencing homelessness and social disadvantage.

“Not only did I heal myself, but I also discovered I could help heal others by giving to these services,” Booth said.

 

Tweed mayor Chris Cherry paid tribute to Booth’s dedication and the broader community spirit reflected in the awards.

“We know hardship all too well in the Tweed over the past few years, yet every event reminds us of the remarkable spirit that lives here,” Cherry said.

“Our community shows up for one another in ways that are truly inspiring, and this care for each other continues to build stronger community bonds and support for those who need it most.”

The Australia Day ceremony also welcomed 43 new Australian citizens from 13 countries, including Brazil, Vietnam, the United Kingdom and Spain.

Other award recipients included Murwillumbah Philharmonic Choir (Arts and Culture), Tyalgum Music Festival (Community Event), Karen Dawson (Senior Ambassador), Tweed Netball Association Under 18 Green Team (Sporting Achievement – Group), William Mison (Sporting Achievement – Individual), Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary (Volunteer of the Year – Group), Amos Suthern (Volunteer of the Year – Individual), and Ruby Allen (Young Achiever in Community Service).