A DRIVING force in flood recovery efforts at Cabbage Tree Island has been recognised with a Local Women of the Year award for the Ballina electorate.<\/p>\n
Kylie Jacky is chair of the of the Jali Local Aboriginal Land Council and has focused on ensuring residents\u2019 voices are central to rebuilding efforts of the 2022 floods.<\/p>\n
She has 25 years of experience in state government and with extensive volunteer work which has displayed integrity, resilience, and cultural advocacy.<\/p>\n
She was nominated by Ballina MP Tamara Smith for her outstanding leadership and service.<\/p>\n
\u201cMs Jacky\u2019s leadership has helped bring people back to Country and ensure the community can rebuild in a resilient and sustainable way,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am thrilled to see her dedication and commitment recognised.\u201d<\/p>\n
In celebration of NSW Women\u2019s Week, women from across the state were acknowledged for their remarkable contributions to their communities.<\/p>\n
It also included the NSW Seniors Festival, where locals Pippy Wardell and Robert Whiston won awards.<\/p>\n
Wardell was nominated for her long-standing work in the Byron Community Centre\u2019s Seniors Program, where she runs accessible yoga classes that promote connection, wellbeing, and active ageing.<\/p>\n
Whiston has been a tireless volunteer at the Wardell Neighbourhood Centre, leading initiatives including the Return and Earn recycling program, community pizza project, and fresh produce program.<\/p>\n
\u201cMr Whiston has supported hundreds of residents through his practical skills and service. His dedication is remarkably inspiring,” Smith said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMs Wardell\u2019s volunteer work supporting seniors in fostering connection, wellbeing and active ageing in her accessible yoga classes is incredibly inspiring to see.<\/p>\n
Smith said the overwhelming number of nominations received this year reflects the generosity, kindness, and community spirit across the Ballina electorate.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur region is full of people who go above and beyond for others, and it\u2019s fantastic to see their work celebrated,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A DRIVING force in flood recovery efforts at Cabbage Tree Island has been recognised with a Local Women of the Year award for the Ballina electorate. Kylie Jacky is chair of the of the Jali Local Aboriginal Land Council and has focused on ensuring residents\u2019 voices are central to rebuilding efforts of the 2022 floods. […]<\/p>\n