Ryde Community Forum founder named 2024 Central Sydney Volunteer of the Year

Ryde Community Forum President Anthony Tang has been named the 2024 Central Sydney Volunteer of the Year for his advocacy for multiculturalism and his decades long support for local events and services throughout the region.

The award was announced today at Club Parramatta as part of the 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards. Recipients in other Central Sydney regional award categories were also announced today including young, adult, senior and volunteer team of the year.

The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards celebrate the work of thousands of individuals and volunteer teams from a diverse range of organisations across the state.

The Awards are hosted by The Centre for Volunteering, whose mission it is to promote and support volunteering across NSW.

Central Sydney Young Volunteer of the Year: Yuna Cho 

Yuna is a high school student who advocates for environmental awareness and protection, a voice for young people and her community. She volunteers at the OceanEarth Foundation, the Jane Goodall Institute with Sydney Zoos, Merrylands Youth Centre, and the Bravehearts youth advisory council.

Central Sydney Adult Volunteer of the Year: Michael Quailey from Epping

Michael has volunteered on the sidelines with the North Sydney District Rugby League Referees’ Association for almost 50 years, helping to train and mentor young referees, as well as managing game days on weekends.

Central Sydney Senior Volunteer of the Year: Anthony Tang from Dundas Valley

Anthony has been the driving force behind many community events and programs such as the local Aussie Day Lunch, the Moon Festival, and Ryde Lunar New Year. He founded the Ryde Community Forum but has also coached local soccer and led science programs in local primary schools. His volunteering has helped to bring people from different cultures and faiths together and build better understanding, cohesion and connection.

Central Sydney Volunteer Team of the Year: Parramatta Mission Meals Plus Volunteer Team 

The 185 volunteers at the Parramatta Mission Meals Plus team prepare and serve hot meals, groceries, and hamper bags for people experiencing homelessness, mental health issues or in need of help. They build trust and stronger connections, which means they can also help their clients access extra support services.

The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said:

“These awards recognise the exceptional effort of volunteers across the Parramatta and Northern Districts region.

“Whether it’s in the local sports club, in health care, education and cultural centres, legal support or emergency response, volunteers are essential for the ongoing health and viability of local communities.

“It’s important for volunteers across the region to know that their commitment is recognised and valued.”

The Awards are supported by Principal Partners the NSW Department of Communities and Justice and ClubsNSW.

 The NSW Minister with responsibility for Volunteering, Jodie Harrison said:

“Congratulations to the recipients of the Central Sydney Volunteer of the Year Awards. Thank you for the incredible contributions you make to NSW and your local community.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities, and the NSW Government is pleased to be partnering with the Centre for Volunteering to recognise volunteers and the valuable role they play in making NSW the best state to live and work in.”

ClubsNSW CEO Rebecca Riant said:

“The awards are a tribute to the vital contributions made by volunteers across the state. Volunteers are the backbone of the NSW club industry, and their efforts are crucial in uplifting local communities.

“We’re delighted to have a special Club Volunteer of the Year Award category, and I can’t wait to see who takes home that honour.”

Central Sydney award recipients will be invited to represent their region at the Gala State Ceremony in Sydney at the end of the year, where the NSW Volunteer of the Year will be announced across each category.