Flood rescue hero named Citizen of the Year

BALLINA Shire’s Citizen of the Year, Ezekiel Knight, has been honoured for his heroic flood rescue efforts during the 2022 floods at the Australia Day ceremony.

The ceremony, held at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre, featured more than 40 nominees across eight categories.

Knight, 23, has been a dedicated member of the Ballina SES unit for eight years. As a lead flood rescue operator, he has rebuilt the team over the past few years, growing it from two in-water operators to eight.

He was recently awarded the NSW SES Commissioner’s commendation for courage for his efforts rescuing two people from a vehicle during the 2022 floods. As a senior road crash rescue operator, he also plays a crucial role in emergency response.

Jodie Shelly won the Local Hero award for her work as club service director for the Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond. Her contributions include organising the rotary district conference, duck race, Purple Shirt domestic violence awareness campaign, and flood recovery efforts. She also supports student scholarships, vocational service awards, and the men’s health van.

Young Citizen of the Year Lachlan Trease, a member of Alstonville Swimming Club, has excelled in sports and co-founded an artisan bakery with his siblings. They donated bread during the 2022 floods and have fundraised for the community. At Emmanuel Anglican College, he served as house captain, student representative, and debating team member.

The Senior Citizen of the Year award went to Rik Dillon, a founding member of the Ballina Region for Refugees. Dillon was recently voted the first life member of the group and, in 2024, was appointed as Northern NSW Ambassador for the Pickleball Association of NSW, advising players on club development, facilities, and equipment.

Other winners included Diane Parker (Volunteer of the Year), Denise Cooper (Sporting Achievement), and Mariah Cavnaugh-Roberts (Arts and Culture).

The late Shirley White and Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue were joint winners of the Environmental Award. Shirley White was recognised posthumously for her environmental advocacy, while Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue received the award for its wildlife rehabilitation efforts.

The Anzac Day march and services were recognised as the Community Event of the Year.