Citizen of the Year Awards

The 2026 Award Nominees are:

Amber Lynch
Amber Lynch is a family liaison officer and peer support advocate who has made a profound impact on Veterans and their families across the Mid North Coast. Recognised as Department of Veteran Affairs Employee of the Season in December 2024 and nationally honoured at the War Memorial’s 21 Hearts premiere, Amber provides trauma-informed support well beyond her professional role. She assists individuals with mental health navigation, counselling referrals, and complex care coordination, often outside standard hours. Amber collaborates with more than 30 organisations, advocates for policy improvements, and engages with leaders to secure funding for Veteran wellbeing initiatives. Her work includes visits to military bases, mental health hospitals, and community groups, fostering safety, resilience, and recovery for thousands of Veterans and families.

Barry Kermode
Barry Kermode has dedicated himself to helping his community, using his mechanical engineering background to assist neighbours with livestock and mechanical issues without accepting payment. Over the past year, Barry volunteered significant time and resources to support a neighbour with serious hip problems, personally driving her to medical appointments at the Mater Hospital in Newcastle and St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, covering journeys of six and fourteen hours respectively. He is also an active member of the Port Macquarie Kayaking Club, where he worked through the ranks to become President, during which time membership more than doubled. Barry is widely regarded by the Rollands Plains community as the go-to person for solving local problems at no cost.

Bec Dalzell
Rebecca (Bec) Dalzell is a physiotherapist committed to improving accessibility and inclusion across the Mid North Coast. She worked with Council to establish the Enable Disability Working Group, initiated meetings with MPs and local leaders, and produced advocacy materials presented in federal parliament. Bec promotes education and empathy by creating disability simulation experiences for decision-makers and has facilitated adaptive sports such as dragon boating, wheelchair rugby, basketball, and paragolfing. She advocates for accessible infrastructure, has contributed to Council’s Community Inclusion and Disability Inclusion Plan, and has recently helped secure Mobi matting (roll out beach access matting), to be installed this summer. Bec also sources specialised equipment for community use and maintains ties with disability organisations to bring new ideas locally, fostering connection, wellbeing, and opportunities for people with disability.

Dennis Hughes
Dennis Hughes, aged 81, has made an exceptional voluntary contribution to the Port Macquarie community through his roles at the Port Macquarie Observatory and Wauchope Golf Club. For over five years, Dennis has supported the Observatory by fundraising, managing the shop, curating a self-funded rock collection, and providing educational talks on astronomy and geology. He also assists with building access, security, and telescope demonstrations during public events. At Wauchope Golf Club, Dennis has served as Captain for 12 years, organising programs, rosters, award nights, and sponsorships. He actively supports the Junior Development Fund by recycling bottles and cans through Return and Earn. His long service was formally recognised with life membership at the golf club, reflecting his sustained impact on community engagement.

Geoff Leary
Geoff Leary is a retired school principal who has dedicated his time to volunteering across multiple community initiatives. Over the past year, he supported flood recovery efforts in Port Macquarie, assisting residents with clean-ups, wellbeing support, and supporting the St Agnes' Catholic Parish in planning a future disaster response strategy. Geoff volunteers with St Vincent de Paul, Make a Difference, and Sister Marjorie’s team, providing meals, emergency housing assistance, and personal support to disadvantaged people. He mentors youth through rugby coaching and runs fitness programs for men, including sessions featured in an RUOK Day video. Geoff also supports Parish activities, delivers children’s liturgies, and provides financial assistance for families facing medical emergencies. His work strengthens community resilience, inclusion, and wellbeing across diverse groups.

Janette Hyde
Janette Hyde has provided exceptional voluntary service to the Port Macquarie Hastings community, particularly over the past five years. As President of the Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association (GPMTA), she has dedicated countless hours to strengthening the local tourism sector, supporting small businesses, and fostering community connection. Under her leadership, GPMTA has become a collaborative network promoting sustainable tourism and regional pride. Beyond tourism, Janette is a passionate volunteer with Bravehearts, contributing to child protection initiatives through fundraising and awareness campaigns. Her efforts extend well beyond professional duties, reflecting a commitment to social, cultural, and economic wellbeing. A recipient of the Order of Australia Medal (OAM), Janette continues to inspire through her leadership, advocacy, and generosity.

