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 New England-Northern Inland Volunteer of the Year Awards.
2025 New England-Northern Inland Volunteer of the Year
Moree flood responder and SES emergency volunteer Kamala Wheeler has been named the 2025 New England and Northern Inland Volunteer of the Year for her selfless dedication to community safety and training over the past four decades.
2025 New England-Northern Inland Young Volunteer of the Year
Caitlin Blanch
Caitlin has been a driving force behind the grassroots disability advocacy group We Are Not Alone. Her volunteer work as co-president helps to amplify the voices of young people with a disability in regional NSW. She also gives her time with youth mental health advocacy and education group Orygen.
2025 New England-Northern Inland Adult Volunteer of the Year
Kamala Wheeler
Kam has been a leading Moree SES rescuer, trainer and leader for almost 40 years across the North West region. She is a Leading Senior Operator at Moree SES and has led flood recovery operations in Moree and Garah, supported frontline crews during Cyclone Alfred and been role model to young and female volunteers in the service.
2025 New England-Northern Inland Senior Volunteer of the Year
Margaret Lenord
Margaret has dedicated more than 50 years to supporting older people in the Inverell community through her leadership with Inverell Community Support and the Inverell Senior Citizens Association. As Chairperson and Treasurer, she has played a key role in sustaining vital services like Meals on Wheels, transport, and social outings.
2025 New England-Northern Inland Volunteer Team of the Year
Ruby Mae’s Wish
Kim and Nick Peake have been a formidable fundraising team across Barraba through Ruby Mae’s Wish, a charity they established to honour their daughter who tragically passed away in 2022. Their tireless volunteer fundraising, education and advocacy supports vital life saving equipment for children’s hospitals, as well as medical training for health workers.
2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award Sponsors
