13 people, one event and one group have been recognised by Northern Beaches Council for Australia Day 2026 Awards.
Last Thursday evening (22 January), Northern Beaches Council held a gala awards ceremony at Glen Steet Theatre, Belrose, which was attended by Federal MPs Zali Steggall OAM and Dr Sophie Scamps, along with NSW MPs Matt Cross, Michael Regan and Jacqui Scruby.
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins (main image, centre) hosted proceedings, with Northern Beaches Councillors also in attendance for six major awards (main image) and nine Outstanding Community Service Awards.
Awards were given in the following six categories — Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year (65 years and over), Young Citizen of the Year (under 25 years), Sportsperson of the Year, Community Event of the Year, and for the third consecutive year, Community Group of the Year.
Citizen of the Year was awarded to Cameron Read (image above, left) of Cromer.
As Club Captain of Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), Mr Read’s leadership and commitment spans decades, starting in 1998 as a surf-lifesaver and growing into a volunteer leader.
Today, he wears many hats — Club Captain, Patrol Captain, Jet-Ski Captain, Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Trainer and Assessor and Rescue Water Craft (RWC) Trainer for the Sydney Northern Beaches Branch. These roles represent countless hours of service, training and mentoring that keep the coastline safe and the volunteer network strong.
In late 2025, Mr Read guided his team through a dramatic rescue at Dee Why Beach that earned the title NSW Rescue of the Year — a fatal shark attack that tested the emotional strength of the entire community and every volunteer on the beach that day. He not only coordinated lifesaving responses but ensured the well-being of his team. He also played a critical role in another life-saving rescue at Dee Why Beach, where a man was successfully resuscitated after a near drowning incident.
Mr Read has improved volunteer welfare and introduced initiatives that make service sustainable and rewarding. From sun safety gear to flexible rosters, his practical solutions have boosted morale and retention, ensuring Dee Why SLSC will remain a strong, volunteer-driven institution for years to come.
Senior Citizen of the Year was awarded to John Balfour OAM (image above) of Belrose.
For more than five decades, Mr Balfour has been a tireless volunteer, earning the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2013 for his ‘extraordinary service in support of veterans’.
Since 2014, as Parade Commander for the annual Forestville RSL sub-Branch ANZAC Sunday March, he coordinates over 200 veterans, cadets and community members, ensuring safety and precision while fostering a sense of pride and remembrance.
His passion for education shines through his coordination of the Australia My Country art, poetry and writing competition for more than 20 local primary schools since 2018. This program gives children lessons about our nation’s proud record of protecting the community from harm. He has also led the Remembrance Day Education Grant Program since 2019, which asks Year 6 primary students to research and share the story of an ancestor who served in defence of Australia.
Mr Balfour has been the volunteer Project Manager for Australia’s Memorial Walk at North Head since 2015, coordinating all the memorial paver orders. He has served as Secretary of the 7 Field Regiment Association since 1986, supporting over 220 members and preserving camaraderie among veterans through newsletters, records and events.
He has also served as a Marshall for the annual ANZAC Day March in Sydney for 55 years, and has been Deputy Chief Marshall since 2015. His ongoing efforts ensure that the stories of service and sacrifice are never forgotten, inspiring generations to value courage, commitment and community.
Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Tilly Cooper (image above) of Mona Vale.
At just 13 years old, Ms Cooper has shown remarkable leadership and community spirit. She founded My Fijian Clothes Drive, a grassroots initiative that grew into a Beaches-wide campaign, mobilising schools, Surf Life Saving Clubs (SLSCs) and families to donate clothing and swimwear for children in Fiji. Her efforts have delivered practical support overseas while inspiring generosity and sustainability locally.
She identified a need and created a solution that addressed safety, dignity and equality. By leveraging social media, she built awareness and inspired ongoing support from families, schools and community groups. Her creativity and innovation shine through in the way she communicates her message, using storytelling and lived experience to connect with others.
The foundation of My Fijian Clothes Drive was built on her desire to ensure every child has the dignity of proper clothing. By promoting reuse and redistribution, she also demonstrated a commitment to sustainability and reducing waste.
Ms Cooper continues to show leadership through her latest project The Electric Way to Pedal, an Instagram campaign promoting e-bike safety for young riders. She is also a Mona Vale SLSC volunteer and a Brighter Minds Ambassador, demonstrating that leadership is not defined by age.
Sportsperson of the Year was awarded to Declan Budd (image above) of Terrey Hills.
Mr Budd is one of Australia’s most promising para-swimmers, combining elite performance with humility and community spirit. In 2025, he won his first Australian Open title in the Men’s 100m Butterfly MC, added silver medals in the 200m Freestyle and 100m Backstroke and dominated the Australian Age Championships with five gold medals and a bronze medal.
He made his international debut at the World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore as the youngest male and only rookie on the Australian Dolphins team, earning recognition as Commonwealth Games Australia’s Emerging Athlete of the Month.
