Each Australia Day, Northern Beaches Council recognises and celebrates local legends and organisations who go above and beyond to make our stretch along the ocean an even better place to call home.
“Our nominees and recipients continue to impress with their generosity, leadership and drive to make a difference,” Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said.
“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.”
The 2026 Australia Day Awards offer a small token of appreciation for the recipients’ outstanding service and commitment, devoting their time, skills and passion, often without expecting any recognition.
And the award winners are…
Citizen of the Year 2026: Cameron Read of Cromer
As Club Captain of Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club, Cameron’s leadership and commitment started in 1998 as a lifesaver and grew into an influential volunteer leader. Today, he wears many hats: Club Captain, Patrol Captain, Jet Ski Captain, Inflatable Rescue Boat Trainer and Assessor and Rescue Watercraft Trainer for the Sydney Northern Beaches Branch. These roles aren’t just titles, they represent countless hours of service, training and mentoring that keep our coastline safe and our volunteer network strong.
In late 2025, Cameron led his team through a dramatic shark rescue incident that earned him NSW Rescue of the Year. He also ensured the well-being of his team, who were affected by the rescue.
He has introduced initiatives that make volunteer 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.
Recently, (and after his nomination for the award) Cameron played a critical role in another life-saving rescue at Dee Why Beach, where a man was successfully resuscitated after a near-drowning incident.
His influence extends throughout the Northern Beaches, mentoring lifesavers from multiple clubs and overseeing regional rescue readiness.
Senior Citizen of the Year 2026: John Balfour OAM of Belrose
For over 50 years, John has been a tireless champion for veterans, earning the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2013. Since 2014, John has coordinated the annual Forestville RSL ANZAC Sunday March, bringing together hundreds in commemoration and pride.
He is an advocate for education, including leading the Australia My Country competition for over 20 local primary schools since 2018, educating young Australians in art, poetry and writing about Australia’s military history. John also heads the Remembrance Day Education Grant Program, encouraging Year 6 students to research their family’s service history.
As volunteer Project Manager for Australia’s Memorial Walk at North Head, John oversees memorial paver orders and serves as Secretary of the 7 Field Regiment Association, supporting more than 220 members.
His service also includes grounds work at Belrose Public School and Wesley Gardens Retirement Village and as a North Fort tunnels tour guide. John has marshalled at the ANZAC Day March in Sydney for 55 years and since 2015 has been the Deputy Chief Marshall.
Young Citizen of the Year 2026: Tilly Cooper of Mona Vale
At just 13, Tilly has shown remarkable leadership and compassion.
She founded My Fijian Clothes Drive, mobilising schools, surf clubs and families across the Beaches to donate clothing and swimwear for children in Fiji, promoting dignity, sustainability and community spirit. Her initiative harnesses social media and storytelling to inspire support and awareness.
Her latest project, The Electric Way to Pedal, uses Instagram to promote e-bike safety among young riders.
If that wasn’t enough, she also volunteers at Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club and serves as a Brighter Minds Ambassador, championing service, safety and wellbeing.
Sportsperson of the Year 2026: Declan Budd of Terrey Hills
Declan is one of Australia’s most promising para-swimmers.
In 2025, he won his first national title in the Men’s 100m butterfly MC, added silver in the 200m freestyle and 100m backstroke, and collected five golds and a bronze at the Age Championships.
Internationally, Declan debuted at the World Para Swimming Championships and was named Emerging Athlete of the Month by Commonwealth Games Australia.
His journey from Terrey Hills Swim Club as a 5-year-old to breaking world records and earning a Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship inspires young athletes, especially those with disabilities.
He also volunteers at Freshwater SLSC, promoting water safety and inclusion, shifting perceptions and driving para-sport recognition nationwide.
Declan now has his sights set on the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics.
Community Event of the Year 2026: Move for 60 – in Support of Lifeline Northern Beaches, Mosman to Kirribilli
Over 140 runners and 87 participants joined across 60 hours of activities, raising awareness about suicide and men’s mental health for Move for 60.
Its key objective was to shine a light on the staggering statistic of 60 men’s lives lost globally every day to suicide and proactively reduce the stigma many men have around asking for help.
