Gemma Rygate Ce

About the Ceremony

The 2024 Mid North Coast Volunteer of the Year Award was announced at The Westport Club.

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 Rygate

The 2024 Mid North Coast Volunteer of the Year is…

Tuncurry graffiti buster Ted Bickford has been named the 2024 Mid North Coast Volunteer of the Year for his decade’s long dedication to a clean and graffiti-free community across the region

The regional Award categories were also announced:

2024 Mid North Coast Young Volunteer of the Year

Congratulations Evan Cooper

Evan is a volunteer mentor for the LGBTQI+ peer support group Pride Club for young people in the Bellingen Shire, supporting positive mental health outcomes by creating a safe space to make friends, talk about issues, access resources, and be supported to be proud and strong as LGBTQI+.

2024 Mid North Coast Adult Volunteer of the Year

Congratulations Melinda Lightfoot

Melinda is a founding member of the Great Lakes Suicide Prevention Network where she gives her time to raise awareness and support for suicide prevention.

As a volunteer leader, Melinda brings dedicated volunteers together and provides important information to her local community while breaking down the stigmas often associated with discussions of suicide prevention.

2024 Mid North Coast Adult Volunteer of the Year

2024 Mid North Coast Senior Volunteer of the Year

Congratulations Ted Bickford

Ted has volunteered for more than 30 years, removing graffiti from public areas across the Great Lakes region.

He is on call each day to respond to clean up call outs, driving to sites to clean, remove and cover over graffiti. His volunteer work includes community engagement and education at local schools and the justice system.

2024 Mid North Coast Senior Volunteer of the Year

2024 Mid North Coast Volunteer Team of the Year

Congratulations Forster Neighbourhood Centre Community Hub 

The Foster Neighbourhood Centre Community Hub provides much-needed support to people experiencing mental health issues, suicide concerns, homelessness, escaping domestic violence or in financial distress.

Staffed by a team of volunteers 5 days a week, the Hub provides over 500 emergency relief packages and 350 no-interest loans to vulnerable community members each year.

2024 Mid North Coast Volunteer Team of the Year

2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award Sponsors

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