From mental health advocates and pioneering educators to fierce eco-warriors, there was no shortage of community heroes at our State Ceremony, held on Thursday 8 December, at Norths Cammeray.
Naturally, the afternoon was abuzz with excitement and anticipation – following many hours of deliberation, hundreds of nominations, 25 regional ceremonies, and a cohort of incredible finalists – as we announced the category winners, and reigning 2022 Volunteer of the Year recipient.
Delicate rose petals and delicious chocolates adorned each of the tables. Guests also enjoyed the musical delights of Theoni Marks, followed by a memorable performance by Deb Conway and Willy Zygier.
A special mention to Aunty Donna for her beautiful Welcome to Country and the Hon. Scott Farlow MLC (Chair of the NSW Volunteer Taskforce) for his address, as well as our wonderful Awards Ambassador, Paula Duncan AM, for her rousing words. We would also like to thank all our fantastic sponsors and partners, who made this event possible.
2022 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award recipients:
Not-for-Profit Governance Award: Australian Wildlife's Society's Board of Directors, Australian Wildlife Society
The nine board members at the Australian Wildlife Society give countless hours of their time providing the governance, management, and strategic direction at the national not-for-profit wildlife organisation. They oversee grant programs, awards and campaigns to help promote and protect biodiversity and wildlife.
To read more about this winner, visit our webpage.
Young Volunteer of the Year Award: Rose Lewis, Outer Western Sydney
University of Western Sydney student Rose has amassed a lot of volunteering experience across many organisations and causes. She has given her personal time during school and university to tutor fellow students, English languages lessons for international students and support for newly settled refugees.
To read more about this winner, visit our webpage.
Volunteer Team of the Year Award: One Meal Northern Beaches Co-Op Northern Beaches
The 180 volunteer team members at One Meal provide healthy, freshly cooked meals and food to over 1,500 homeless, vulnerable, and at risk people across the Northern Beaches each week. One Meal also provides breakfast packs and meals to over 80 disadvantaged students referred by school and community organisations each month.
To read more about this winner, visit our webpage.
Volunteer Leader of the Year Award: Amar Singh, Turbans4Australia
Amar founded his community-based charity in 2015. He oversees 200 volunteers who assist farmers suffering from drought, flood impacted communities and people affected by Covid-19, with a focus on Western Sydney. Recently, he established the Community Pantry in Clyde, which provides more than 500 families with food and care items.
To read more about this winner, visit our webpage.
Senior Volunteer of the Year Award: Joy Rappo, The Compassionate Friends (NSW) Inc.
Joy has been supporting grieving parents for the past 20 years. Through The Compassionate Friends, she helps produce the organisation’s quarterly publications, facilitates support groups, organises and coordinates group walks and therapeutic classes in pottery and art, and welcomes grieving parents. She has also served on the organisation’s board and managed the group’s 24-hour emergency crisis support line.
To read more about this winner, visit our webpage.
Volunteer of the Year Award: Clementine Hartson, ProjectKindess Incorporated
Clementine established ProjectKindness four years ago to improve the lives of vulnerable people who often go without the basic necessities of life. She connects people in need with other community services, volunteers, and donations. To this date, ProjectKindness has helped to collect more than 1,700 food hampers, 420 boxes of nappies, and 250 clothing and toy hampers.
To read more about this winner, visit our webpage.
