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 Far West Volunteer of the Year Awards.
2025 Far West Volunteer of the Year
Broken Hill Breast Cancer Support and Fundraising Group volunteer Lynne Hastwell has been awarded the 2025 Far West Volunteer of the Year, for her care, support and fundraising efforts for people living with cancer.
2025 Far West Adult Volunteer of the Year
Klaeton Smith
Klaeton is a volunteer driver with LiveBetter Community Services’ transport team, giving his time two days a week so vulnerable or isolated people across the region can attend medical appointments, do their shopping and take part in community events and activities. His work is an essential service that helps people stay connected, access healthcare and breaks down isolation.
2025 Far West Senior Volunteer of the Year
Lynne Hastwell
Lynne is a key support person and top fundraiser at the Broken Hill Breast Cancer Support and Fundraising Group. Her work helps to purchase valuable medical equipment for the local community and assists patients with travel and accommodation related to their treatment. She has also volunteered at the Australian Red Cross for 12 years, the Broken Hill Hospital Kiosk for 13 years, and the Eureka Village for 7 years.
2025 Far West Emergency Volunteer of the Year
NSW State Emergency Service – Broken Hill Unit
The 46 team members of the Broken Hill SES unit have become a vital lifesaving agency for the Far West region, responding to floods and storms, as well as working with other community groups to provide first aid, community education and engagement.
2025 Far West Volunteer Team of the Year
OzFish Volunteers – Heroes of the Murray Darling Basin
The local OzFish volunteer team has been dubbed the Heroes of the Murray Darling Basin for their life saving work to rescue native fish and crayfish from suffocation during blackwater events, floods and droughts. The team navigates local waterways by boat and foot to safely relocate the rescued native species, while also planting and building fish habitats to help protect river ecosystems. The team has rescued more than 750 crayfish, hundreds of fish, planted over 8,000 native species, and built around 100 fish habitats.
2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award Sponsors