Julie Constable
Julie Constable is a founding member and former President of Port Macquarie Sailability, a volunteer organisation established in 2012 that provides sailing experiences for people with disability. She remains actively involved with the organisation and currently supports and supervises more than 70 volunteers and over 120 participants. Julie’s long-standing involvement with Port Macquarie Sailability contributed to the organisation receiving the Most Outstanding Volunteer Team award at the VRC Volunteer Awards in May 2024. Julie is also a former President of the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie West and continues to play an active role in this organisation and other community events. Over the past year, she has been involved in organising and coordinating the Cardboard Boat Regatta, Winter Woolies Drive, and the Annual Port Macquarie Ironman event, which raise funds and strengthen community connections. In addition to her volunteer roles, Julie serves as a Justice of the Peace, assists at polling booths during elections, and represents Rotary at Anzac Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies by laying wreaths.

Julie Jamieson
Julie Jamieson is the Community Engagement Coordinator at Headspace Port Macquarie and a national mentor for Headspace Community Engagement Officers. She served on the Headspace National Advisory Committee and co-authored a published study on eco-anxiety with Melbourne University. Julie led local participation in the NSW LGBTQIA+ Voices Report and delivered training to the NSW Government’s Office of Regional Youth. She co-founded Port Macquarie Women’s Connect, facilitating wellness programs including retreats, coffee catch-ups, and support circles. Julie launched Neurodiversity Groups for young people, teaches yoga weekly, and volunteers for the Moving with Grief Project. She also chairs the Hastings Community Drug Action Team, contributes to suicide prevention and disaster recovery networks, and actively participates in community events promoting inclusion and wellbeing.

Karen Sparkes
Karen Sparkes is the founder and president of Aussie Battlers Pay It Forward Inc., a registered charity supporting vulnerable and at-risk people across the Mid North Coast. While Karen has been doing this work for many years now, over the past year, she has expanded programs to meet rising demand, including a mums and bubs initiative and the organisation’s largest Christmas appeal. She has led responses to natural disasters, assisted families with essential items, and built partnerships with organisations such as Uniting, YP Space, and Department of Communities and Justice. Karen’s work has been recognised in Parliament and featured in local media for her tireless efforts to help those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, and hardship. Her leadership ensures no one goes without, strengthening community resilience and support networks.

Maria Doherty
Maria Doherty is an environmental leader with a long record of professional and voluntary service in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region. As former General Manager of Koala Conservation Australia, she assisted in establishing Australia’s first wild koala breeding program, led restoration of more than 700 hectares of habitat, and coordinated over 250 wildlife volunteers. She has delivered major community events such as the National Koala Conference and Hastings Sustainability Showcase, and previously worked in local government on strategic policy, disaster response, and waste management. Maria continues voluntary leadership as Chair of Willing & Able Foundation and former Board Director of Tender Funerals, supporting inclusive community services. Her work has strengthened biodiversity, environmental education, and community resilience while fostering partnerships and mentoring volunteers.

Robert Scott
Robert Scott has led the Camden Haven Walking Group since 2013, after joining as a member in 2005. He formalised the group’s activities by creating a comprehensive bank of 82 walks with detailed directions, covering areas from Forster to South West Rocks. Each year, Robert coordinates a program of 40 graded walks, ensuring accessibility for varying fitness levels and promoting social connection. He liaises with NSW Forests to confirm track safety, distributes walk schedules to libraries and community centres, and publishes notices in local media to encourage participation. Robert also contributes to the Laurieton Men’s Shed, where he built a pizza oven and leads events for nursing homes and retirement villages, strengthening community ties and wellbeing.

For an inspiring young person (aged 12–25) who’s shown leadership, initiative, or dedication to making a difference.

