The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are now in their 19th year and celebrate the work of thousands of individuals and volunteer teams from a diverse range of organisations across the state.
Congratulations to the 2025 Award winners for the Central West Volunteer of the Year Awards.
2025 Central West Volunteer of the Year
Kelso Scouting legend Paul Hennessy has been awarded the 2025 Central West Volunteer of the Year, for his support over half a century for young people to gain skills, build resilience and make strong connections.
2025 Central West Young Volunteer of the Year
Stassi Austin
Stassi holds many volunteering hats. She is one of the founders and board members of Cowra Country Universities Centre, helping to grow it to more than 90 students, with women making up 75% of enrolments. She is also the Chair of the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition, giving a greater voice to young people across the country and she helped establish the anti-bullying campaign #Projectupstander.
2025 Central West Adult Volunteer of the Year
Paul Hennessy
Paul has been a Scouts NSW leader for more than 50 years, giving his time to mentor members, and helping them learn new skills, build resilience, and foster positive mental health. He recently started his own program to help outback or country kids get access to Scouting by providing free equipment and clothing. Earlier this year, Paul was crowned a Living Legend by Bathurst City Council.
2025 Central West Senior Volunteer of the Year
June Howe
June gives her time at Can Assist Harden-Murrumburrah, Harden Hawkes Rugby League Club, Harden Pony Club, the Anglicare Op Shop, Harden Hospital Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels and Harden Grange Aged Care Home. It’s a full volunteering card for the 90 year-old, who still gets out selling raffle tickets, working in canteens, serving at the BBQ, visiting elderly residents, and in the garden.
2025 Central West Emergency Volunteer of the Year
Lifeline Central West Crisis Supporters
There are more than 100 members of the Lifeline Central West Crisis Supporters team who give their time to provide support and counselling to people in the region who are at risk or require mental health support. Members of the team are on call 24/7 to answer the crisis line so they can speak to people in need when they require support. They provided almost 3,000 hours of phone support over the past year.
2025 Central West Volunteer Team of the Year
Birds in the Bush Team
The nine members of the Birds in the Bush Volunteer Team create safer communities for women and children in rural and regional areas by advocating for better services and raising community awareness about the impact and causes of domestic and family violence. The group shares a large volunteering workload including organising events, fundraising, community collaboration, designing and selling merchandise, and social media advocacy – helping to raise $422,000 to support domestic violence initiatives across the region.
2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award Sponsors
