Community Awards

This award recognises the outstanding contributions to community and achievements by an individual. This person epitomises what makes the Byron Shire a great place to live.

2024 Winner - Maree Eddings

On 28 February 2023, Feros Care Ltd, told residents and their families that it was no longer going to provide residential aged care at Feros Village Byron Bay. This facility was established with the contribution of funds, time, and commitment of the Byron Shire community over 30 years ago and continues to provide a much needed and fondly regarded contribution to residential aged care for the Byron Shire community.

The proposed closure was distressing for residents who felt vulnerable and fearful for their future. It was going to take something special to protect them and save Feros Village for the Byron Shire community. That something special stood up in the form of Byron Shire resident Maree Eddings, a relative of one of the residents of Feros Village and a member of the Mullumbimby Neighbourhood Centre. Maree and other concerned families of the residents came together and formed a fighting front, “Friends and Families of Feros Residents”, to oppose and reverse the closure decision.

Every group needs a champion and Maree took on that role and committed to the battle that was to unfold. Maree’s voluntary contribution to the success of that group in saving our community’s much loved residential aged-care village was huge and certainly makes her a worthy recipient of 2024 Community Member of the Year.

This award recognises the outstanding contributions to community and achievements by a young individual (12-25). This person epitomises the optimism and passion of young people in the Byron Shire.

2024 winner – Monet Shortland

As a young environmental activist, Monet is passionate about engaging with other young people to create solutions to defend the ocean and its marine life. She is the co-founder of and Young Ocean Leader for Ocean Voices, an organisation that empowers young people in the Northern Rivers to educate, advocate and spearhead solutions for ocean health.

She has also volunteered at BayFM, the local radio station for over 2 years. At BayFM, Monet helped to create, produce and record the Young Legend 2022 three-part flood podcast with the Byron Bay Youth Service.

Her love for the community and the environment is to be commended. 

This award recognises individuals or organisations that have implemented an outstanding initiative. This could be anything that has brought the community together, addressed disadvantage, or benefitted the wider community.

2024 winner – Breakfast Service at Fletcher Street Cottage

Fletcher Street Cottage provides people experiencing homelessness with a healthy and delicious breakfast, access to hot showers and laundry, and additional office support. The Cottage is a safe and welcoming space for support and connection to meet everyday needs.

Fletcher Street Cottage creates positive connections for those experiencing disadvantage. It also provides over 60 volunteers the opportunity to serve our community and create connections, for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Byron Shire congratulates the 2024 winner of the Community Initiative of the Year Award.

This award recognises outstanding businesses that have given back to the community or environment. This is a way to acknowledge businesses that employ local people, adopt sustainable and inclusive principles, or have stepped up in times of hardship to support the Byron Shire community.

2024 winners

With so many outstanding nominations in this category for 2024, two winners were selected.

The first of the dual winners of the In Business for Good Award is Good Vibes Organics

Good Vibes Organics stocks organic, local, and ethically sourced products. They employ local people who provide outstanding customer service.

During the floods in 2022 they were the only grocery store open in the area, doing all they could to keep supplying food to the community. They allowed hundreds of customers to get food without paying for it as many of didn't have cash available and services were down. They demonstrated trust and compassion and lived their values of community over money.

The team at Good Vibes goes above and beyond what you would expect from a grocery store.

Our other winner of the In Business for Good Award is the Creative Capital Company

Creative Capital and its director Brandon Saul are behind many worthwhile community projects in Byron Shire. They build and advocate for affordable housing in new and unique ways to address the housing crisis in the Byron Shire. Some examples of the projects they are involved in include:

• The Fletcher Street Cottage.
• The new Saddle Road Brunswick Heads development, which includes an extensive affordable housing contribution.
• The publishing of the book New Old Ways, which has made a strong contribution to the wider community’s understanding of how to solve the housing crisis.

Byron Shire congratulates both of our In Business for Good Award winners.

This Award recognises outstanding individuals and organisations working to preserve and nurture the natural environment in our region.

2024 winner – Delta Kay

For decades, Delta has been a guiding force in both education and custodianship, tirelessly advocating for caring for country. Through her work, she has raised awareness among school communities, local residents, and visitors from around the globe about the role that First Nations people have played in the survival of country.

Delta’s impact extends far and wide. As an integral member of the Weaving Waterways group, she leads efforts to restore native plants along our watercourses, reviving traditional weaving practices. Her initiatives with Explore Byron Bay and Dolphin Dreaming have educated thousands of children and adults.

Her work with ‘Country as Teacher’ empowers young First Nations leaders to feel proud and confident in their Aboriginal identity and become the next generation of custodians of country.

Byron Shire congratulates the winner of the Caring for Country Award.

This award recognises individuals and organisations that champion equity, diversity, access and inclusion in the community.

2024 award winners - Deb and Mark (Mono) Stewart

The Blackmores Australian Pro Adaptive Surf Championship was the first of its kind in Australia. The expertise and leadership shown by Deb and Mono ensured the success of the event. They showcased access and inclusive principles and demonstrated what is possible to improve beach access for all users in the Byron Shire.

It was a remarkable event enjoyed by competitors, volunteers, and visitors from the across the world.

This award recognises individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions to the areas of visual arts, dance, performance, fashion, music, media, and design.