The 2026 Nominees are:

Eilee Philipse
Eilee Philipse is an active member of Headspace Port Macquarie’s Youth Reference Group, dedicating her time to improving youth mental health and wellbeing. Over the past year, she has contributed to school programs, community events, and planning youth-focused workshops. Eilee also runs an Instagram page providing accurate sexual health and body awareness information, extending her advocacy beyond traditional settings. She collaborates with headspace staff to ensure inclusive, youth-friendly spaces and services, and plays a key role in shaping outreach initiatives. Her efforts reduce stigma around mental health, promote open conversations, and empower young people with knowledge and support. In 2025, Eilee’s volunteer contributions were recognised at the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, highlighting her impact on the community.

Lola Zen Ann Willows
Lola Willows has revitalised Port Macquarie’s youth music scene by voluntarily organising more than ten all-ages events in the past year, including open mic nights, live band performances, dance parties, and Youth Week celebrations. Her alcohol-free events provide safe, inclusive spaces for young people, LGBTQIA+ youth, and NDIS participants to connect and express themselves. Lola manages all aspects of production, collaborates with local artists and organisations such as Headspace, and promotes diversity through her programming. Her work has created opportunities for emerging musicians, strengthened community connection, and improved mental health and wellbeing. Recognised by MusicNSW for her contribution to regional arts, Lola has also mentored young creatives in Coffs Harbour, inspiring similar initiatives in other towns.

Hunter Davis
Hunter Davis is a youth leader and advocate who has represented Port Macquarie at state and national levels. In 2025, he served as Port Macquarie’s Youth MP in the Y NSW Youth Parliament, co-authoring the Equitable Access to Alternative Educational Pathways Youth Act and consulting with senior education officials. He was appointed as a Young Advisor with 54 Reasons (Save the Children Australia) and selected as an Australian Delegate to the UN Youth New Zealand Model United Nations. Hunter also participated in the Youth Excellence Program, UN Youth Advocacy Program, and Luminosity Youth Summit. Locally, he volunteers with Douglas Vale Conservation Group, supports St Agnes' Catholic Parish services, and assists at major events. He was recently named a 2026 ABC Heywire Winner.

Riley Cone
Riley Cone is a young community leader and performer who has made a significant impact through advocacy, creativity, and inclusivity. Over the past year, Riley became the youngest participant in Stars of Hastings, raising $13,812 for the Cancer Council. They have volunteered at The Cage Port Macquarie, supporting music events and creating safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth. Riley featured as a special guest in Bring Back My Wives Australian Tour and performed at Mayhem All Ages Night Club Party, promoting cultural vibrancy and representation. Their work extends to fostering acceptance and visibility through drag performance and community engagement, consistently creating environments where people feel welcome and supported. Riley’s contributions strengthen inclusion and cultural life in Port Macquarie.

This category celebrates individuals, groups, or organisations that bring people together and make our community stronger.

The 2026 Nominees are:

Danny Schouten
Danny Schouten is the founder of the Community Shark Bite Kits initiative, a not-for-profit project that has transformed beach safety by providing lifesaving first-aid kits at coastal locations. Over the past year, Danny has led the expansion of the program from a grassroots idea to a statewide movement, with more than 320 kits installed and an additional 150 ordered by the NSW Government in December 2025. Fifty kits are being integrated into Surf Life Saving NSW Emergency Response Beacons. Danny works voluntarily, dedicating countless hours to sourcing materials, assembling kits, and collaborating with councils, surf lifesaving clubs, and community groups. His initiative has improved emergency preparedness, fostered community collaboration, and inspired similar projects interstate, strengthening safety and resilience across coastal communities.

Dr Fares Samara
Dr Fares Samara immigrated to Australia in 1981 in order to work with Professor Fred Hollows in the National Trachoma and Eye Health Program. This was followed by working in the Redfern Aboriginal Medical Service and a lifelong commitment to Aboriginal health. Moving to the Macleay Valley in 1984, he served with the Durri Aboriginal Medical Service and Kempsey Hospital before specialising in drug and alcohol addiction medicine, working in both Kempsey and Port Macquarie. Dr Samara was instrumental in establishing opioid treatment clinics in hospitals and pharmacies, providing critical treatment services through NSW Health. This also included working in Kempsey Jail for 20 years since its inception in 2005. His expertise has helped countless individuals overcome addiction to reduce the harm and reintegrate into society, while influencing colleagues to expand services across wider regions. After more than 43 years of service, Dr Samara retired on 3 September 2025, leaving a legacy of compassion and transformative care.

