The Farm in Galong founder named 2024 Central West Volunteer of the Year

Former social worker and founder of The Farm in Galong, Kate Cleary, has been named the 2024 Central West Volunteer of the Year for her work supporting women impacted by trauma to rebuild their lives.

The award was announced today at Orange Ex-Services Club as part of the 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards. Recipients in other Central West 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 West Young Volunteer of the Year: Jazmin Pietrzak from Orange

Jazmin is a volunteer Cadet Leader and first aid instructor at St John Ambulance NSW Molong Division, where she gives her time providing first aid, emergency care and training to young cadets. She also helps to plan and manage the Western Region Youth camps, where the next generation of local St John volunteers receive training and support.

Central West Adult Volunteer of the Year: Kate Cleary from Galong

Kate is the founder of The Farm in Galong, a rehabilitation centre dedicated to supporting women facing addiction, family violence, and other severe challenges. Kate’s volunteer work there has had a profound and positive impact on the women in the program, their children, and their families.

Central West Senior Volunteer of the Year: Michael O’Mara from Orange

Michael is a 40-year veteran volunteer with Athletics Australia and the current president of the Commonwealth Games NSW. He has utilised his business and financial skills to contribute to various organisations including the Orange Rotary Club, Gold Seekers Orienteering Club, Athletics NSW, Orange Runners Club, and the Orange City Council committee for a new athletics track and stadium.

Central West Volunteer Team of the Year: Eugowra Flood Recovery Committee

The Eugowra Flood Recovery Committee was established in 2022 to lead the community recovery in response to the devasting floods that impacted the region. The seven volunteer committee members worked closely with Cabonne Shire Council and the NSW Reconstruction Authority to deliver timely support and services to flood impacted communities.

The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said:

“These awards recognise the exceptional effort of volunteers across the NSW Central West 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 West 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 West 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