Byron Bay community worker named 2023 NSW Northern Rivers Volunteer of the Year
Today, as part of the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, Amanda Peters was named the 2023 Northern Rivers Volunteer of the Year for her incredible efforts as a community worker with Fletcher Street Cottage.
Recognised at the Twin Towns Conference & Function Centre on Bundjalung Country, she was celebrated in one of the largest volunteer recognition programs in the state, alongside category winners Justine Foldi, John James Maloney, and The Pink Ladies – Tweed Heads.
Today, we also thanked the many nominees and nominators from the region for their invaluable efforts.
2023 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award recipients for the Northern Rivers region are:
"Volunteers from across the Northern Rivers give their time and energy to help make their local community a better place. They help build healthy and well-connected communities across the region. “Their tireless work helps support people across health, education, sporting, and community sectors. Our awards recognise their work and give us the chance to say thank you."
Gemma Rygate, The Centre for Volunteering CEOYoung Volunteer of the Year - Justine Foldi
A volunteer with the Agape Outreach Service Op Shop, Justice is just nineteen-years-old and has already made an impact on her community.
Through her support sorting clothes and household items for sale, Agape Outreach are able to help those in need, giving vulnerable members of the community access to hot meals, laundry, showers and more.
Adult Volunteer of the Year – John Maloney
For over 40 years, John has been a volunteer presenter with North Coast Radio, keeping locals informed on community services, support, and emergency information twice a week.
He also supports fundraising for local causes and shares local Lismore history via his community Facebook page.
John’s commitment to his community is exemplified during the recent floods in 2022, where he continued to broadcast until he was rescued by boat.
Senior Volunteer of the Year – Amanda Peters
A community worker with the Fletcher Street Cottage, Amanda manages the work of 40 volunteers providing meals, emergency relief, showers and laundry to people in need.
Her care goes above and beyond, and goes a long way towards improving the dignity, wellbeing, and belonging of vulnerable people, leaving a lifelong impact.
Volunteer Team of the Year – The Pink Ladies, Tweed Heads
Made up of nine invaluable volunteers, the Pink Ladies team with Tweed Heads Hospital provide a laundry service for patients in need, producing over 20 loads in just two days each week. Their efforts ease the workload of hospital staff, and protect the dignity and hygiene of those they help.
The Pink Ladies team also assist with admin, equipment, and companionship for patients and visitors, going the extra mile to support their fellow neighbour.
Finalists for the awards are announced at 25 Volunteer of the Year regional award ceremonies throughout NSW and are invited to the Gala State Ceremony for the announcement of the 2023 NSW Volunteer of the Year at the Gala Ceremony on Thursday 7 December in Sydney.
The 2023 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are supported by principal partners the NSW Department of Communities and Justice and ClubsNSW, which represents the state’s 1,100 not-for-profit clubs.
Principal Partners
Award Sponsors
