BSC 2025 Community Awards Honours Local Heroes and Achievements
Published on 24 January 2025
The Bellingen Shire's 2025 Community Awards Ceremony brought the community together at the Bellingen Memorial Hall on Thursday 23 January, for a night of celebration and recognition. The evening, began with a Welcome to Country from Honey Cairns and a dance performance by The Budaabang Bari Dance Group. Katie, Memo and Georgie Chorley entertained audiences with their musical stylings and Sam Daykin, the 2024 Bellingen Shire Council's Young Citizen of the Year winner MC’d this year’s Community Awards, that recognised individuals and groups who have enriched our Shire.
Mayor Cr Steve Allan highlighted the spirit of the awards stating; " these awards acknowledge those who work tirelessly to make our Shire a better place. To all the winners and all nominees - your efforts do not go unnoticed we are grateful for your contributions."
The event was a true community celebration, with a strong turnout and an impressive array of nominations. Below are this year’s award winners and their remarkable achievements.
Category Winners:
2025 - Citizen Of the Year Award
Photo: Mayor Cr. Steve Allan, Sara Hankin, Cr. Graeme Shephard
Winner: Sara Hankin
Sara Hankin was named Citizen of the Year for her invaluable work with the Rotary Club of Dorrigo. Since joining in 2017, Sara has taken on leadership roles such as President and Treasurer. She spearheaded projects like the Dorrigo Medi-vac Helipad upgrade, and the Rotary Mother's Day Ball. Her efforts in the Lift the Lid community walk, raised significant funds for mental health research. Sara's dedication has earned her the prestigious District Rotarian of the Year award and recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Photo: Mayor Cr. Steve Allan, Bruce Miller, Cr. Graeme Shephard
Highly Commended: Bruce Miller
Bruce Miller received Highly Commended for his dedicated volunteer work in Urunga, including the refurbishing the Senior Citizens Hall, organising community events, and advocating for town improvements.
Catagory Nominees:
- Ruth Hall and Nick Jenkins from the Bellingen Golf Club
- Heather Connell, long time Bellingen resident
- Leonie MacDonald of the Dorrigo Neighbourhood and Youth Centre
- Sri Popuri, local Dorrigo pharmacist
Young Citizen Of the Year Award
Photo: Mayor Cr. Steve Allan, Willa Herron, Cr. Ellie Tree
Winner: Willa Herron
Willa Herron received the Young Citizen of the Year Award for her outstanding leadership and advocacy. From addressing parliamentarians on youth crime, to leading local regeneration projects and representing Bellingen at the National Olympic Changemaker Summit, Willa's commitment to community service and youth empowerment is exemplary.
Photo: Mayor Cr. Steve Allan, Raji Renshaw, Cr. Ellie Tree
Highly Commended: Raji Renshaw
Raji Renshaw, a 16-year-old disability advocate, performer, and filmmaker, known for his superhero film Doctor Time and his advocacy at the World Down Syndrome Congress.
Home Grown Heroes Award
Photo: Mayor Cr. Steve Allan, Magda Pomeroy, Cr. Jo Brotherton
Individual Winner: Magda Pomeroy
Magda Pomeroy was honoured for her tireless work supporting youth and advocating for women and girls in the Shire. Through initiatives like Lovebites, ASIST suicide prevention, and securing funding for the Urunga Soccer Club, Magda’s impact has been profound.
Photo: Mayor Cr. Steve Allan, Lexie Francis accepting on behalf of the Dorrigo United Hospital Auxiliary, Cr. Jo Brotherton
Community Group Winner: Dorrigo United Hospital Auxiliary
This dedicated group has raised over $20,000 in the past year to support the Dorrigo Hospital, including a $12,000 donation for a palliative care bed. Their efforts include organising street stalls, catering events, and running raffles to benefit the local community.
Other Nominees:
- Dina Luciani from the Dorrigo Dramatic Club
- Frank Perez, Vice President of the Bellingen Chamber of Commerce
- The Budaabang Bari Dance Group
- The Rotary Club of Dorrigo
Sport and Recreation Award
Photo: Mayor Cr. Steve Allan, Gracie Winfer, Pallas Gale & Bella Brodbeck accepting on behalf of the Bellingen High School U16 Girls Futsal Team, Cr. Andrew O'Keeffe
Winner: Bellingen High School U16 Girls Futsal Team
Bellingen High School U16 Girls Futsal Team took home the Sports and Recreation Award. The team’s dedication and hard work culminated in winning the Australasian Championships in Queensland. As Local, Regional, and National Futsal Champions, they have inspired younger players and represented the Shire with distinction.
Photo: Mayor Cr. Steve Allan, Jess Snow accepting on behalf of Urunga Football Club, Cr. Andrew O'Keeffe
Highly Commended: Urunga Football Club
Urunga Football Club, under Jess Snow’s leadership, for promoting inclusivity and initiatives like the Violence Against Women march, Pride Month, and mental health campaigns.
Other Nominees:
- Henry Gale of the Bellingen Football Club
- Richard Jordan, founder of the Bellingen Birders
Mayor Cr Steve Allan congratulated all winners and nominees, expressing gratitude for their efforts in fostering a connected, sustainable, and creative community. “These awards remind us of the incredible people shaping our Shire. Your contributions are at the heart of what makes Bellingen special,” he said.
The 2025 Community Awards showcased the extraordinary individuals and groups who embody the Shire’s vibrant and caring spirit. Nominated by the public and selected by Shire Councillors, these awards celebrate the unsung heroes among us and their lasting impact on the community.