Nominate an unsung hero in the community

LISMORE City Council is calling for nominations for the 2025 Australia Day Awards.

The awards recognise individuals who contribute to the community through volunteering, service, or excellence in sports and other fields.

The city last year awarded Citizen of the Year to Mieke Bell, for her work running The Winsome and the Lismore Soup Kitchen for the past 33 years where she and others provide hot meals, accommodation and support for people in need.

The city’s general manager Jon Gibson said Mrs Bell puts “her heart, soul and love into every meal. She imparts dignity and grace to each person facing tough circumstances, through every meal served and every act of kindness”.

Mrs Bell said the award continues to bring valuable attention to the organisation and its volunteers, who serve up to 100 meals daily.

“It was then, and still is a lovely surprise to have been awarded the 2024 Lismore Citizen of the Year,” she said.

“This award was not just about me, it enabled the spotlight to focus on the Soup Kitchen and the many staff and volunteers who help every day.”

Lismore mayor Steve Krieg invited the community to recognise the community’s ‘unsung heroes’ by nominating them.

“The Australia Day Awards give us a chance every year to honour those passionate people who dedicate a large part of their lives to building a stronger, healthier community with no thought of personal gain.”

Categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen, Aboriginal Citizen, Volunteer, Sports, Environment, and Arts/Culture.

The council’s Australia Day Awards Committee, made up of Councillors Krieg, Harper Dalton-Earls, Jeri Hall and Big Rob, selects the winners of the awards.

To nominate, head to the Lismore City Council webpage at lismore.nsw.gov.au.

Nominations close on December 13.

The 2025 Australia Day Awards winners will be announced at a ceremony on Australia Day, January 26.