Community recognises former Deputy Mayor Eoin Johnston
‘He lived an extraordinary life’ — Mayor Sharon
Ballina Shire has paid tribute to former Deputy Mayor Eoin Johnston, with councillors standing in silence last week as Mayor Sharon Cadwallader led a heartfelt reflection on his decades of service.
Cr Cadwallader told the chamber that Ballina had lost “a truly remarkable man”, describing Eoin’s life as one marked by grit, intelligence and deep service.
“Eoin lived an extraordinary life, and he brought every part of that experience to his work for this community,” she said.
“He was strong, smart, fiercely independent and always absolutely committed to doing the very best for the people he represented.”
She spoke of his remarkable early years — leaving school at 15, working as a tiler before travelling across Canada and Africa as an underground blaster, hard-rock miner and seismic exploration worker.
“Not many people know just how wide his life was before he came home,” she said.
“He worked in some of the toughest conditions in the world… and yet he was just as comfortable back here in a council meeting, listening to residents and wanting the best for them.”
The Mayor said Eoin’s determination defined him.
“He put himself through a law degree by correspondence — imagine the dedication — and was called to the Bar at 51. That says everything about his character.”
Council then rose for a minute’s silence.
‘A man of enormous spirit’ remembered in NSW Parliament
Eoin’s contribution has also been honoured in the NSW Parliament, where Ballina MP Tamara Smith delivered a moving tribute.
“Known to many as Johnno, Eoin embodied commitment, determination and unwavering community spirit.”
She described him as “super bright, a champion sportsman and utterly devoted to the community,” noting that in another life he may well have been a Rhodes scholar.
Councillor Johnston (Right) on the campaign trail in 2021, with son Bill (centre) and Andrew Leslie
Bill and Eoin Johnston – both honoured with life membership for their rugby commitment
Ms Smith told Parliament:
“Eoin was a larger-than-life human being and he will be deeply missed by our community.”
She highlighted his eight years on Ballina Shire Council as C Ward councillor, his service as Deputy Mayor from 2021 to 2024 and his extraordinary sporting and surf lifesaving record, including multiple life memberships and a 60-year patrol service award.
Across council chambers, sporting clubs and Parliament House, the tributes shared a common message: Eoin’s life was defined by service.
My association with Eion goes way back to 1979 when we both played for the Ballina Seagulls Seahorses Rugby Club. Our paths crossed a few times after that. During his eight years as Ward C Councilor, we often discussed issues affecting Ballina as a whole & directly within Ward C.
I am forever grateful to him for assisting me with one very important issue.
He will be missed.