City of Clarence is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards.
Our Citizen of the Year Awards shine a light on the outstanding people, organisations, and events that make a positive difference across our community.
The six categories celebrate the contribution, dedication, and achievements of community members who help make our city a vibrant, connected, and inclusive place to live.
We celebrated with the winning recipients, and finalists, at the Citizen of the Year Awards on Tuesday night.
Congratulations to our 2026 Citizen of the Year is Brendan Sullivan, a passionate advocate, mentor and coach who has made a significant contribution to the lives of thousands of people across Tasmania through his work in men’s wellbeing, personal development and community connection.
Mr Sullivan said he felt extremely humbled to be awarded Citizen of the Year.
“I am a born and bred Clarence citizen, and it is wonderful to be recognised by your own community. It is an honour,” Mr Sullivan said.
“I work with a mob called Mens Resources Tasmania and our peer-support program in the prison supports mental health, using a coaching framework to help men change behaviours, upskill, and improve their communication skills, giving them the ability to transition back into community so they get better outcomes,” he said.
“We are committed to getting better outcomes for men and boys, building healthy masculinity in our community.”
Senior Citizen of the Year was awarded to John Bastick, for his work with the Howrah Men’s Shed, and his dedication to supporting connection, friendship and wellbeing among older men.
Young Citizen of the Year is Nathan Williamson.
As a highly active member of Clifton Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Nathan consistently goes above and beyond as a volunteer, contributing his time and skills across patrols, training, water safety, and club development.
The inaugural award for Local Hero went to Jan Ross, who is heavily involved across her community in Richmond, through decades of volunteering, advocacy, and a genuine commitment to helping others.
The inaugural winner of the Community Harmony award was the Rotary Club of Howrah for their Peace and Social Cohesion Challenges in Tasmania event. The event provided an opportunity to bring people together to explore the challenges facing diverse communities and consider how individuals and organisations can contribute to a more peaceful and connected society.
Finally, the Community Event or Organisation of the Year went to Cremorne Bowls and Community Club, for its commitment to providing a welcoming place for community to connect.
Congratulations to all of our Citizen of the Year recipients and finalists, who help make our community a great place to live.
City of Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley said the six deserving recipients went above and beyond in giving their time, energy, and passion to help their communities.
“The Citizen of the Year awards are about celebrating the people who share their time for the benefit of others,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“These people are so important to the wealth of our communities, standing as role models for what it means to be an active member of Clarence.
“They are the first to notice when help is needed, the first to share their skills if a community-wide problem arises and are quietly instrumental in organising people to reach a goal.”
Mayor Blomeley thanked the six recipients for their service and support to the Clarence community.
“Congratulations to all our recipients, who demonstrate a willingness to show up and care, we are grateful to have them in Clarence,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“We thank our finalists and nominees, who also demonstrated commitment to their communities.
“We also thank everyone who nominated. A community that appreciates its community is important, and without their gratitude and input, the awards would not be possible.”
The recipients are as follows:
Citizen of the Year
- Brendan Sullivan
Brendan Sullivan has dedicated more than four decades to supporting the wellbeing of men and boys and building stronger, safer and more connected communities. A passionate advocate, mentor and coach, Brendan has made a significant contribution to the lives of thousands of people across Tasmania through his work in men’s wellbeing, personal development and community connection.
Brendan has been instrumental in the development of Men’s Resources Tasmania and the Tasmanian Men’s Gathering, creating opportunities for men to connect, share experiences and have important conversations about their health and wellbeing.
He has also played a significant role in Pathways to Manhood, supporting fathers and sons to develop stronger relationships, resilience and a positive sense of identity.
More recently, Brendan developed Building Pathways, an innovative coaching and mentoring program supporting men in Tasmania’s prison system as they prepare to return to the community. The program helps participants build confidence, develop practical skills, strengthen relationships and establish positive pathways beyond prison.
Brendan’s approach is grounded in compassion, respect and a genuine belief in people’s capacity to change. He works particularly with men experiencing isolation, disadvantage or difficult circumstances, helping them build connections and recognise their potential.
For more than 40 years, Brendan has quietly and consistently worked to improve men’s wellbeing and strengthen communities. His contribution has made a lasting difference to individuals, families and communities across Tasmania.
Senior Citizen of the Year
- John Bastick
John Bastick has made an enduring contribution to the Clarence community through his commitment to the Howrah Men’s Shed and his dedication to supporting connection, friendship and wellbeing among older men.
As one of the inaugural members of the Howrah Men’s Shed, John has been actively involved for more than a decade, helping the organisation grow into a welcoming and inclusive community space where men can come together, learn new skills, work on practical projects and enjoy each other’s company.
John has played an important role in fostering the strong sense of community that exists within the Men’s Shed. His willingness to share his knowledge, lend a hand and support others has made him a valued member of the organisation and a familiar and respected figure within the local community.
His contribution was recognised in 2025 when he was named Tasmanian Shedder of the Year, acknowledging his longstanding commitment to the Howrah Men’s Shed and the difference he has made to its members.
John’s contribution goes beyond the practical work of the shed. By helping create a place where men can connect, form friendships and feel part of a community, he has helped combat social isolation and support the wellbeing of others.
Through more than a decade of volunteering and involvement, John has demonstrated the value of community spirit, generosity and giving back. His commitment to the Howrah Men’s Shed has made a lasting difference to its members and the wider Clarence community.
Young Citizen of the Year
- Nathan Williamson
Nathan Williamson has made an outstanding contribution to the Clarence community through his commitment to surf lifesaving, youth development, and community safety.
