About the Ceremony
The 2024 Northern Rivers Volunteer of the Year was announced at Twin Towns.
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 Northern Rivers Volunteer of the Year is…
Northern Rivers wildlife carer Leoni Byron-Jackson has been named the Northern Rivers Volunteer of the Year for her incredible dedication to native animals over two decades, including a record 2,500 animal rescues.
The regional Award categories were also announced:
2024 Northern Rivers Young Volunteer of the Year
Congratulations Jackson Whitney
Jackson volunteers with the NSW SES and VRA Rescue NSW. He also gives his time as a photographer and drone operator across the state to create recruitment and training videos for emergency services. His contributions to training have been an important innovation for emergency services in regional NSW.
2024 Northern Rivers Adult Volunteer of the Year
Congratulations Simone Clark
Simone has shown remarkable commitment to the community through her volunteer roles at Wardell CORE, Orange Sky and Mary’s place. She gives her time providing meals, clothes, groceries, showers and laundry services. She was a constant presence during the 2022 floods, providing non-stop help during and after the devastating emergency disasters.
2024 Northern Rivers Senior Volunteer of the Year
Congratulations Leoni Byron-Jackson
Leoni helped establish the Northern Rivers branch of the NSW Wildlife Rescue Service more than 20 years ago and she has continued to lead and volunteer there across many different roles. She is also a small mammals expert, having trained hundreds of volunteers in how to care for echidnas, possums and gliders. She has become an essential conduit between animal rescuers and local vets, police, wildlife hospitals, and businesses.
2024 Northern Rivers Volunteer Team of the Year
Congratulations Agape Outreach
The 250 volunteers at Agape Outreach provide crucial support to people experiencing homelessness, poverty, or housing insecurity. Each year they recover more than 100 tonnes of rescued food, distribute 48,000 meals, and provide around 14,000 hampers to support people in need across the Northern Rivers region.
2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award Sponsors
