What our local heroes have been up to...

In this issue of Community Connect we continue to profile our Citizen’s of the Year from 2011 to 2018. These community-minded Ballina Shire residents epitomise what it means to be named Citizen of the Year! They continue to make a significant contribution to through their involvement with various community groups, organisations and events. Read what they have been up to, and get behind their great initiatives and events.

Sheila Aveling, 2011

What does it mean to receive the Ballina Shire Citizen of the Year Award?

Very humbling and a great honour. Doing voluntary work is not about winning it is about helping and working together with others to fulfil whatever needs to be done for the community.

What community involvement did you continue since receiving your award?

The Tintenbar Hall has been an ongoing passion of mine for over 20 years. We have a small but hardworking committee who have resurrected the old hall and injected life into it. Fundraising is an ongoing necessity but we have several active user groups, and it also makes a special and affordable venue for weddings and functions.I am still on the board of Paradise FM – 16 years! What a great radio station and team, why would I want to leave!

How can the community support your fundraising efforts?

Community support whether through donations or voluntary help is needed for all groups but unfortunately many people believe if they sign up for something it will take over their whole life, not so. I suggest find a group and be very specific about how much time you have to give. Volunteers are special people, give it a go we all need you!

Gerry Burnage, 2013

What does it mean to receive the Citizen of the Year Award?

This is truly a humbling experience. There are so many local citizens within the Ballina Shire who are deserving of this award and to be chosen for this was an absolute surprise and honour.

What community involvement did you continue since receiving your award?

I continue my role with the NSW State Emergency Service as the Local Controller. I have been with the SES for 34 years, and have seen many changes in that time. I am supported by a magnificent team of highly trained members which has grown considerably from 10 members to 70-plus over my time with the service. One success story is a 10-week youth program for high school students in Ballina Shire. This program delivered once a year exposes the students to volunteering, leadership, and emergency services. A number of students have become full members of the unit and are an inspiration to all.

How can the community support your fundraising efforts?

The community is a great supporter of the NSW SES Ballina Unit, with individuals, service clubs, and community groups donating. This has enabled the unit to purchase and update equipment that makes our job safer and easier. NSW SES and Ballina Shire Council are working towards a new headquarters. The current premises is not purpose-built, and we have outgrown it. As the population grows the services provided by the NSW SES Ballina Unit continue to grow as well.

Mary O’Brien, 2015

What does it mean to receive the Citizen of the Year Award?

It puts the spotlight on the causes you are passionate about and increases awareness of the many volunteer organisations within our community. It also honours all volunteers and I was both proud and humbled to receive the award on their behalf.

What community involvement did you continue since receiving your award?

I believe in human rights for everyone regardless of nationality, bank balance and employment. I volunteer where I feel I can make the most difference. On Mondays I help out with St Vinnies, Thursdays I’m with Ballina RSL Light House Day Club. The remainder of my time I concentrate on fundraising for Sheraton House which is a shelter that provides temporary housing and meals for men in need, and the Ballina Region for Refugees (BR4R).

How can the community support your fundraising efforts?

It would be great to get as many people attending our fundraising BBQ on 18 November at 54 Swift Street. This will help to raise funds for the community groups I mentioned above. We are always looking for volunteers at St Vinnies to help with welfare and clothes sorting. Anyone interested in joining St Vinnies should contact the store in Martin Street. Support asylum seekers and refugees by liking BR4R on Facebook or email admin@ballinaregionforrefugees.org.au

Grahame Marlowe, 2018

What does it mean to receive the Citizen of the Year Award?

I was really shocked and surprised to be named. I’m the second local Aboriginal person to be named, Bertha Kapeen was the first in 2001. It was also a really proud moment when Bertha was named, she did so much for our community.

What community involvement did you continue since receiving your award?

I love what I do at Ballina Coast High, helping out Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal kids with distance education. I hope I’m making a difference to their education and helping them understand and value our culture. We’re aiming to inspire them to keep on with their education. I also help Tony Webb with announcing at Ballina Touch Football on Wednesday nights in the warmer months; it’s a great sporting community.

How can the community support what you do?

Get behind the new Ballina Coast High School, and make it a school the wider community can be proud of. I am grateful for the teachers I had at Ballina High School, in particular Brian Moore, he was a calming influence and I have very fond memories of school. Our community can encourage our youth to keep up their education, no matter their abilities. Education and cultural awareness are so important.

Why not add your local hero to this amazing line up....

You've read about what some of our previous Citizens of the Year have been up to, now it is time to nominate your local hero.Each year Ballina Shire Council recognises the accomplishments, generosity and contributions of our local heroes through the Australia Day Awards Program.

Categories for nomination include:

Local Hero, Sportsperson, Young Citizen, Senior Citizen, Community Event, and Arts/Cultural Award.

The Citizen of the Year Award is selected by the Australia Day Committee from all of the nominees across the six categories.

It's easy to nominate online at ballina.nsw.gov.au (search Australia Day).

Nominations close Monday 3 December 2018.