
About the Ceremony
The 2024 Hunter Volunteer of the Year was announced at Club Stockton.
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.
Please join us in congratulating the 2024 Award winners for the region:
These awards recognise the exceptional effort of volunteers across the region. It’s important for volunteers to know that their commitment is recognised and valued.
The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma RygateThe 2024 Hunter Volunteer of the Year is…
The pioneer of support and therapy services for people living with Cerebral Palsy in the Hunter region, Jill Stuart, has been named the Hunter Volunteer of the Year, for her tireless work over the past 60 years.
The regional Award categories were also announced:
2024 Hunter Young Volunteer of the Year
Congratulations Sarah Williams
Sarah is the Founder of What Were You Wearing? Australia, an organisation dedicated to ending sexual violence and supporting sexual assault victims. Her volunteer work with the organisation led to compulsory drink spiking awareness training for bar and security staff across NSW and the ACT.

2024 Hunter Adult Volunteer of the Year
Congratulations Dawn Watt
Dawn was instrumental in establishing the Newcastle Northstars, one of the largest and most respected ice hockey clubs in Australia. She also drove the formation of the Newcastle Ice Hockey League, established and coaches the Northstars para team, and has served as Vice President of Ice Hockey NSW.

2024 Hunter Senior Volunteer of the Year
Congratulations Jill Stuart
Jill’s 60 years of volunteer work have greatly improved access to services for people across the Hunter region who are living with disability. She helped establish a Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA) branch in the area, creating a family focused and supportive community system. The Stuart Centre in Croudace Bay is CPA’s longest-running therapy centre, currently supporting more than 350 clients and their families.

2024 Hunter Volunteer Team of the Year
Congratulations Soul Hub
The 220 volunteers at Soul Hub feed some of the most vulnerable, homeless and marginalised people in the community, cooking up to 900 meals a week for over 150 people each day. The army of dedicated volunteers help to create welcoming spaces for those who are broken, homeless and facing mental health challenges.
