The recipients of the 2026 Australia Day Awards have generously devoted their time, skills and passion to their community. These awards offer a small token of appreciation for their outstanding service and commitment.
Each Australia Day, Northern Beaches Council honours remarkable individuals and organisations who make our community a better place.
This year’s recipients have gone above and beyond. Through saving lives, supporting vital emergency services and championing health and wellbeing, their selfless dedication truly embodies the Northern Beaches community spirit.
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins 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,” Mayor Heins said.
Citizen of the Year 2026: Cameron Read of Cromer
As Club Captain of Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club, Cameron has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication spanning decades.
Since becoming a lifesaver in 1998, Cameron has served as Club Captain, Patrol Captain, Jet Ski Captain, Inflatable Rescue Boat Trainer and Assessor. He is also a Rescue Watercraft Trainer for Sydney Northern Beaches Branch. These roles represent countless hours spent training, mentoring and responding to emergencies across our coastline.
In late 2025, Cameron led his team through a dramatic shark rescue incident that earned NSW Rescue of the Year, coordinating lifesaving responses and focusing on the wellbeing of volunteers affected. His commitment to mental health, trauma support and practical solutions such as sun safety gear and flexible rosters has transformed volunteer welfare and retention.
His influence extends throughout the Northern Beaches, mentoring lifesavers from multiple clubs and overseeing regional rescue readiness. Cameron’s dedication ensures our beaches remain safe, our volunteers supported, and our community strong.
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 a dedicated advocate of 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.
John’s commitment ensures the legacy of service and sacrifice inspires generations.
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.
Tilly’s latest project, The Electric Way to Pedal, uses Instagram to promote e-bike safety among young riders. She volunteers at Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club and serves as a Brighter Minds Ambassador, championing service, safety and wellbeing.
Tilly demonstrates that leadership knows no age, inspiring positive change locally and abroad.
Sportsperson of the Year 2026: Declan Budd of Terrey Hills
Declan is one of Australia’s most promising para-swimmers, pairing elite achievement with humility and mentorship.
In 2025, he won his first national title in the Men’s 100 m butterfly MC, added silver in the 200 m freestyle and 100 m 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.
Volunteering at Freshwater SLSC, Declan promotes water safety and inclusion, shifting perceptions and driving para sport recognition nationwide.
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 2026: Move for 60 – in Support of Lifeline Northern Beaches, Mosman to Kirribilli
Move for 60 united the Northern Beaches in a celebration of movement, mental health and community. Over 140 runners and 87 participants joined across 60 hours of activities, raising awareness about suicide and men’s mental health.
Its key objective was to shine a light on the staggering statistic of 60 men’s lives lost globally every day to suicide. It aims to 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.
Move for 60 sparked important conversations around mental health, bringing lasting impact to our community.
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 and compiles data for the Northern Beaches Marine Debris Impact Report. It has also 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 wellbeing.
Outstanding Community Service Awards 2026:
Glenice Bland of Manly
Glenice has devoted nearly two decades to Lifeline Northern Beaches’ Book Fair as mentor and children’s category lead, shaping fundraising and inspiring fellow volunteers. Her commitment builds teamwork, encourages new volunteers and strengthens the Lifeline community, helping raise vital funds for crisis support services.
Annie Bowen of Manly
Since retiring in 2017, Annie 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.
Ariel Darley of Allambie Heights
As Secretary of Warringah Aquatic Swimming Club, Ariel manages operations, officiates meets and mentors the volunteers. Contributing over 40 hours weekly on top of her full-time work, her leadership inspires service and benefits swimmers through regional and state committees.
Carl Graham of Manly
For 37 years, Carl has driven Northern Beaches Volleyball Association’s success, growing it into a premier club supporting over 400 members. In hosting tournaments and championing inclusion across all levels, his vision has enhanced activity, connection, and youth development.
Andrew Lee of Dee Why
Andy has made an extraordinary contribution to the Northern Beaches through his guardianship of the Vipers Run Club and its flagship initiative, Move for 60. Under his leadership, these organisations have raised over $500,000 for local charities, and funded vital mental health services. These efforts have 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 of Balgowlah
Tom 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, including events for Anzac Day, Remembrance Day, and Clean Up Australia Day. His work also includes community initiatives such as tree planting, hikes, camps and fundraising events. Widely respected, Tom creates opportunities for youth to connect, contribute and grow.
Heidi Tobin of Dee Why
Heidi is a behind-the-scenes leader in local hockey. Serving as President of Seaforth Hockey Club, she is also a long-standing volunteer committee member for Warringah Hockey and Northern Sydney Beaches Hockey Association. Her work restored the Saturday local senior women’s competition, social 5-a-side competitions, and a Friday night competition in 2025. These competitions offer an inclusive alternative for teens and adults who cannot commit to full-field hockey competitions.
She coaches, runs competitions and creates pathways for players of all ages, building a strong social support network.
Herve Vichemont of Dee Why
Herve has dedicated over 15 years to surf life saving, serving as Patrol Captain, trainer, assessor and RWC emergency response team member. He also led a complex and award-winning rescue in January 2025. By helping educate future lifesavers, he has saved lives, strengthened volunteer capability and set the benchmark for community safety excellence.
Jefflyn Ward of Narraweena
For over 30 years, Jefflyn has supported Dalwood Auxiliary, by organising donated books for sale. These sales 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 visit the Northern Beaches Council Website here.