2024 award winner – Janet Swain

Janet has established local community choirs, organises Choir4aDay events, singing workshops, is a member of the cabaret band The Loveys, coordinates the Midnight Choir, and tours her one woman show – ‘Delphi Goes Bassooning’. She organises annual Christmas carols in Brunswick Heads, teaches young singers at the Pocket primary school, organised a post-flood community event – ‘After Disaster’ – with other local musicians, has organised a huge refugee fundraiser – ‘Finding Freedom’, and regularly opens her home – the Shara Music Temple – for intimate live music shows. Janet has 35 years of teaching and training experience, and a lifetime of experience in the creative arts.

Janet has been weaving her magic in the Byron Shire for many years, and we congratulate her as winner of the 2024 Creativity Award. 

This award recognises individuals and organisations that positively contribute to the physical, mental, and spiritual health and wellbeing of people in the Byron Shire.

2024 award winner – Kate Jackson

Kate has devoted most of her spare time in the last 18 months to offering a free personalised styling service for women impacted by domestic violence, providing free clothes and outfits for women to wear in their everyday lives through her organisation Haus of Armour.

The styling sessions and clothes help address the impact of domestic violence on survivors and focus on the psychological impact relating to self-worth and self-esteem. To date, Kate has styled about 60 women survivors in the Northern Rivers.

Haus of Armour is another form of the healing and recovery journey, helping the women feel good about themselves, move forward, and rebuild their life away from violence.

The clothes we wear can affect our behaviour, our personality, our mood, our confidence and even the way we interact with other people. This is the science that underpins the work of Haus of Armour; it’s not just about makeovers.

Community Member of Byron Shire – Louise O’Connell

Louise’s nomination recognised the remarkable work involved in running the Fletcher Street Cottage service which offers ongoing support for people experiencing homelessness in the Byron Shire.  Louise works endlessly to arrange doctors, social workers, food, showers and hairdressers for those in need. 

Louise’s work has been described as empowering, resourceful, compassionate and nothing short of remarkable. She has volunteered countless hours to help those who need it most and is committed to creating a safe and welcoming place at Fletcher Street Cottage in Byron Bay.

Young Community Member of Byron Shire – Zali Spinner (Main Arm flood response)

Zali’s nomination recognised her efforts to coordinate deliveries of food, water and medication to people living in isolated areas during the 2022 floods.

Zali is recognised as a devoted and committed member of the Main Arm community and a respected voice for young people. Her optimism, passion and can-do attitude continues to inspire others.

Community Initiative of Byron Shire – The Repair Café Post-Flood Initiative by the Shedding Community Workshop

The Repair Café Post-Flood initiative’s nomination acknowledged the volunteer based, trauma-informed and community-focussed response to the 2022 Northern Rivers floods – organised by the Shedding Community Workshop. 

The initiative coordinated teams of volunteers to collect, assess, clean, repair, test, donate and deliver flood damaged items to the community, free of charge. 

The nomination applauded the huge range of items repaired over six weeks that resulted in over 20 tonnes of waste being rescued from landfill.  Shedding Inc and The Repair Café continue to share the unique knowledge and experience they gained during the flood recovery with communities and resilience networks all over NSW. 

Giving Back to Byron Shire Award – Sama Balson (Women’s Village Collective)

Sama’s nomination applauded her efforts to found the Women’s Village Collective in 2020 as a grass roots movement which has grown to be a registered charitable organisation making waves in the community. 

The Collective aims to prevent women’s homelessness by providing affordable housing solutions, links to services, support referrals, connections and empowerment for women.  Sama has made a positive impact on the lives of women in the community and has been there to lend a hand in times of crisis and uncertainty.

Contribution to Health and Wellbeing Award – Queer Family

The Queer Family’s nomination was for initiation of the Queer Information and Referral Project and were able to directly reach around 2000 people through social events, workshops and support.

In a regional area with few mental health professionals specifically trained in lgbtqia+ issues, upskilling local professionals is a significant method of creating a larger support network for the queer community.

Access and Inclusion Award – Karen Gross (the Paddock Project)

Karen’s nomination recognised her disability support work both in education and with Social Futures for 17 years. Karen saw an opportunity to utilise the Paddock Project to create meaningful employment opportunities for local people living with disability. 

Thanks to Karen’s model the Paddock now employs more than 20 participants who are engaged in work and work preparation programs.  Workers are involved in all aspects of the garden including seed sewing and harvesting fresh produce.   

Caring for Country Award – Tiago Neto

Tiago’s nomination acknowledged his work organising events for young people at the YHA Byron Bay including an Aboriginal art event with Munu and Aboriginal cultural awareness with Delta Kay, among others. 

In creating awareness about Aboriginal culture, Tiago emphasises the importance of caring for natural resources through explanations from local elders. Tiago is a role model for environmental care for the next generation – he demonstrates how small actions can make a big impact.

Creativity Award – Marissa Treichel (The Cassettes)

Marissa’s nomination applauded her work as a professional choreographer, dance leader and community creative for 20 years, successfully creating and maintaining the highly successful regional dance business, The Cassettes.

Through lockdowns, floods and fires, Marissa has led dozens of community workshops and has taught dance to over 3000 Byron Shire residents of all ages and abilities, bringing creativity and fun into so many lives!

Open Award – Aya Harral-Haines (Turtle Rescue Superstar)

Aya’s nomination celebrated the work of this 5-year-old who has successfully raised over $600 in donations through cup cake and garage sales for the Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue Inc.

Her contribution will assist with the rescue, rehabilitation and release of turtles! Aya’s efforts will hopefully inspire people from all groups to support local organisations who are driving environmental change and education.