New categories to support major award winners on Australia Day

LISMORE City Council has announced two new categories with a focus on academics and business at the Australia Day awards in January.

The new categories are academic excellence and contribution to economic excellence, and will announced along with the citizen of the year and other major award winners.

The Lismore awards have taken extra on significance in recent years, recognising SES volunteers and community members who have been crucial in the flood rebuild from 2022.

Neville Graham was citizen of the year in 2025, recognised for spending more than 40 years in emergency services groups throughout the region.

The 2024 awards were highlighted by Mieke Bell, who has run The Winsome and Lismore Soup Kitchen for nearly 35 years.

“One thing that has always stood out to me is that our community is full of quiet unsung heroes,” Lismore mayor Steve Krieg said.

“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.

“If you have a friend who works hard for a volunteer group, know a student who is kicking goals in life or admire a person for their work for our community, please nominate them.”

Other categories include young citizen of the year, services in the community (individual), services in the community (group), sportsperson/team (junior), sportsperson/team (senior), environment, and arts/culture.

Nominations close on Sunday, November 30 and can be made at lismore.nsw.gov.au.

The awards will be held in the Whitebrook Theatre at Southern Cross University.