Meet the 2008 NSW Volunteer of the Year Volunteer Nominees

Meet just a few of the 2008 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award nominees. Find out why they volunteer and what makes them such a fantastic volunteer. We hope these nominees encourage you to both volunteer and nominate a volunteer you know for the Award. Nominations close on Tuesday, 30 October 2008.

Optus CSR champion Karen Carmichael inspires Lurnea High
By RIchard Parris, volunteer journalist
Optus's IT Commercial Director, Karen Carmichael, has been nominated for the 2008 NSW Corporate Volunteer of the Year Award. Carmichael and Optus have been recognised for mobilising an exemplary Employee Volunteering program at one of Sydney's most disadvantaged Schools, Lurnea High School. Read more

Young Kellyville volunteer Melody Gardiner "always willing to get in there"
By Carly Goodhew, volunteer journalist
From the age of 15, Melody Gardiner, from Kellyville, has been a devoted volunteer within the Baulkham Hills Shire community. Now 22, Melody not only continues her work with the Council, but is also heavily involved in volunteer work at Australian Catholic University National (ACU). Read more

Beverley Conley banks regular community deposits
By Richard Parris, volunteer journalist
Beverley Conley from the National Australia Bank (NAB) has been nominated for the 2008 NSW Corporate Volunteer of the Year Award. She has devoted much of her time over the past three years to volunteering, over and above the guidelines of NAB’s Volunteer Program. Read more

Rain, hail or flood: Noel McAviney's there
By Richard Parris, volunteer journalist
Noel McAviney has seen first-hand the roughest weather to hit the Northern Rivers in the last 20 years, including the infamous “Mothers Day Flood” in 1987. He has been a volunteer for the Byron and Mullumbimby State Emergency Services (SES) for over two decades and for the last 10 years Noel’s been coordinating rescue teams in his role as Local Controller. Read more

Matthew Field: "Giving something back in times of need"
By Carly Goodhew, volunteer journalist
At 39 years old, Matthew Field has spent a third of his life volunteering with the Wyong State Emergency Service (SES). Always on hand to help out in emergency and rescue situations, Matthew is an invaluable and loyal volunteer who is popular among his fellow SES members. Read more

After 28 years of helping, Betty Alder still finds reward and enjoyment
By Carly Goodhew, volunteer journalist
In 1980, when her local minister asked the congregation if anybody could spare a few hours each week to visit residents at the (Uniting Care Ageing) Garden Suburbs Aged Care Facility, Betty Alder was more than willing to put up her hand. And 28 years later, Betty continues her generous volunteer work at Garden Suburbs. Read more

Kathleen Dundas: "I get out, I meet people, I make a lot of friends"
By Carly Goodhew, volunteer journalist
For almost 20 years, Raymond Terrace resident Kathleen (Kathy) Dundas has been volunteering with Raymond Terrace Senior Citizens (RTSC). Even at 82 years old, Kathy continues to spend much time volunteering, and RTSC believes it is time to recognise Kathy for her contribution to the Raymond Terrace community. Read more

Mateship keeps Bruce Hughston's fire burning
By Richard Parris, volunteer journalist
An inspirational Rural Fire Service volunteer from Wanaaring says good mates are behind his nomination for the 2008 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award, to be announced on December 5. Avid mechanic, bee keeper, and local go-to-man, Bruce Hughston’s nomination has received the support of the tiny community, two-hundred kilometers west of Bourke. Read more