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S u ppleme n t t o t h e Qu a rt e rly Com m u n it y Con n e c t M ag az i n e MARCH 2024
Your Ballina Shire Australia Day Award winners! CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Joel Taylor
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Lucy Trease SENIOR CITIZENS OF THE YEAR Dr Colin MacDonald Yvonne Scarrabellotti VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR Ivan Leahy Ken Delany COMMUNITY EVENTS OF THE YEAR Purple Friday Rotary Club of Ballina on Richmond and Cherry Street Sports Club
HEROES SHINE AT AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS CEREMONY The Lennox Head Cultural Centre was once again the backdrop for a brilliant Australia Day Ceremony.
This year’s event featured performances from the Ballina Players and Lennox Beach Line Dancers, a heartwarming citizenship ceremony, and the announcement of the Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards. Lennox Head local, Joel Taylor, took out top honours as our 2024 Citizen of the Year. Joel has made a profound impact in the world of surfing and beyond. Originally a professional bodyboarder, Joel’s career took an unexpected turn due to a spinal cord injury at the age of 21. He has since made a remarkable comeback in parasurfing, winning the Australian Para Surfing Title and being crowned the 2023 ISA World Para Surfing Champion. His story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of pursuing one’s dreams despite life’s challenges.
Lennox Park Upgrades see page 6 for details
Domestic and Family Violence Walk Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT Lennox Beach Line Dancing ARTS/CULTURAL AWARD Ballina Players ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD The Wildlife Twins For a full list of nominees and winners bios visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/ australiaday