South Western Sydney/Macarthur Volunteer of the Year Awards winners recognised for their inspirational service to community
Lifelong volunteer from Bargo, Marjo Hallowell, has been named the 2023 NSW Macarthur and South Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year for her tireless contributions to the community, especially in local history projects like the Bargo History Archive and Bicentennial Book.
Local heroes Ziah Lloyd, Brian Laul and the team at One Stop Community Assistance were also recognised as part of the Regional Award Ceremony, hosted at Campbelltown/Dharawal Country.
2023 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award recipients for the South Western-Macarthur Sydney region are:
“Volunteers from across the South Western-Macarthur region 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 dedication and commitment giving us the chance to say thank you.”
Gemma Rygate, CEO of The Centre for VolunteeringYouth Volunteer of the Year - Ziah Lloyd, St John Ambulance NSW
Ziah Lloyd is a volunteer training officer with St John Ambulance NSW, where he equips volunteers with first aid and life-saving skills necessary to ensure the community is safe and well.
He develops comprehensive training plans in all clinical levels that keep St John volunteers up to date with the latest knowledge to save lives and provide crucial first aid in emergency situations. Ziah also actively contributes to leadership team decisions that shapes and improves the direction of St John Ambulance
Adult Volunteer of the Year – Brian Laul, Rainbow Crossing
Brian Laul has led many initiatives and events that have brought together and supported people from all walks of life across the Macarthur region.
He founded the community news platform Good Morning Macarthur to promote the local community, its people, and events to bring the community together. He is the volunteer chairperson at the Rainbow Crossing, and has established events, online forums and awards to promote and support local businesses, multiculturalism, community health and young people
Senior Volunteer of the Year – Marjo Hallowell, Bargo History Group, Wollondilly Women in Business, OSCA, CWA, Picton Historical and Family History Society and Picton Rotary
Marjo Hallowell has given her time to support communities impacted by fire, people and their families living with cancer, cherished local history and community events.
She has volunteered at the Bargo History Group, Can Assist Bowral, Wollondilly Women in Business, Picton Historical Society, Picton Rotary, Southern Highlands Renal Appeal and other causes and charities. Over the last 5 years she has ridden over 2000 kms and raised $25,000 for the Children’s Medical Research Institute with her three young grandsons by taking part in the annual Great Cycle Challenge
Volunteer Team of the Year – One Stop Community Assistance
The 10 members of the One Stop Community Assistance (OSCA) volunteer team give their time to support community groups and events wherever they are needed throughout the south western and Southern Highlands community.
They have helped their local community with disaster recovery and community led recovery hubs, in aged care homes, libraries and community events. They have become a vital resource for councils, First Nations peoples, Royal Botanic Gardens, and other community services groups.
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 5 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