The event featured accessible sessions with wheelchair athletes, blind runners, fitness classes, music and food stalls, culminating in a vibrant Community Activation Day.
Coordinated by Vipers Run Club, the event raised $46,574 for Lifeline Northern Beaches, funding 1,200 crisis calls or 400 counselling sessions.
Community Group of the Year 2026: Adopt A Beach Team – Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches
Surfrider Foundation’s Northern Beaches branch has protected our coastline for 34 years. In 2025, its Adopt a Beach program launched monthly clean-ups at nine locations, engaging 1,300 volunteers and diverting over 50,000 items of litter.
The initiative benefits Northern Beaches residents and visitors, compiles data for the Northern Beaches Marine Debris Impact Report and has led to practical Council action such as dedicated cigarette butt bins at Manly Wharf.
Through continued engagement and partnerships, the Adopt a Beach Team champions ocean health, environmental stewardship and community well-being.
Outstanding Community Service Awards 2026
Glenice Bland from Manly has devoted nearly two decades to Lifeline Northern Beaches’ Book Fair as mentor and children’s category lead, shaping fundraising and fostering a culture of kindness among volunteers. Her commitment builds teamwork, encourages new volunteers and strengthens the Lifeline community, helping raise vital funds for crisis support services.
Since retiring in 2017, Annie Bowen from Manly has dedicated herself to Manly Women’s Bowling Club, coaching and mentoring new members, and teaching seniors’ dance at Manly Senior Citizens Centre. Her volunteering also includes outreach with Drug Arm, the Salvation Army and Rotary creating a welcoming and supportive community.
As Secretary of Warringah Aquatic Swimming Club, Ariel Darley from Allambie Heights manages operations, officiates meetings and mentors the volunteers, contributing more than 40 hours weekly on top of her full-time work. Her leadership inspires service, builds club culture and benefits swimmers through regional and state committees.
For 37 years, Carl Graham from Manly has driven Northern Beaches Volleyball Association’s success, growing it into a premier club supporting over 400 members, hosting tournaments and championing inclusion from grassroots to elite levels. His vision has enhanced activity, connection, and youth development, leaving a legacy of belonging.
Andrew Lee from Dee Why has made an extraordinary contribution to the Northern Beaches through his guardianship of the Vipers Run Club and its flagship initiative, Move for 60. Through his leadership of Vipers Run Club and Move for 60, the organisations have raised over $500,000 for local charities, funded vital mental health services and built a community where conversations about wellbeing and inclusion thrive.
He also helped lead the inaugural Vipers Community Ball to raise nearly $100,000 for motor neurone disease. His empathy and persistence make Vipers a lifeline for many.
Tom Miles from Balgowlah has devoted decades to 1st Balgowlah Scout Group and NSW Scouts, mentoring hundreds of local children, organising service projects and fostering resilience, responsibility and service.
He organises countless community service activities each year from Anzac Day and Remembrance Day commemorations to Clean Up Australia Day, tree planting, hikes, camps and fundraising events. Widely respected, Tom creates opportunities for youth to connect, contribute and grow.
Heidi Tobin from Dee Why is a behind-the-scenes leader in hockey, serving as President of Seaforth Hockey Club and long-standing volunteer committee member for Warringah Hockey and 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, offering fast, fun hockey that is an inclusive alternative for teens and adults who cannot commit to full-field competitions. She coaches, runs competitions and creates pathways for players of all ages, building a strong social support network.
Herve Vichemont from Dee Why has dedicated over 15 years to surf lifesaving, serving as Patrol Captain, trainer, assessor and RWC emergency response team member. Herve led a complex and award-winning rescue in January 2025. His commitment to patrolling beaches and educating future lifesavers has saved lives, strengthened volunteer capability and set the benchmark for excellence in community safety.
For more than 30 years, Jefflyn Ward from Narraweena has supported families through Dalwood Auxiliary, organising donated books for jumble sales to fund vital children’s services at Dalwood Children’s Home. Her background in education and commitment to service fosters literacy, learning and community connection.
She also mentored young girls as a leader with the Girls’ Brigade for many years, inspiring confidence and community spirit.
For more information on the recipients or the awards, please visit Council’s website here.
