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 Northern Beaches Volunteer of the Year Awards.
2025 Northern Beaches Volunteer of the Year
Surf life saver Mirek Craney has been named the 2025 Northern Beaches Volunteer of the Year, for his decades long work running ocean swim events to raise money for vital cancer research through the Can Too charity.
2025 Northern Beaches Young Volunteer of the Year
Holly Searles
Holly has been the driving force behind the successful Cricket Blast program for young players at the Peninsula Junior Cricket Club. The young Manly cricketer gives her time each week during summer to lead fun, encouraging and supportive sessions. Her volunteer work helps young players learn about teamwork, training, and being a good sport.
2025 Northern Beaches Adult Volunteer of the Year
Adrian Hill
When North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club needed both physical upgrades and a boost in volunteer support, Adrian, the club’s president, stepped up. He’s tackled the challenge of declining volunteer numbers by introducing innovative programs that have attracted younger members to the club. His determination has also put the club on track for a new state-of-the-art facility that will benefit the entire community.
2025 Northern Beaches Senior Volunteer of the Year
Mirek Craney
For fifteen years, Mirek has made a significant contribution to cancer charity Can Too’s fitness programs, which help people set ambitious fitness challenges for themselves, while raising much needed funds for research. He is also an active member of Whale Beach Surf Lifesaving Club, keeping people safe in the water and helping provide a valuable service for his local community on the Northern Beaches.
2025 Northern Beaches Emergency Volunteer of the Year
Michael Gencher
Michael Gencher’s journey in Surf Life Saving began when his own life was saved by a volunteer surf lifesaver. That moment became the catalyst for a lifelong commitment to service, safety, and community, and he’s been an active patrolling member of Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club for over 30 years. Michael has volunteered thousands of hours including as a trainer, assessor, club vice president, and 24-hour emergency response member.
2025 Northern Beaches Volunteer Team of the Year
Cerebral Palsy Alliance Dental Team
The Cerebral Palsy Alliance Dental Team consists of dentists, dental assistants, hygienists, an orthodontist, a paediatric dental specialist and a practice manager, who are dedicated to providing free, quality dental care for people of all ages with cerebral palsy. The volunteer team goes above and beyond to make the experience comfortable for patients, ensuring better health and wellbeing outcomes.
2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award Sponsors
