St John Ambulance clinical educator named 2024 North Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year

Final year medical student Yannick De Silva has been named the 2024 North Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year for his dedication and support to community health and first aid as a St John Ambulance NSW volunteer.

Yannick received his award today at Castle Hill RSL as part of the 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards. Recipients in other North 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.

North Western Sydney Young Volunteer of the Year: Jacob Dommersen from Castle Hill

Jacob is a passionate first responder with St John Ambulance, having accumulated over 400 hours of community service in just a few years. He shares his knowledge through weekly classes for new volunteers, encouraging others to build their confidence and give back to their community.

North Western Sydney Adult Volunteer of the Year: Yannick De Silva from West Pennant Hills

Yannick is a final year medical student who gives his spare time to St John Ambulance NSW as a first responder and medical educator. His efforts have led to substantial improvements in the skills and knowledge of St John Ambulance volunteers and contributed to community health at major events.

North Western Sydney Senior Volunteer of the Year: Pauleen West from North Richmond

Aged care volunteer Pauleen embodies the very essence of community spirit in her role at RSL Lifecare Ron Middleton VC Gardens. For ten years, her greatest contribution has been the time she devotes to activities for the 80 residents of the aged care facility, bringing joy to their end-of-life care.

North Western Sydney Volunteer Team of the Year: Red Frogs Taylor Swift Team

The Red Frogs volunteer team builds connections at large events, like the recent Taylor Swift concerts, with a particular focus on youth safety and health. They support community members who are feeling unwell or need support but do not require medical intervention.

The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said:

“These awards recognise the exceptional effort of volunteers across North Western Sydney. “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 North Western Sydney 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 North 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 North 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.