Port Stephens honours Australia Day award recipients across the region

newy.com.au – Port Stephens Council has recognised local volunteers, leaders and achievers at its Annual Awards as part of Australia Day celebrations across the region.

The awards, presented by Mayor Leah Anderson, highlight community members whose time and effort support others through volunteering, sport, culture and environmental work.

Anderson said Australia Day was about “community, belonging and looking out for one another”, adding: “Our annual awards celebrate those in our community who give their time and energy to others, and our award recipients represent and embody those values.”

She said the recipients were “people who don’t seek recognition, but whose efforts make a real difference in people’s lives every single day”, spanning “sport and volunteering to leadership, kindness and resilience”.

Citizen of the Year Andrew Barron was recognised for service to the Raymond Terrace community through disaster response, volunteering, sport and advocacy, while Young Citizen of the Year Xavier Vaughan was honoured for compassion, creativity and fundraising efforts supporting causes locally and beyond.

Sportsperson of the Year Zoe Smith was acknowledged for achievements across rugby, touch football and rugby league, and for representing Port Stephens on state and national stages while paving the way for young female athletes.

Cultural Endeavour winner Jason Russell was celebrated for his commitment to Aboriginal culture, including his work as founder of Koori Colours Art Gallery promoting cultural awareness and reconciliation through art and education.

Environmental Award recipient Sue Johnson was recognised for ecological preservation and leadership within local Landcare groups and the Port Stephens Koala Hospital, as well as educational initiatives at Tomaree High School focused on protecting the natural environment.

Three Port Stephens Medals were awarded to Helen Bellamy, Peter Clough and Heather Noonan for decades of dedication to community support, regional development and grassroots leadership across the Tomaree Peninsula.

Anderson said “every nominee should be incredibly proud”, describing the field as exceptional and reflecting “just how many people quietly give their time to help others, build connections and make Port Stephens a better place to live”.

She also thanked volunteers, community organisations and sponsors, saying: “Our Australia Day events simply wouldn’t happen without the incredible efforts of volunteers, community groups and sponsors,” and acknowledging the Raymond Terrace Bowling Club, Veolia and the National Australia Day Council.

The Annual Awards were presented alongside the Citizenship Ceremony and official Australia Day proceedings as part of a wider program of celebrations held across Port Stephens, with further information available through the council’s Australia Day and Annual Awards webpages.