RUNNING advocate and meticulous major event organiser Keelan Birch has been named Coffs Harbour Citizen of the Year 2026 at the city’s Australia Day Awards ceremony at Brelsford Park.
At 28 years of age he is the youngest to be awarded the title.
Keelan’s huge and sustained voluntary efforts organising community running events have brought widespread benefit for the community.
He works for the State Government in strategic policy and planning which ties nicely to his skills of organising events.
His local events have put the Coffs Coast on the map as a premier destination for health, wellbeing, and sports tourism through a number of ventures.
As Event Director of the Coffs Harbour Running Festival supported by Coffs Harbour Rotary Club, he shaped the gala into one of the North Coast’s most significant gatherings.
The gala has attracted thousands of participants and raised an incredible $90,000 for local charities in 2025.
Keelan’s tireless and inspirational vision has helped deliver other world-class events including Coffs Backyard Ultra and Rumble in the Jungle.
The ripple effect of these events brings measurable benefits for local businesses and tourism.
“This award is incredibly humbling, but it isn’t mine alone,” Keelan told News Of The Area.
“It’s really a reflection of everyone who makes these events happen – the runners, the volunteers, the local businesses and the charities we support.
“Seeing the impact we can have together is incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud to be part of a community that supports one another, and motivated to keep creating spaces where people can challenge themselves, connect and find joy in movement.
“Every volunteer, every runner, every family cheering on the sidelines has reminded me how powerful [a] community can be when people show up for each other.”
Mayor Nikki Williams said, “Passion and commitment are the qualities shared by the people singled out today for these special awards.”
She announced Young Citizen winner Mayada Oso as an extraordinary young woman.
Arriving in Australia in 2018 as a refugee from the Yazidi genocide having escaped her ISIS captors and a background of extreme hardship and abuse, Mayada embraced fresh opportunities.
Mayada mastered English, excelled academically and graduated as School Captain at Orara High School in 2023.
Now, as a Student Learning Support Officer at Orara, Mayada is dedicated to supporting pupils with their schooling.
Senior Citizen of the Year Lorraine Kaempfel moved to Coffs Harbour more than 30 years ago, where she discovered a love for performance, joined the Julie Ross Dance Studio and took up tap dance at the age of 70.
Today, aged in her “hundred and second year,” she said.
Ms Kaempfel continues to inspire younger dancers who often say they hope to still be tapping at her age.
“Never give up on life and never feel you are too old.
“I found dancing at 70 and it changed my life,” she said.
“My feet still dance now.”
Announcing the Aussie Spirit Award 2026, Cr Williams said this year the committee had chosen two winners: an individual and an organisation.
Individual award winner David Cole’s quick thinking and courage was crucial during a medical emergency, when the driver of a car fainted at the wheel.
David’s calm response and decisive action ensured the safety of everyone involved, turning what could have been a devastating incident into a tale of hope and gratitude.
Fellow Aussie Spirit winner, LifeHouse Care Pantries, is described as a place of hope for local families and individuals doing it tough.
What began in 1996 with a single tin of smoked mussels has grown into three community pantries attached to op shops in Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, and Toormina, with outreach to Urunga, Bellingen, Grafton and Moree.
These pantries provide low-cost groceries, personal care items, and free fresh produce in a welcoming, store-like environment that ensures dignity and empowers people to make their own choices.
By Andrea FERRARI
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