Rose Leeson named Citizen of the Year
Rose Leeson loves her footy — and she loves her town.
Rose, pictured, was honoured for her community work in Wardell when she was named Ballina Shire’s Australia Day Citizen of the Year.
Among Rose’s work has been lobbying for services for the Wardell Community Access Space, being an active member of the Historical Society of Wardell, of which she was a founding member, and as a member of the Progress Arts Memorial Hall.
Rose also is a member of the Wardell Advisory Group.
And her love of footy? Rose is a keen supporter of Ballina Seagulls rugby league teams and she and her husband are among the first to be at the ground when the Seagulls are playing.
Other Australia Day awards:
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Alstonville’s Alicia McPherson, an advisor on the Ballina Shire Youth Council who was instrumental in establishing the Youth Activities Centre. She is a former Alstonville High Schol captain and has received a Minister’s award for excellence in student achievement and an Order of Australia certificate of commendation.
SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR: Lennox Head-Alstonville surf lifesaver, Tanyn Lyndon. In 2007 Tanyn won the Under-15 iron man and board race at the Australian championships and the State championships.
COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR: Paradise FM for its Adopt a Horse appeal held last year in aid of Riding for Disabled, which lost income due to the equine influenza outbreak. The appeal raised more than $9000.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Barbara Veling, a volunteer with St John Ambulance. She has conducted more than 250 volunteer courses since becoming a trainer.
