The Bellingen Shire’s 2026 Community Awards Ceremony brought the community together at the Bellingen Memorial Hall on Friday, 23 January 2026, for an evening of celebration, connection and recognition.
The evening began with a Welcome to Country, followed by a citizenship ceremony hosted by Mayor Cr. Steve Allan that warmly welcomed new Australian citizens to the Bellingen Shire community.
Guests were then treated to a performance from local rising star Teale Kelly –Wright with KT, Memo & Otis and Georgie Chorley, whose musical stylings entertained the audience. Willa Herron, the 2025 Bellingen Shire Young Citizen of the Year, MC’d this year’s awards, celebrating individuals and groups who have made a lasting impact on our Shire.
Mayor Allan was honoured to open proceedings as well as hosting the citizenship ceremony.
“Whether you are named the Award Winner or not, you are a winner in being nominated. You represent the very best of this Shire. These are the highest awards we have in our community, and you are among the chosen few because you have made the decision to Do — to step in and make a difference,” said Mayor Allan.
“We know that strong community ties are essential to positive mental health and wellbeing. When people feel seen, valued and supported, they are more resilient. When communities are connected, people are less isolated, more hopeful, and better able to face life’s challenges.”
“The work you do — whether through volunteering, mentoring, advocacy, creativity or leadership — genuinely changes lives.”
The event was a true community celebration, with a strong turnout and an impressive range of nominations across all categories. Below are this year’s award winners and their remarkable achievements:
Category Winners:
Citizen Of the Year Award
Susan Lumsdaine was named Citizen of the Year. As President of the Bellingen Show for the past three years, Susan has played a key role in strengthening one of the region’s most cherished events. Her leadership has helped make the show more inclusive, sustainable and accessible, while continuing to honour its strong agricultural roots. Beyond the show, Susan is an active contributor to the community through her involvement with local committees, including the Bellingen RSL and the Bellingen Music Association.
Highly Commended: Michelle Stockton for her long-standing contribution to the Bellingen community, including mentoring young people through Bellingen Stitched Up and Camp Creative, supporting the Men’s Shed, and generously giving her time and skills to initiatives that strengthen the community. Other Nominees:
• Peter French
• Michael and Cynthia Shord
Young Citizen of the Year Award
Myra Sibanda received the Young Citizen of the Year Award for her compassionate leadership, serving as School Captain and DOVES council representative, and contributing to her community through volunteering, fundraising, music, and sport. Her dedication and empathy continue to inspire others.
Highly Commended: Brydi Fittock for her academic excellence and achievements in equestrian sport, her leadership as Dorrigo High vice-captain and SRC member, and her contribution to the community through local clubs and mentoring younger riders.
Other Nominees:
• Marley Stagg
• Della Byrnes
• Lilliana Bowen
• Felicity Fern
Home Grown Heroes Award
Judy Henderson received the Home Grown Hero Award for lifelong dedication to serving others—as a paediatrician, humanitarian, and Repton RFS leader—making a lasting impact locally, nationally, and globally.
Highly Commended: Jennifer Goode for dedicated volunteering across the Urunga community, including the Art Space, Vinnies, and local events, and for her lifelong commitment to supporting and connecting others.
Other Nominees:
• Philomena O’Mullane
• Frank Perez
• Kindness Kitchen
• Lifehouse Community Pantries
Sport and Recreation Award
Urunga Parkrun took home the Sport and Recreation Award for its inclusive, volunteer-run 5km event that encourages people of all abilities to get active, stay healthy, and connect with the community. Since 2017, it has brought together over 4,000 participants and 323 volunteers, creating a welcoming space that celebrates fitness, friendship, and community spirit.
Other Nominees:
• Elizabeth Hoy
• Matheus Wiggers
Arts & Culture Award
Individual Winner: Annie Phelan – Annie was honoured for her more than 25 years as Head of Music at Bellingen High, for co-founding the Bellingen Youth Orchestra, and for her mentorship of young musicians and significant contribution to the local music culture.
Group Winner: Budaabung Bari Dance Group took out the Group Award for sharing Gumbaynggirr culture through performances, ceremonies, and mentoring, fostering community connection, cultural understanding, and intergenerational respect across the Bellingen Shire.
Highly commended: Bridget Rees and the Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival Committee for their dedication and 23-year history of celebrating community and the arts, featuring local and international artists, youth and cross-cultural projects.
Other Nominees:
• Bellingen Youth Orchestra
• Happymess Studio
• Louise Bravery
• Linda Coomber
• Bellingen Playback Theatre Company
Environment & Sustainability Award
Liz Brown received the Environment and Sustainability Award for her dedication as a volunteer with Bellingen Landcare and Bellingen Urban Landcare, contributing countless hours to habitat restoration, tree planting, weed management, and community education, strengthening local biodiversity and natural spaces across Bellingen.
Highly Commended: Ian and Ulrieke Kethel for their contributions through Landcare to garden and bird-watching groups, the Bellingen Show, and charitable work, with Ian’s long-term restoration of Bellinger Keys Lake creating a thriving habitat for wildlife and nature lovers.
Other Nominees:
• Zenzi Grace
• Bellingen Island Landcare Group
• Jennifer Sewell (Bellingen St Landcare group)
• Timothy Cadman
Community Impact Business Award
Meghan and Ben Garnock from the Dorrigo Butcher and Dorrigo Deli received the Community Impact Business Award for their support of the local economy by sourcing produce locally, improving accessibility and for their leadership in the Chamber of Commerce and organisation of the Dorrigo Handmade Markets.
Highly Commended: Levenvale Farm for their leadership in agritourism, producing organic foods, promoting regenerative agriculture, and connecting visitors with the land through farm stays, workshops, and paddock-to-plate events.
Other Nominees:
• Saltwater Sistas
• Kombu Wholefoods
• Alex Caminer – Alternatives Bookshop
• Coastal Harvest
• Beth O’Loughlin – Peaches Patisserie
Mayor Allan highlighted the simple but powerful vision for the Bellingen Shire – to be connected, sustainable and creative – and how each of the award nominees embody those words with their actions.
“Tonight’s award recipients — and indeed all nominees — remind us that community is not something we simply have; it is something we build. It is shaped day by day through kindness, service, and commitment,” said Mayor Allan.
“On behalf of Council and the wider community, thank you for what you give, for the connections you create, and for the example you set. You make our Shire stronger, healthier, and more hopeful.”
“Congratulations to all our award recipients and thank you for being the heart of our community.”
Community Awards Young Citizen Brydi Fittock
Community Awards Arts and Culture Group Winner Budaabung Bari Dance Group