Endeavour Mental Health Recovery Clubhouse
Endeavour Mental Health Recovery Clubhouse is a charity providing a safe, supportive environment for people living with mental illness while promoting inclusion and reducing stigma. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025, Endeavour has delivered initiatives such as art therapy exhibitions at ArtWalk, a gym program with Your Life Fitness, and a 16-week aquarobics program. It has hosted events including the Wellness Walk, NAIDOC Family Fun Day, and Hastings Homelessness Day, and supported Lifeline’s Out of the Shadows Walk. Endeavour also ran educational seminars, sponsored LGBTQIA+ youth events, and partnered on a cooking program that led to qualifications and employment for members. Its advocacy gained media coverage and influenced state mental health policy, ensuring local voices are represented in decision-making.

Havana on the Hastings Dance School
Havana on the Hastings Dance School, founded by Kellie and Mike Mears, has created a vibrant multicultural community through Latin dance and music. With over 660 members aged 17 to 70, the group offers inclusive, low-cost classes and social events that foster connection and wellbeing. Over the past year, Kellie and Mike have dedicated countless unpaid hours to organising performances at ArtWalk, Mrs York’s Garden (including dancing with Costa Georgiadis), Cultural Connections, and Town Green socials. They also launched the Regional NSW Latin Dance Community Facebook Group to promote events across the region. Their work enriches local culture, supports mental health, and provides newcomers and residents with a welcoming space to build friendships and celebrate diversity through dance.

Port Macquarie LatinFest
Port Macquarie LatinFest is the region’s first Latin festival, launched in January 2025 by directors Daniela and Andrew Bethencourt and Kellie and Mike Mears. The three-day event featured 35 workshops, live bands, and performances by national and international artists, attracting hundreds of visitors and boosting local tourism. The directors volunteer countless hours year-round to organise the festival and related workshops, create promotional content showcasing Port Macquarie, and run a volunteer program that ensures inclusivity for those with limited funds. LatinFest celebrates diversity by featuring differently abled performers and fosters community connection, physical wellbeing, and cultural enrichment. Its success has positioned Port Macquarie on the Latin dance map and strengthened the town’s cultural and social fabric.

Sarah Lynn Eade
Sarah Lynn Eade is a volunteer Peer Leader and Advocacy Advisory Group member with Spinal Cord Injuries Australia, committed to improving accessibility and inclusion for people with spinal cord injury and neurological conditions. Since October 2024, she has led advocacy efforts in Port Macquarie, engaging with Council, service providers, and businesses to address infrastructure barriers such as footpaths, ramps, transport, and parking. In 2025, Sarah established an Advocacy Community Network of 40 members who meet regularly to share experiences, build confidence, and promote self-advocacy. She organised a roll/walk event with the Mayor and local MPs to highlight mobility challenges and has achieved tangible improvements, including Council action on major access issues. Her work fosters community connection and disability awareness.

The Two Mums
Julie Bowes and Sherrill Weidenbohm, known as “The Two Mums”, lead ongoing community fundraising and support initiatives in Port Macquarie. They host cake stalls approximately every six weeks at Woolworths Settlement City and have so far raised $9,000 toward a $10,000 goal for the Oncology Department at Port Macquarie Base Hospital, and have also supported the Breast Cancer Research Centre. Their efforts include donation drives and delivering up to three trolleys of food and clothing weekly to St Thomas Church for the soup kitchen. Both have strong community ties: Julie previously worked at Woolworths and retrained in nursing before starting charity work, while Sherrill transitioned from hospitality to community volunteering. They plan to complete their fundraising target this year through a Christmas event.