communityconnect
Australia Day Awards Program
What our local heroes have been up to… In this and the next issue of Community Connect we 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 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.
Col Lee, 2012
What community involvement have you continued since receiving your Award?
What it means to receive the Citizen of the Year Award?
I've been fundraising for over 20 years and have contributed over $350,000 to community groups. Since my Award the fundraising has contributed $17,890 towards the Club Lennox reopening, $26,000 towards a new Transitional Room at Biala Support Services, over $4,000 from My High Tea Events to a Guide Dog for Biala Support, a $19,600 Mobility Mat gifted to Northcott Disability Services which is housed at the Ballina Surf Club, and $12,000 shared among Heartfelt House, Molly Apeal and Northcott Disability Services.
I am extremely proud to be recognised as Ballina Citizen of the Year for 2012. As a local born and bred in Ballina Shire it is a very significant achievement for someone with an extremely humble upbringing on a sugar cane farm. This Award inspired me in remaining active and setting an example to others in community involvement. What community involvement have you continued since receiving your Award? I am an active member of the Rotary Club of Ballina on Richmond and have been Chairman of the Ballina Food and Wine Festival Committee for the past five years. I still am recognised as the Ballina spokesperson for Our House Accommodation facility in Lismore and am regularly called upon to speak to numerous charitable organisations wanting to make donations to this worthy organisation and the people it cares for. How can the community support your fundraising efforts? Attend our Ballina Food and Wine Festival where we give financial support to worthy local charities and organisations in our shire. See page 6 for details on the Ballina Food and Wine Festival or visit ballinafoodandwine.com.au
Tracey Everingham Armstrong, 2014
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How can the community support your fundraising efforts? I’m hosting my 19th Annual Charity Melbourne Cup Day at the Beef and Beach in Lennox Head. Tickets go on sale Tuesday 3 July and normally sell out by the end of July. Tickets are available from Lechelle Fashion Boutique, Lennox Head, or to book a table guests can contact me on 0401 070 602. You can also find me on Facebook. I want to extend a huge thank you to our wonderful giving community who year after year support my fundraising events. Together we do this!
Dawn Sword, 2016 What it means to receive the Citizen of the Year Award? I am very aware of all the selfless Ballina Shire citizens who give tirelessly of their time and talents to help those less fortunate than themselves and to be chosen from among these makes me feel very humble but extremely proud of the tremendous honour that the award brings.
What it means to receive the Citizen of the Year Award?
What community involvement have you continued since receiving your Award?
It was a huge honour and surprise. I love my role as a function and fundraising coordinator for people with disabilities and a community in need. It’s fulfilling and humbling and after 19-years I'm as enthusiastic as ever.
I have continued with my work with all of the clubs and groups I have had the pleasure to work with being, East Ballina Lions, VIEW Club, The Hot Meal Centre, Meals on Wheels and the Leo Club.
THE MAGAZINE OF BALLINA SHIRE COUNCIL
How can the community support your fundraising efforts? East Ballina Lions manage the Ballina Community Market on the third Sunday of the month. Funds raised at this event are donated back to the community by the Lions. Community support is essential for the
