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The Tweed Citizen of the Year, Mic Julien from Tyalgum, is a retired scientist turned dedicated volunteer whose leadership has improved Tyalgum’s safety, recreation and resilience.
Mic Julien may be officially retired, but his busy schedule of community projects in Tyalgum tells a different story.
Mic dedicates himself to making his community safer and better. He manages local crown lands and secures grants for playgrounds, skateparks, and campgrounds while also volunteering with the Rural Fire Service and Tyalgum Scratchers gardening group.
Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry presented the award to Mic at an event in Murwillumbah today.
“Our community relies on leaders like Mic to protect our spaces and help the Tweed thrive,” Cr Cherry said.
“As a member of the Community Resilience Team, he secured a grant to establish a radio repeater station, improving disaster response communication between Tyalgum and surrounding towns.
“His work enhancing emergency preparedness has strengthened our community’s ability to face future challenges, affirming his value in both the Tyalgum and broader Tweed community.”
Council’s General Manager Troy Green was the master of ceremonies for the awards which saw recipients honoured in 6 other categories:
· Arts and Culture
· Community Event of the Year
· Senior Ambassador
· Sporting Achievement (Individual and Group)
· Volunteer of the Year (Individual and Group)
· Young Achiever in Community Service.
Each of the award recipients are featured in a short video available on Council’s YouTube and website at tweed.nsw.gov.au/australia-day
Joining the presentation was Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot MP, State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin MP, Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry, Deputy Mayor Meredith Dennis OAM and Councillors Reece Byrnes, Kimberly Hone and Nola Firth. The 2023 Tweed Shire Citizen of the Year, Julie Lowe, also joined in the ceremony as this year’s Australia Day Ambassador for the Tweed.
The awards ceremony was followed by a Citizenship Ceremony. Hosted by Mayor Chris Cherry, the ceremony saw 32 residents from 10 countries – from as far afield as Sweden, Vietnam and Brazil – become Australian citizens.
And the winners are:
The 2024 Arts and Culture award went to Tweed Coast Band. For over 30 years, this talented community group has been hitting all the right notes, creating a space where retired musicians can connect through sing-along-worthy hits. Whether they're energising local markets, joining collaborative concerts, or warming hearts in retirement villages, their music leaves a lasting impression.
The 2024 Community Event of the Year award went to the Murwillumbah Youth Action Group for their Murbah Youth Fest. The event creates a safe and welcoming space where youth can connect, enjoy local performances, and access drug and alcohol education. Behind the scenes, youth organisers develop their leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills to bring the wonderful event to life.
The 2024 Senior Ambassador award went to Phil Eizenberg. Known for his energy and passion, Phil actively promotes mental health and physical activity in our community. From teaching karate in Stokers Siding and starting an old-time music group in Murwillumbah to volunteering with the Rescue Association during disasters and fundraising for overseas relief with his musical skills, Phil actively helps our community thrive.
The 2024 Sporting Achievement of the Year – Group went to the U16 Boys Tweed Valley Basketball Representative team. The basketball team was the first in more than 20 years to represent the Tweed in the North Eastern Junior League. Their determination led them to an incredible victory over the undefeated Maitland Mustangs, earning them the championship title. Their success has put the Tweed back on the basketball map and inspired local youth to join the sport.
There were joint winners in the 2024 Sporting Achievement – Individual category. Dany Henry is a Fingal Head-born surfer who made waves in the surfing world in 2024. He captained Australia to a team and individual win at the ISA under-18 world junior championships, won the Australian Open Men's title, and ticked off a major bucket-list item of landing a backflip in competition. Beyond his achievements, he helps our youth surfers thrive with mentoring and coaching sessions.
The second winner in the 2024 Sporting Achievement – Individual category is Isabella Millar. The 16-year-old Murwillumbah swimmer was the only female athlete to represent the Solomon Islands at the Paris Olympics. She balanced school and training while stepping up with one week's notice to compete against the world’s best. Isabella has become a role model for youth and inspires others at her local Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre.
The 2024 Volunteer of the Year – Group went to the Tyalgum Scratchers. The Tyalgum Scratchers created and maintain the iconic Coolman Street in Tyalgum. Their gardens have become a must-see attraction that adds to Tyalgum’s charm. The group creates a space for locals to stay active, connect and bring a sense of community pride to Tyalgum. The Scratchers are a hallmark of the Tweed community’s spirit – protecting our natural environment and making our shared spaces thrive.
The 2024 Volunteer of the Year – Individual went to the Gary Setchell. For more than 14 years, he has helped disadvantaged people in Murwillumbah access basic needs such as food, a shower, laundry and blankets. He has devoted his time and energy to managing volunteers at Nullum House – a local community drop-in centre – and creating a safe space for people in need. He is celebrated by his colleagues for his kindness and compassion.
The 2024 Young Achiever in Community Service went to Jeff Dunne. In 2024, Jeff became the first Australian male to represent Australia at the Olympics for breakdancing. The 16-year-old Casuarina local took his platform to the next level, advocating for underfunded sports. He has spoken on panel discissions, helped local sporting organisations get grants and shared tips on self-fundraising in sports. Jeff is a regular motivational speaker, inspiring our youth to dream big and achieve their goals.
For more information on the Tweed Australia Day Awards, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/australia-day and Tweed Shire Council’s YouTube channel for videos of each award winner.
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