The much-loved annual event was run by the tireless Lions, many of whom sweltered the whole morning over hotplates as the burgeoning crowd gathered for bacon and egg rolls, sausage and onion or steak sandwiches, and as many cold drinks as they could get.

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Entertainment was provided by DJ Jomeca, who curated Aussie hits from decades past and present.

All rose for the national anthem as the flag was raised by last year’s Citizen of the Year winner Debbie Booth, a tireless volunteer with the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club.

Jan Peeters was named the 2025 Citizen of the Year, the result of community-wide nominations and voting over the last several months.

“Jan works tirelessly with her church and the Free Clinic Bus, as well as arranging the International Women’s Day events at North Arm Cove, and helping out at Bulahdelah School,” announced Lions President Amanda Sykes.

“She makes people feel better about the appointments and works with the Free Clinic Bus team to get them organised, there, and home again, even driving them on her own when the bus is not available.”

Upon receiving her award, a modest Jan thanked her fellow volunteers for their support.

“Thank you to the Free Clinic Bus volunteers, this award is for them,” she said.

“This past year, 441 clients were transported to their appointments.”

Fun and games later got underway, with egg and spoon races and three-legged races well contested.

The latter, in particular, required a level of co-ordination that eluded many teams, while the thong-throw was all about technique.

Last, but certainly not least, was the trio of local artists – Jeanette, Rozz and Sherrie – who face-painted an army of superheroes and fantasy beasts upon the visages of dozens of willing canvases, producing princesses and Hulks, flag-bearers and all manner of animal-themed mutants.

By Thomas O’KEEFE