2009 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award winners announced

Hunter Valley resident Liz Mullinar AM has been named 2009 NSW Volunteer of the Year for her work to ensure that survivors of child abuse have somewhere to heal.

Liz Mullinar of Quorrobolong, envisaged, founded and funded Mayumarri in the 1990s in the Hunter Valley. Mayumarri is unique in that people can stay at low cost and learn to live, not like a victim and recover in a rural surrounding.

She organised the building of the healing centre, developed the program, facilitates the process and has developed the educational programs for carers and facilitators.

Ms Mullinar was awarded the title by the NSW Minister for Volunteering Graham West in a ceremony at Parliament House on Friday, 4 December 2009 – to mark International Volunteer Day (Dec 5).

Her nominator, Pamela Kilduff describes Ms Mullinar’s efforts as: “She gladly and willingly pursues any avenue to help survivors help themselves to heal. The whole concept and function is innovative and speaking out helps others to acknowledge these victims need to be recognised.”

The following NSW Volunteer of the Year Award winners were announced at the State Award Ceremony:

Hayden Zammit, a 15-year-old from Broken Hill was named 2009 NSW Youth Volunteer of the Year for his work raising funds for Camp Quality.

Thea Batterham, of Inverell, is the 2009 NSW Senior Volunteer of the Year for her contribution raising funds on behalf of Camp Quality and the New England Volunteer Air Transport.
ING Bank employee Nigel Dearinger has been recognised as the 2009 NSW Employee Volunteer of the Year for mobilising an exemplary Ignition Mentoring program which facilitates a meaningful relationship between the employee and a person or group with a disability.
Timehelp Holroyd – a group of 26 retirees from Holroyd was awarded the inaugural 2009 NSW Volunteer Team of the Year for its work assisting local schools programs and mentoring students.

Adam Goodes 2010 NSW Volunteer Ambassador of the Year
Adam Goodes, Sydney Swans Australian Rules player and dual Brownlow Medallist for best and fairest player, has accepted the invitation to be the NSW Volunteer Ambassador of the Year for 2010 in recognition of his work as a role model and mentor to Aboriginal youth. View Adam's thank you speech which was played at the State Award Ceremony (20 MB)

The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards was initiated and coordinated by The Centre for Volunteering, the NSW peak body for volunteering.

NSW Volunteer of the Year Award Photogallery
View the 2009 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award Photo Gallery.

More information
Fore more information on the NSW Volunteer of the Year Award email Kristin Romanis, NSW Volunteer of the Year Award Manager or phone her on 0412 313 359.