First aid responder and mentor named 2023 Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year
The 2023 Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year is Taylor Renee Coker, a St John Ambulance volunteer dedicated to supporting the next generation of community first aid responders.
This Award is given as part of the the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, one of the largest recognition programs for volunteering across the country.
Celebrated alongside Taylor were category winners Yianni Mavroidis, Joan Pellegrino and Holsworthy Girl Guides Parent Commitee, but we extend our thanks to all the incredible nominees, and their nominators, in the region.
2023 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award recipients for the Western Sydney region are:
"I am immensely proud of the dedication and commitment to community that we see each year from volunteers across the state...The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards shine a light on these selfless efforts. Congratulations to today’s award recipients.”
The Hon. Jodie Harrison MP, NSW Minister with responsibility for VolunteeringYoung Volunteer of the Year - Taylor Renee Coker
A volunteer for the St John Ambulance Granville Combined Division, Taylor spearheaded the restart of the division’s Junior program. Thanks to her efforts, it is now one of the largest programs
Taylor is committed to diversity and inclusion, which is reflected in her work, as she trains the next wave of community-based first aid responders.
Taylor has donated more than 2,700 hours of her time to the program, as well as first aid support at events and venues such as the Qudos Bank Arena in Olympic Park.
Adult Volunteer of the Year – Yianni Mavroidis
Yianna has donated over 2,000 hours over the past eight years to providing emergency care and first aid as a volunteer with the St John Ambulance Granville Combined Division.
Drawing on his skills and knowledge as a qualified paramedic, Yianni serves as a St John training officer and has protected our communities as a first aid provider during major storms and events such as the Royal Easter Show, concerts, and sporting venues.
His volunteering directly supports the public safety and wellbeing at community and emergency events.
Senior Volunteer of the Year – Joan Pellegrino
Volunteering via Club Marco for over thirty years, Joan has supported fundraising for local hospitals, the Cancer Council, mental health and other community causes.
As the driving force behind club events for young people, seniors, and other members, Joan helps people from a diversity of backgrounds build friendships and feel connected in the community.
Volunteer Team of the Year – Holsworthy Girl Guides Parent Committee
The Holsworthy Girl Guides Parent Committee give back to their community by organising grant applications and fundraising activities, including cake stalls, chocolate drive sales, gingerbread house kit sales and raffles.
Their fundraising efforts go towards much-needed repairs for the hall, ensuring safety for all who use it.
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.