Patient transport volunteer named 2024 Mid-Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year

Patient transport volunteer Geoff Bain has been awarded the 2024 Mid-Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year for his tireless work ensuring critically ill children and their families from remote and rural NSW can access life-saving medical facilities.

Geoff received his award today at Club Burwood RSL as part of the 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.

Recipients in other Mid-Western Sydney regional award categories were also announced, 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.

Mid-Western Sydney Young Volunteer of the Year: Audrey Storer from Marrickville

Audrey has given her time to set up and run the Addi Road Youth Collective and Addi Rock Festival at Marrickville’s Addison Rd Community Centre. Her work has helped bring together more than 300 young people under the age of 18 to collect food and make and distribute hampers for people in need. She has been the driving force behind the festival, as a way to help underage bands get on stage, and for people of all ages to enjoy more live music.

Mid-Western Sydney Adult Volunteer of the Year: Leigh Berwick from Leichhardt

Leigh is a volunteer stalwart at the Wests Boomers Baseball Club, helping to manage grounds, equipment, uniforms and maintenance and as a volunteer coach and umpire. His efforts have helped to bring parents and families together and increase female participation across the sport.

Mid-Western Sydney Senior Volunteer of the Year: Geoff Bain from Greenacre

Geoff gives his time to transport seriously ill children living in remote and regional NSW to life saving medical appointments for the Little Wings organisation. He has safely transported hundreds of patients and their families from the tarmac to medical appointments, providing comfort, care and support along the way.

Mid-Western Sydney Volunteer Team of the Year: NSW/ACT Dress for Success Referral Agency Working Group

The nine team members at Dress for Success Referral Agency Working Group give their time to help women facing trauma or long term unemployment to find stable and rewarding long term work. They provide interview styling and career support as well as running up to ten workshops per month for their clients.

The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said:

“These awards recognise the exceptional effort of volunteers across Sydney’s Inner West.

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 Mid-Western 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.”

The Mid-Western 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.