The 2020 Tweed Shire Citizen of the Year is Jenny Hayes from Team Koala (right), who is pictured after receiving her award from Mayor of Tweed Councillor Chris Cherry. Photo: Tweed Shire Council.
Murwillumbah local Jenny Hayes was named the 2020 Tweed Shire Citizen of the Year at Tuesday’s Australia Day Awards and Citizenship ceremony.
The award recognises Ms Hayes’s community work over many years, particularly her dedication to the protection of the Tweed’s endangered koala population, culminating in the founding of Team Koala in 2009.
‘What I am really touched and appreciative about is how much the community has come together to protect our Tweed koalas. Just arrived, or been here for many generations, young and old, everyone joined together and that is so special,’ Ms Hayes said.
Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor presented the Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year awards at Adelaide Town Hall today in conjunction with a special citizenship ceremony.
The Australia Day Citizen of the Year Awards are presented annually to local citizens and groups who have made outstanding contributions to the community.
The Awards are provided by the Australia Day Council of South Australia and are administered by Local Government Authorities throughout the State on behalf of the Australia Day Council.
Selection criteria for the Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the year award, is based on the individual’s contribution to the community, if they are an inspirational role model, and the impact they have on the City of Adelaide. Whereas, for Community Event of the Year Award is based on the quality of the event, impact on the City of Adelaide, and the contribution to the community.
Koala champion Jenny Hayes has been named the Tweed Shire Citizen of the Year. Tweed Shire Council held its awards and citizenship ceremony at Twin Towns Services Club in Tweed Heads this morning. Ms Hayes received the award for her ongoing work for the region s koala population, including in the founding of Team Koala in 2009. What I am really touched and appreciative about is how much the community has come together to protect our Tweed koalas. Just arrived, or been here for many generations, young and old, everyone joined together and that is so special, Ms Hayes said. Team Koala is a very diverse group and lots of different people contribute lots of different things - together I think we make a really great team to try to give our koalas a voice in our shire.
Mayor David Wright and Anne Thompson, 2020 Citizen of the Year, announced the winner.
The ceremony’s MC was netballer and broadcaster Liz Ellis.
The Ballina Shire resident offered a relaxed, funny and engaging style to the occasion, accompanied by special guest, Channel 9 sports reporter James Bracey.
Barbara Swain was awarded the accolade for her 25-year work with the Ballina Mental Health Support Group, a charity she founded.
Mrs Swain started up the group after her son Barry lost his battle with depression.
The Sporting Achievement Award went to Clare Southwell.
Having sailed competitively in her youth, Ms Southwell had a 20-year break from sailing.
Moira’s citizens recognised at Australia Day Awards
By Jamie Salter
Acoustic duo Alannah and Justin of JB and Me perform the Australian anthem to open the event.
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The 2021 Moira Shire Council Australia Day Awards night was a chance to celebrate local groups and individuals who made significant contributions to the community.
The past year has been a difficult time for many and the work of these groups was needed more than ever.
On January 14, Moira Shire Council Deputy Mayor Julie Brooks announced the 2021 winners, including Cobram s Isabella Boys who was the joint Young Citizen of the Year.
“I was feeling really nervous and I was shaking so much,” Miss Boys said.