New Award puts emergency services volunteers in the spotlight

The work of emergency services volunteers will be recognised and celebrated under a new Emergency Services Volunteer of the Year Award.

The Award is being supported by the NSW Government and delivered as part of the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards which are run by the Centre for Volunteering – the peak body for the volunteering sector in NSW.

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said emergency volunteers and the volunteer organisations that support them are critical to emergency management across the state.

“This is not just for our emergency services volunteers, but also community groups and individuals who volunteer to support their community to prepare for, respond to, or recover from disasters,” Mr Dib said.

“These dedicated individuals and teams step up in times of crisis, giving their time, skills, and care to help others when it’s needed most.

“It is important that we not only recognise but celebrate the efforts and sacrifices of these individuals and teams.”

The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are in their 18^th year and are one of the largest celebrations of volunteering across the country.

The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said the awards recognise the exceptional contribution of volunteers across all areas of their local community.

“Volunteers never ask for our praise, but they certainly deserve it,” Ms Rygate said.

“And volunteers responding to emergencies or life threatening incidents are no exception. They work to save and protect lives and to help rebuild communities.

“This is a wonderful initiative of the NSW Government, and it will send a strong signal to communities and emergency volunteers that their efforts do not go unnoticed and are greatly appreciated.”

Nominations for the new award will be open as part of the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.

Nominations can be submitted for volunteering in association with an emergency services organisation, a community-based organisation, a non-government organisation, or unaffiliated with any organisation.

Sign up to our newsletter below and stay up to date with the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year nomination period.