His journey began at age five at Terrey Hills Swim Club and continues today at Pymble Swimming under coach Rafael Rodrigues. His achievements include a world record in the Men’s S14 50m Butterfly (short course) in 2024 and a Tier One Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship, one of just six awarded nationwide.
Mr Budd demonstrates leadership and fair play through his humility, respect for competitors and commitment to mentoring younger athletes. He volunteers at Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club, promoting water safety and encouraging participation in water sports. His story is especially powerful for young athletes with disabilities, proving that world-class success can start in community pools.
With his sights set on the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics, the Northern Beaches community will be watching closely as he continues his incredible journey.
Community Event of the Year was awarded to Move for 60 — in support of Lifeline Northern Beaches, Mosman to Kirribilli.
The award was accepted by Andrew Lee (image above, left).
Move for 60 united the Northern Beaches in an inclusive celebration of movement, mental health and community spirit. Over 140 runners and 87 participants joined across 60 continuous hours of activity, from family fun runs and kids’ dance classes to yoga, boxing and breathwork sessions. Its key objective was to raise awareness of the staggering statistic of 60 men’s lives lost globally every day to suicide and proactively aims to reduce the stigma many men have around asking for help.
The event welcomed people of all ages and abilities, including athletes from Wheelchair Sports NSW and Achilles Sydney, promoting accessibility and inclusion.
Led by Vipers Run Club, the 60-hour relay formed the backbone of the event, embodying their motto — ‘you never run alone’. The program featured a World Mental Health Day community run, inspiring sessions with wheelchair athletes and blind runners sharing their experiences. The event culminated in a vibrant Community Activation Day with fitness classes, live music, food stalls and recovery hubs, creating a festival atmosphere that strengthened local connections.
By raising $46,574 for Lifeline Northern Beaches, Mosman to Kirribilli, the event funded nearly 1,200 crisis calls or 400 counselling sessions, ensuring support for those who need it most.
Move for 60 did not just raise funds, it sparked a powerful conversation about well-being. What began as a men’s mental health initiative through Vipers Run Club has grown into something much bigger — an inclusive movement proving that mental health is everyone’s business.
Community Group of the Year was awarded to Adopt A Beach Team — Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches.
The Northern Beaches branch of Surfrider Foundation Australia has been protecting Australia’s coastlines for 34 years. Last year, its volunteers launched the Adopt A Beach program to tackle the growing threat of coastal pollution head on.
Manly Cove has recorded some of the highest microplastic levels per square metre in Australia, and global plastic pollution is forecast to triple by 2050. The Adopt A Beach program connects the community directly with this issue, turning concern into meaningful and positive action.
Structured clean-ups are held on the first Sunday of every month across nine locations. Since February 2025, 95 community beach clean events have been held, engaging 1,300 community volunteers whose efforts diverted over 50,000 items of litter from further polluting our beaches and waterways.
The program benefits all residents and many annual visitors by safeguarding the environmental, social and economic value of our coastline. It also compiles credible data for the Northern Beaches Marine Debris Impact Report 2025, that identifies litter hot spots and provides recommendations to improve coastal pollution prevention policies. Recommendations from the report have already been acted on by Northern Beaches Council, with the implementation of a cigarette butt litter prevention program around Manly Wharf and the installation of dedicated butt litter bins.
The Adopt a Beach Team plan to continue to engage the community in beach clean events and ocean conservation initiatives and collaborate with government agencies to advance its mission. Through people power, this program creates lasting environmental change through the connection between mental health, ocean health and community well-being.
Outstanding Community Service Awards
Nine Outstanding Community Service Awards were also presented at the awards ceremony by Northern Beaches Council:
Glenice Bland (image above) of Manly: For nearly two decades, Ms Bland has quietly and consistently given her time and energy to Lifeline Northern Beaches’ Book Fair, serving as mentor and the children’s category lead. Her longstanding commitment has not only shaped one of the organisations most important fund-raising events, but also built a culture of kindness and support among volunteers.
Ms Bland is known for her willingness to help wherever needed, from mentoring new volunteers to encouraging Duke of Edinburgh students to stay through the demanding pack-up phase. She brings people together, builds friendships and teamwork that make volunteering a rewarding experience for all. Through her dedication, she has strengthened the Lifeline community and helped raise vital funds for crisis support services.
Annie Bowen (image above) of Manly: Since retiring in 2017, Ms Bowen has devoted herself to the Manly Women’s Bowling Club, coaching and mentoring prospective members with patience and care. Her commitment to running lessons and training sessions, often at all hours, has helped new players develop skills and confidence, with many going on to win inter-club and state championships. Her efforts have strengthened the Club and created a welcoming environment for all.
Ms Bowen also shares her passion for dance with seniors at the Manly Senior Citizens Centre, teaching popular classes that promote physical health and social connection. Her volunteering journey spans decades, including outreach work with Drug Arm and the Salvation Army and fund-raising with Sunrise Rotary.
Ariel Darley (image above) of Allambie Heights: As Secretary of Warringah Aquatic Swim Club, Ms Darley wears many hats to keep the Club running smoothly — managing administration, compliance, membership and volunteer coordination and regularly dedicating more than 40 hours each week on top of full-time work.
