2023 Byron Shire Community Awards announced

2023 Byron Shire Community Awards announced

Published on 01 August 2023

The outstanding efforts of nine local legends were formally recognised at Council’s inaugural Byron Shire Community Awards, held at the Ocean Shores Country Club this evening (Tuesday 1 August).

Just over 60 nominations were received from the community across the nine categories, celebrating the work of both individuals and local organisations.

The 2023 Community Member of Byron Shire is Louise O’Connell, known to many for her tireless and inspiring work with the Byron Bay Community Centre and Fletcher Street Cottage.

“Louise is one of the most talented, hard-working, generous and selfless individuals I’ve met and we are extremely fortunate that she has chosen to support and assist our community in so many ways. A key focus of Louise’s work has been with people experiencing homelessness in our community,” Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, said.

“What makes Louise stand out is that she doesn’t just work alongside people, she empowers them.  She is extremely resourceful and compassionate and she has made a truly remarkable contribution to our community.  It is with great pleasure that I announce her as our 2023 Community Member of Byron Shire tonight,” the Mayor said.

"A big thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a deserving individual. It speaks volumes that we had so many excellent nominations across all categories and that there are so many people going above and beyond to make a difference to the experience of living in the Byron Shire – we are very lucky!”

The award ceremony falls during Local Government Week and this is it’s first time being held mid-year rather than on 25th January, before Australia Day.

“We’ve shifted the timing of these awards and judging by the large number of nominations received, it has been a positive decision.  It’s good to have time and space mid-year to reflect on the people and the work that really makes a difference to our community,” the Mayor said.

Award winners across all categories included:

Creativity Award – Marissa Treichel (The Cassettes)

Marisa’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!

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.

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.   

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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 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.

The 2023 Byron Shire Community Awards were judged by an evaluation panel.

Panellists who identified close relationships to nominees, or had made a nomination, abstained from voting in that category.  

For media enquiries contact Council’s Media and Comms team on 02 6626 7320.