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.
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It was a humbling day for Emerald gymnastics coach Sue Fehlhaber as she took the stage in front of her community to claim a 2021 Australia Day Award.
Mrs Fehlhaber was named the Senior Sports/Administrator for the Emerald and Gemfields regions, an award that she never expected to be nominated for.
“[I feel] pretty privileged to be nominated,” she said.
“I’m not sure who it was but it’s humbling to think you’re deserving of that award.”
Mrs Fehlhaber was nominated for her role as head coach at Emerald Gymnastics, a club she’s been part of for more than 30 years.
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The Coraki community came out in their droves to celebrate in Australia Day and partake in celebrations to welcome new citizens and recognise existing ones.
Richmond Valley Council’s celebrations welcomed four new citizens to Australia while awards were also given out for Citizen of the Year, Young Sportsperson of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.
Rowena Innes, Jinapat Munro, Afrel Newman and her son John Libiran were presented with their Australian Citizenships. Afrel Newman and her son, John Libiran after getting their Australian Citizenship. Photo: Adam Daunt
Afrel Newman and her son John Libiran have been in Casino for seven years after immigrating from the Philippines.
John and Estelle Lindsay have dedicated their lives to helping the community.
For their tireless service to the Capricorn Coast, the Yeppoon Lions Club members were both awarded ‘Citizen of the Year at the 2021 Livingstone Shire Australia Day Awards at the weekend.
Following the 2019 bushfires, John and Estelle have worked hard to provide support to local families and emergency services as integral parts of the Disaster Response Sub-Committee of Yeppoon Lions Club.
The dedicated couple helped manage donations, provide water supplies, roof and tank cleaning, and personally visited many fire-ravaged families to co-ordinate how the Club and the community could best meet their needs.