Community Awards
Each year in January, Bellingen Shire comes together to celebrate the people, groups, and businesses that make our community stronger, more vibrant, and welcoming. The Community Awards provide an opportunity to recognise those who generously give their time, energy, and creativity to improve the lives of others and contribute to a thriving Shire. Many of these contributions happen quietly behind the scenes, but their impact is lasting. By acknowledging these efforts, we build community pride, strengthen connections and inspire others to get involved and make a positive difference.
Award Categories
The awards program features seven categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Sport and Recreation, Home Grown Hero, Arts and Culture, Environment and Sustainability, and Community Impact Business. These categories reflect the diverse ways people contribute to our Shire and highlight the values that matter most to our community.
How Community Award Recipients Are Chosen
Award recipients are selected through a fair and transparent assessment process. Nominations are assessed against published criteria that focus on each nominee’s contribution, impact and service to the community. A panel of Councillors reviews all nominations and selects the recipients, ensuring the awards reflect the spirit and values of our community.
Previous Years Award Recipients
2026 Award Recipients
Citizen of the Year: Susan Lumsdaine
Highly Commended: Michelle Stockton
Young Citizen of the Year: Myra Sibanda
Highly Commended: Brydi Fittock
Home Grown Hero: Judy Henderson
Highly Commended: Jennifer Goode
Sport & Recreation: Urunga Parkrun
Environment & Sustainability: Liz Brown
Highly Commended: Ian & Ulrieke Kethel
Arts & Culture: Annie Phelan (Individual) & Budaabung Bari Dance Group (Group)
Highly Commended: Bridget Rees and the Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Committee
Community Impact Business: The Dorrigo Deli & Butcher
Highly Commended: Levenvale Farm
2025 Award Recipients
Citizen of the Year: Sara Hankin
Highly Commended: Bruce Miller
Young Citizen of the Year: Willa Herron
Highly Commended: Raji Renshaw
Home Grown Hero: Magda Pomroy (Individual) & Dorrigo United Hospital Auxiliary (Group)
Sport & Recreation: Bellingen Highschool U16 Girls Futsal Team
Highly Commended: Urunga Football Club
2024 Award Recipients
Citizen of the Year: Walt Tyson
Young Citizen of the Year: Sam Daykin
Home Grown Hero: Jack Mitchell & Max Sandstrom
Sport & Recreation: Zac Young & Caleb Daykin
Rising Star Recognition Award
- Dorrigo Youth Night
- Ramp Up
- Mission Rec Keys for Free Project
- Sport Well-being Gala Day
- The Youth Today are the Leaders of Tomorrow
- The Drug Education Project
- Natural Highs November Project
- The Urunga Street Art Project
2023 Award Recipients
Home Grown Hero Award: United Hospital Auxiliary volunteers
Sustainable Living Award: Pam Kulinskis
Creative & Active Award: Barbara Trist
Highly Commended: Elizabeth Scott
Hidden Gem Award: Kellie Small
Highly Commended: Debra Anderson
2022 Award Recipients
Active & Healthy Award: Abby Raymond
Arts Award: Violet Preston
Leading on the Land Award: Georgina & Sam Baker - Levenvale Farm
Karma Award: Bernard "Spot" Swales
Environment Award: Dorrigo Volunteer Environmental Groups
Highly Commended: Bellingen Riverwatch volunteers