Homelessness support worker named 2024 Southern Inland Volunteer of the Year

Sleepbus Queanbeyan driver and care taker Glenn Pinnuck has been awarded the 2024 Southern Inland Volunteer of the Year for his tireless work providing comfort and care for people experiencing homelessness throughout the region.

Glenn was recognised today at the Goulburn Workers Club for his service to the community as part of the 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.

Recipients in other Southern Inland regional award categories were also announced, including 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.

Southern Inland Adult Volunteer of the Year: Glenn Pinnuck from Karabar           

Glenn has given more than 1,000 hours of his time as an overnight caretaker, driver, volunteer trainer and mentor at the Queanbeyan based homelessness support provider Sleepbus. His works helps to provide a safe and comfortable place for an overnight sleep for people in need.

Southern Inland Senior Volunteer of the Year: Leslie Ludwig from Jindabyne

Leslie has been a leading volunteer administrator and coaching coordinator for snow sports across Australia’s alpine region for more than 40 years. Her tireless volunteer work at NSW Snowsports, Snowsports ACT and Snow Australia has helped support countless events, athletes, and local snow sports infrastructure.

Southern Inland Volunteer Team of the Year: Sleepbus Queanbeyan volunteer team

The 35 team members at Sleepbus Queanbeyan help keep the volunteer led homelessness support service on the road for three nights every week of the year. They work as drivers, caretakers, cleaners, fundraisers, and logistics managers. They have helped provide 1,500 sleeps and care to people sleeping rough across the region.

Their work enhances community safety, fosters a sense of belonging and dignity, and sparks broader discussions around homelessness, poverty, and inequality.

The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said:

“These awards recognise the exceptional effort of volunteers – from Queanbeyan to Yass, and from the Snowy to the Goulburn regions.

“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 Southern Inland 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.”

Southern Inland 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.