As a qualified Swimming NSW Technical Official, she has directed and officiated numerous club and regional meets, bringing together hundreds of children, teens and families. She also mentors new officials and volunteers, creating pathways for parents and young people to contribute to community sport. Representing the region on Swimming Metro Northeast and Swimming NSW committees, she ensures local swimmers benefit from state-level improvements.
Carl Graham (image above) of Manly: For 37 years, Mr Graham has been a central driving force behind the Northern Beaches Volleyball Association (NBVA), shaping it into one of Australia’s premier beach volleyball clubs and a true community hub. Under his guidance, the NBVA has grown from two courts on Manly Beach to eight, all funded and maintained by the Association. It supports over 400 competitive members, a social playing community of many thousands more and hosts seven annual tournaments, junior development programs and pathways that have produced state, national and even Olympic athletes.
Mr Graham’s vision has always been about inclusion — from grassroots players to elite competitors, everyone is welcome. Weekly social sessions like ‘king of the court’ embody the culture he has championed. His tireless work has enhanced physical activity, social connection and youth development across the Northern Beaches.
Andrew Lee (image above) of Dee Why: Mr Lee has made an extraordinary contribution to the Northern Beaches through his leadership of the Vipers Run Club and its flagship initiative, Move for 60. Over the past four years, Mr Lee and the Vipers community have raised more than $500k for charities including Lifeline Northern Beaches, Mosman to Kirribilli, helping fund vital crisis counselling and suicide prevention services. He also helped lead the inaugural Vipers Community Ball, which raised nearly $100k for the Jenkins family following Jeff’s motor neurone disease diagnosis.
Through empathy, persistence, and authentic leadership, Mr Lee has created a safe space for conversations about mental health, building connection, resilience and inclusion across the community.
Tom Miles (image above) of Balgowlah: Mr Miles has devoted decades to shaping the lives of young people through his tireless work with 1st Balgowlah Scout Group and Scouts Australia NSW. A former scout himself, he returned as a leader when his children were young and, now retired, devotes even more time to mentoring and guiding hundreds of local children on their scouting journey. His leadership fosters resilience, responsibility and a spirit of service in every child he supports.
Mr Miles also organises countless community service activities each year from Anzac Day and Remembrance Day commemorations to Clean Up Australia Day, tree planting, hikes, camps and fund-raising events.
Heidi Tobin (image above) of Dee Why: Ms Tobin has been a quiet force behind the scenes of hockey on the Northern Beaches for more than a decade as President of the Seaforth Hockey Club and a longstanding volunteer committee member for the Warringah Hockey Association and the Northern Sydney Beaches Hockey Association. Her vision has led to the restoration of the Saturday local senior women’s competition, social 5-a-side competitions in spring and summer, and a Friday night competition in 2025.
Ms Tobin also coaches junior teams and does a lot of competition and club administration, ensuring players of all ages have an affordable, fun way to stay active and connected. Her leadership has created pathways for junior players to progress into senior competitions while encouraging many former players to return to team sport, creating a strong social support network and sense of belonging.
Herve Vichemont (image above) of Dee Why: Mr Vichemont has dedicated more than 15 years to Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW), serving as Patrol Captain, trainer, assessor and Sydney Northern Beaches Rescue Water Craft (RWC) Operator Response Team and as part of the After-Hours Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) Emergency Call Team. In January 2025, he led a complex rescue that earned SLSNSW’s Rescue of the Year Award, exemplifying his calm leadership and lifesaving expertise.
He also trains and mentors new volunteers, ensuring the highest standards of safety and emergency care across the Northern Beaches. His commitment to patrolling beaches and educating future surf-lifesavers has saved lives, strengthened volunteer capability and set the benchmark for excellence in community safety.
Jefflyn Ward (image above) of Narraweena: Ms Ward has devoted more than three decades to supporting children and families through volunteer work with the Dalwood Auxiliary. As leader of the books section, she curates and organises donated books for jumble sales, raising vital funds for services at Dalwood Children’s Home, including speech therapy and psychological support for preschoolers.
Ms Ward’s background as an English and Special Education teacher shines through in her thoughtful approach, encouraging literacy and learning while fostering community connection. Her commitment to service began in the late 1960s with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance and Orana Club, where she supported people with disabilities and built lifelong friendships. She also mentored young girls as a leader with the Girls’ Brigade for many years, inspiring confidence and community spirit.
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins (image above, centre) thanked all the nominees and award recipients for their dedication and strong sense of community spirit. She said recognising these outstanding contributions is a high point of her year.
“Our nominees and recipients continue to impress with their generosity, leadership and drive to make a difference.
“The calibre of nominations this year highlights just how extraordinary our community members are.
“We congratulate all our award recipients and thank everyone who took the time to nominate these inspiring individuals and organisations,” praised Mayor Heins.
For further details on each awardee, visit the Northern Beaches Council’s Honour Roll 2026.
Images: Northern Beaches Council (Karen Watson), Northern Beaches Advocate
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