Champions of the 2025 Australia Day Awards
Published on 26 January 2025
Local legends were celebrated and new citizens were welcomed as the community came together at a special ceremony at C.ex Coffs on Australia Day.
City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams unveiled the winners of the 2025 Australia Day Awards, honoring Phil McMullen, Nathan Armstrong, Barry Powells and Scott Cordwell whose passion, dedication, and selflessness have had a profound impact on their community.
Mayor Williams thanked each of the winners for their dedication to bettering the lives of others.
“Today is all about recognising the extraordinary people who go above and beyond to make a difference. Receiving an Australia Day award is a testament to the positive impact one person or group can have on the lives of others and the vibrant community we all cherish,” Mayor Williams said.
“These awards are a big ‘thank you’ to each of the winners from their community. Let these local legends serve as inspiration to us all.”
Details of the winners are as follows:
Citizen of the Year: Phil McMullen
Phil McMullen was named the 2025 Citizen of the Year for his work as a football coach, youth mentor, and advocate for local refugee families. After developing his passion for football at Orara High School, Phil’s career took him to Sydney where he worked for the Australian Youth Football Institute before returning to Coffs Harbour to lead RISE, a community program supporting youth from diverse and refugee backgrounds.
Through RISE, Phil has helped countless young people build confidence and resilience. Phil’s leadership has made a big impact on children's lives across the region – creating positive ripple effects across the entire local community.
Young Citizen of the Year: Nathan Armstrong
Nathan Armstrong was presented with the Young Citizen of the Year award for his role as a passionate on-air presenter, gifted radio mentor and all-round community advocate whose impact reaches far beyond his work with youth community radio station CHY FM.
Nathan has played a key role in assisting local seniors with navigating the internet and smartphones, helping them stay connected and strengthening community bonds across Coffs Harbour.
Senior Citizen of the Year: Barry Powells
Barry Powells was named Senior Citizen of the Year for his decades-long service to the Coffs Harbour region. Barry has contributed to the Coffs Harbour Show Society, the NSW Rural Fire Service, and as president of Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare (CHRL). Under his leadership, CHRL expanded its programs, with over 380 volunteers working at 41 restoration sites across the Coast.
Barry has made an immense contribution to conserving the natural characteristics of the Coffs Harbour LGA over the last decade with countless hours of volunteer work.
Aussie Spirit Award: Scott Cordwell
Scott Cordwell received the Aussie Spirit Award for his selfless contributions to the Eastern Dorrigo Mountain community. Known for his generosity, Scott has organised events like the 2024 Remembrance Day service in Ulong and spearheaded the installation of a headstone for a local WW1 veteran.
Scott also jumped into action to support wildlife affected by the 2019/2020 bushfires, has fostered working dogs in need of a new home, and has helped counter social isolation in the community by offering a free shuttle bus service as a volunteer driver.
The Australia Day Awards were part of a suite of sizzling, family-friendly Australia Day activities organised by the City of Coffs Harbour for the community, which also included a free BBQ breakfast at Brelsford Park, a ‘Big Dig’ treasure hunt at Jetty Beach, and the first citizenship ceremony of the year, which saw around 40 people from 7 countries take the pledge to officially become Australian citizens.
Pictured (L-R): Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh, Scott Cordwell (Aussie Spirit Award winner), Phil McMullen (Citizen of the Year), Barry Powells (Senior Citizen of the Year), City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams, Nathan Armstrong (Young Citizen of the Year).
Read the media release about all the 2025 Australia Day Awards finalists here.