It’s now time to say thanks to the local volunteers who give countless hours of their time to help others across the State, by nominating them for the 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.

The awards are an annual program run by The Centre for Volunteering to recognise the outstanding work of volunteers in every region across NSW.

More than 133,000 volunteers from more than 500 community-based organisations were recognised as part of the 2023 awards, making it one of the largest celebrations of volunteering across the country.

The Centre for Volunteering CEO, Gemma Rygate, urged people from across NSW to nominate their neighbours, colleagues or family members for an award in 2024.

“It’s your local volunteers who turn up day every day across the community to help run events, deliver vital social services, and provide lifesaving help during incidents and disasters,” Ms Rygate said.

“They help build strong social connections, and safe and healthy communities in every corner of the state. Nominating your local volunteer for these awards sends a message that their contribution is highly valued. 

“Volunteer managers tells us that the awards are an excellent way to retain volunteers – so they also help to keep people volunteering.” 

Nominations for the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards can be made across eight separate categories, with recipients recognised at one of 25 regional ceremonies. They culminate in the announcement of the NSW Volunteer of the Year in December.

The award categories are:

• Young Volunteer of the Year
• Employee Volunteer of the Year
• Adult Volunteer of the Year
• Volunteer Leader of the Year
• Senior Volunteer of the Year
• Club Volunteer of the Year
• Volunteer Team of the Year
• Not for Profit Voluntary Governance Award

The 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are supported by principal partners the NSW Department of Communities and Justice and ClubsNSW, which represents the state’s 1,100 not-for-profit clubs.

NSW Minister with Responsibility for Volunteering Jodie Harrison said volunteers are the heroes of our communities. 

“The annual NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards recognise volunteers from communities across the state for their enormous contribution – whether it is deploying to an emergency situation, on the sports field or in a local foodbank,” Ms Harrison said.

“Each and every one of you plays a vital role in making NSW the best state to live in.

“I encourage everyone to nominate a volunteer in your community for the awards as a way to say thanks and let them know they are appreciated.” 

ClubsNSW CEO Rebecca Riant said the awards are a wonderful recognition of the valuable contribution that volunteers make across the state.

“Volunteers are the backbone of the NSW club industry, so we know first-hand the key role they play in supporting their local communities,” said Ms Riant.

“We’re thrilled that this is reflected in the special Club Volunteer of the Year Award category, and I look forward to seeing who takes out this year’s gong.”

Nominations are open until Friday, 14 June 2024 at www.volunteering.com.au/awards.