A “man on the move” who has driven a windfall for events tourism and charities has been named Coffs Harbour’s Citizen of the Year.
Keelan Birch was feted at the local Australia Day Awards ceremony at Brelsford Park this morning on the back of what City of Coffs Harbour Council says is a huge and sustained voluntary undertaking which has brought widespread benefit for the community.
The Council says Mr Birch has 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, he shaped the gala into one of the North Coast’s most significant gatherings, attracting thousands of participants and raising an incredible $90,000 for local charities in 2025 alone.
“Keelan and indeed all of the major winners announced today are true legends who give so much to make our Coffs Coast the great place that it is,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“Passion and commitment – these are the qualities shared by the people singled out today for these special awards.”
While Mr Birch’s vision helped deliver world-class events like the Running Festival, Coffs Backyard Ultra and Rumble in the Jungle, the ripple effect of these brought measurable benefits for local businesses and tourism.
“Oh wow, I’m almost tearing up here,” Mr Birch said.
“Running has given me so much … it only feels natural to give back.”
Mayor Williams said Young Citizen winner, Mayada Oso, was an extraordinary young woman.
Arriving in Australia as a refugee in 2018 from a background of extreme hardship, Mayada embraced fresh opportunities – mastering English, excelling academically and graduating as School Captain at Orara High School in 2023.
Now, as a Student Learning Support Officer at Orara, Mayada leaves no stone unturned to support 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, linking with the Julie Ross Dance Studio and taking up tap dance at the age of 70.
Today, well past her 100th birthday, Ms Kaempfel continues to inspire younger dancers who often say they hope to still be tapping at her age.
“I might be 101 but in my mind I feel 70,” Ms Kaempfel said.
“You’re not too old, you’re never too old.”
LifeHouse Care Pantries – a place of hope for local families and individuals doing it tough – walks the walk when it comes to showing Aussie Spirit, Mayor Williams said.
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.
Felow Aussie Spirit 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. Mr Cole’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.
