2007 NSW Volunteer of the Year, Mary Mamour of Blacktown
In 2004, some young African migrants, many of whom arrived from refugee camps in Sudan, settled in Blacktown but were having trouble with initial settlement issues. The local police command recognised the difficulties and contacted the South Sudan Community Organisation in NSW. Mary Mamour volunteered herself as a liaison officer and was instrumental in forming the Sudanese Action Group. She became a shining light for many new refugees, particularly those without parents or leaders. She has been immensely successful in finding work, advocating for the refugees’ needs, ensuring that services are provided and breaking down barriers with authorities. Her referee, Shaun Edwards, said:
“Mary has had to overcome resentment of some of her own people, the community in general, racial comments regarding her origin and the stark differences in her own cultural background to that of modern Australia to achieve the results she has.
NSW Senior Volunteer of the Year, Laurie Smith of Port Macquarie
Laurie Smith has been a volunteer with Aunties and Uncles for more than 23 years, mentoring disadvantaged children. He and his wife Barbara have made a commitment of 12 months to each child they are linked to, but remain in touch with many who have moved away. Laurie speaks with passion about the need for mentoring and support for boys in particular who need the guidance and support of a positive male role model in the absence of an appropriate father figure. His nominator, Rose George, said:
“His personal qualities of drive, enthusiasm, commitment and hard work are conveyed to those he comes into contact with and are a wonderful example to the three boys he has delighted to watch grow into young men.”
NSW Youth Volunteer of the Year and NSW Corporate Volunteer of the Year, Amanda Grant of Cronulla
Amanda has captured the hearts and minds of “tradies” by instigating and founding the Tradies Community Service Volunteer Program. Formed in 2006, the program formalises support for people in times of need. Her efforts have raised funds within the Sutherland Shire by tradespeople for organisations such as the Salvation Army and the Heart Foundation. She also organised a Tradies’ Challenge fun run, with the proceeds being donated to the Minerva Street School for children with multiple and complex disabilities. The program now has six local volunteering partnerships. Her nominator, Jolleen Thompson said:
“With the current Generation Y described as self-focussed and existential, Amanda’s quality in a young volunteer is both rare and exceptional.”
Regional Winners
| Central Coast Winners | |
| Central Coast Region Volunteer of the Year | Russell Deaves of Wyee |
| Central Coast Region Youth Volunteer of the Year | Jamie McKenzie of Tascott |
| Central Coast Region Senior Volunteer of the Year | Michael Read of Somersby |
| Central West Winners | |
| Central West Region Volunteer of the Year | Rhoma Hale of Molong |
| Central West Region Senior Volunteer of the Year | Bryson Troy of Quandialla |
| Hunter Winners | |
| Hunter Region Volunteer of the Year | Bert Reay of Charlestown |
| Hunter Region Youth Volunteer of the Year | Peter Phillipson of Fingal Bay |
| Illawarra Winners | |
| Illawarra Region Volunteer of the Year | Lawrie Perkins of Nowra |
| Illawarra Region Youth Volunteer of the Year | Krystle Marsh of Blackbutt |
| Illawarra Region Senior Volunteer of the Year | Jenny Braun of Fernhill |
| Mid North Coast Winners | |
| Mid North Coast Region Volunteer of the Year | Norm Cunningham of Nabiac |
| Mid North Coast Region Senior Volunteer of the Year | Laurie Smith of Port Macquarie |
| Murray Winners | |
| Murray Region Volunteer of the Year | Keith Duggan, of Howlong |
| Murray Region Youth Volunteer of the Year | Luke Brooks of Finley |
| New England / Northern Inland Winners | |
| New England / Northern Inland Volunteer of the Year | Patricia van Tilburg of Tamworth |
| New England / Northern Inland Senior Volunteer of the Year | Ivan Hatch of Tamworth |
| Northern Rivers Winners | |
| Northern Rivers Region Volunteer of the Year | Marie Jane Taylor of Wardell |
| Northern Rivers Region Youth Volunteer of the Year | Joseph Keane of East Ballina |
| Northern Rivers Region Senior Volunteer of the Year | Jill Hepburn of Goonellabah |
| Orana / Far West Winners | |
| Orana / Far West Region Volunteer of the Year | Bevin Brown of Lightning Ridge |
| Riverina Winners | |
| Riverina Region Volunteer of the Year | Maxwell Day of Lockhart |
| Riverina Region Senior Volunteer of the Year | Ted Strachan of Cootamundra |
| South Coast / Capital Winners | |
| South Coast / Capital Region Volunteer of the Year | Kevin Hill of Vincentia |
| Sydney East Winners | |
| Sydney East Region Volunteer of the Year | Loys Thompson of Rose Bay |
| Sydney East Region Senior Volunteer of the Year | Meg Harris of Malabar |
| Sydney Greater West Winners | |
| Sydney Greater West Region Volunteer of the Year | Mary Mamour of Blacktown |
| Sydney Greater West Region Youth Volunteer of the Year | Phillip Webb of Lithgow |
| Sydney Greater West Region Senior Volunteer of the Year | Sabine Erika of Blackheath |
| Sydney Inner West Winners | |
| Sydney Inner West Region Volunteer of the Year | Stephen Sanson of Croydon |
| Sydney Inner West Region Youth Volunteer of the Year | Ashley Douglas of Lilyfield |
| Sydney Inner West Region Senior Volunteer of the Year | Frank Marjason of Drummoyne |
| Sydney North Winners | |
| Sydney North Region Volunteer of the Year | Les Pearson of Denistone East |
| Sydney North Region Senior Volunteer of the Year | Murray Block of Mosman |
| Sydney South / Macarthur Winners | |
| Sydney South / Macarthur Volunteer of the Year | Edward Richards of Engadine |
| Sydney South / Macarthur Youth Volunteer of the Year | Amanda Grant of Cronulla |
| Sydney South / Macarthur Senior Volunteer of the Year | Margaret (Peggy) Moore of Miranda |