As a highly active member of Clifton Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Nathan consistently goes above and beyond as a volunteer, contributing his time and skills across patrols, training, water safety and club development. He recorded the highest number of patrol hours at Clifton Beach during the 2025–26 season and is also an active member of the flood swift water team.
Nathan has taken on a range of leadership and training roles, including Training Manager at Clifton Beach SLSC, Head IRB Trainer for the 2025 Lifesaving Development Camp and trainer for regional CPR and IRB sessions. Through these roles, he has helped develop the skills and confidence of other lifesavers and strengthen the club’s capacity to keep its members and the broader community safe.
His contribution extends to supporting state carnivals and events through water safety and event operations, helping ensure these activities are delivered safely and successfully. Nathan was also named Clifton Beach SLSC’s 2026 Champion Lifesaver for Tasmania and received the club’s Best Club Person award, recognising the breadth of his contribution and the respect he has earned from his peers.
Beyond his operational contribution, Nathan is committed to supporting younger and developing members. By sharing his knowledge, mentoring others and encouraging teamwork, he is helping build the next generation of lifesavers and strengthen the culture of volunteering within the club.
Nathan leads by example, demonstrating reliability, humility, leadership, and a genuine commitment to helping others. His service has contributed to safer beaches, stronger volunteer capability and a more connected surf lifesaving community across Clarence.
Community Harmony Award
- Peace & Social Cohesion Challenges in Tasmania – Rotary Club of Howrah
The Rotary Club of Howrah has made a significant contribution to community harmony through its work to promote understanding, inclusion and social cohesion across the Clarence community and Tasmania.
The club was recognised for its “Peace & Social Cohesion Challenges in Tasmania” initiative, which provided an opportunity to bring people together to explore the challenges facing diverse communities and consider how individuals and organisations can contribute to a more peaceful and connected society.
Through its commitment to service and community connection, the Rotary Club of Howrah has helped create opportunities for people from different backgrounds and perspectives to come together, share ideas and develop a greater understanding of one another.
The initiative reflects Rotary’s broader commitment to building stronger communities through collaboration, education, and meaningful conversations. It encourages people to look beyond differences and consider the shared values and experiences that connect us.
The Rotary Club of Howrah’s contribution demonstrates the important role community organisations can play in fostering respect, understanding and belonging. Its work has helped encourage conversations about social cohesion and the importance of creating a community where everyone feels valued and included.
Through its ongoing commitment to service, connection and positive community change, the Rotary Club of Howrah continues to make a valuable contribution to a more inclusive and harmonious Clarence community.
Local Hero Award
- Jan Ross
Jan Ross has made an outstanding and enduring contribution to the Richmond community through decades of volunteering, advocacy and a genuine commitment to helping others.
A passionate ambassador for Richmond, Jan is involved across a wide range of local organisations and community groups. Her contributions include volunteering with Richmond Football Club, Richmond Primary School and Oak Lodge, serving on the Coal River Valley Garden Club committee, supporting the Coal River Valley Red Cross and contributing as an active member of the Richmond Advisory Committee.
Jan is known for her ability to bring people together and mobilise resources to support local initiatives. Her willingness to step up, connect people and get things done has made her a trusted and valued member of the Richmond community.
Her contribution extends beyond the organisations she volunteers with. Jan has a deep love for Richmond Village, its natural environment and the people who call the area home. She actively promotes the community and helps ensure that Richmond remains a connected, caring and vibrant place to live.
Jan is also a mentor and role model to people of all ages. She leads by example through her generosity, compassion and tireless work, while remaining remarkably modest and unassuming about her contribution.
For Jan, community service is simply something she does. Her dedication, energy and willingness to help others have touched countless people and made a lasting difference to the Richmond community.
Community Event/Organisation of the Year
- Cremorne Bowls and Community Club
Cremorne Bowls and Community Club has become a vital community hub for Cremorne, the South Arm Peninsula and the wider Eastern Shore, providing a welcoming place for people of all ages to connect, participate and build community.
Over the past year, the Club’s contribution has been recognised at a national level, with Cremorne Bowls and Community Club named runner-up in the Bowls Australia National Awards – Small Club of the Year. This recognition reflects the dedication of the Club’s volunteers and its transformation from a traditional bowls club into a thriving community-focused organisation.
The Club offers much more than bowls. Its popular Barefoot Bowls, indoor bowls and social competitions bring people together, while events including the annual Christmas Market, Christmas Party, Halloween celebrations and regular food truck nights provide opportunities for the broader community to meet, socialise and celebrate.
The Club has also grown its support for young people and local organisations. It has supported junior bowls development, provided space for community groups including Coastcare, hosted yoga sessions and assisted local youth sporting groups with fundraising. Its Christmas Market has also provided an affordable opportunity for local makers and businesses to connect with the community.
As the only member-owned club within the City of Clarence, its achievements are driven by a dedicated team of volunteers who contribute countless hours to running the Club, maintaining its facilities, organising events and supporting local initiatives. All profits are reinvested into improving the Club and its facilities.
The Club’s welcoming and inclusive approach has helped attract people of different ages and backgrounds, with financial membership growing from 159 to 293 in the year to May 2026 – an increase of 95 per cent.
Through its combination of sport, social activities, community events and support for local organisations, Cremorne Bowls and Community Club has become a place where people can meet friends, make new connections, support local initiatives and feel part of their community.
Its success is a testament to the passion, generosity and hard work of the volunteers who continue to make the Club a welcoming and valued part of life in Cremorne.
Entertainment: Clarence High School Band
Photos: MINCH MEDIA Richard J. Ho
