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 Outer Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year Awards.
2025 Outer Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year
St John Ambulance first aid logistics officer Richard Bernecic has been named the 2025 Outer Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year, for his work keeping the community safe and healthy across the region.
The category winners for the regional awards are:
2025 Outer Western Sydney Young Volunteers of the Year
Mikaylah Bater and Hannah Cooper
Joint award winners Mikaylah and Hannah began volunteering together at Riding for the Disabled Tall Timbers as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards program. They have continued to volunteer on a weekly basis as part of a program which provides a safe and supportive way for people living with disability to engage with their community and build new skills through horse riding.
2025 Outer Western Sydney Adult Volunteer of the Year
Richard Bernecic
Richard has given more than 2,000 hours of his time as a logistics officer and mentor to new volunteers at the State Operations and Blacktown Divisions of St John Ambulance. He helps prepare, maintain, and transport essential operational equipment, uniforms and medical kits for first aid responders at events and emergency incidents across Western Sydney and NSW.
2025 Outer Western Sydney Senior Volunteer of the Year
Helen Knobbs
Helen has volunteered every week for the past 35 years at the Hawkesbury Community Kitchen, helping to prepare, cook and serve meals to the homeless and people in need throughout the region. She has also served on the organisation’s board for the past decade and supported and mentored new volunteers and student volunteers undertaking their Duke of Edinburgh awards.
2025 Outer Western Sydney Emergency Volunteer of the Year
Michael Edmonds
Michael’s volunteer work with the NSW Rural Fire Service is crucial to the safety and training of emergency service volunteers throughout the region. His meticulous methods and mentoring as an Equipment and Training Officer are matched by his commitment to emergency response to fires and road accidents, as well as public safety education for the wider community.
2025 Outer Western Sydney Volunteer Team of the Year
Street Side Medics – Blacktown Volunteer Team
The 26 members of the Blacktown Street Side Medics include nurses, paramedics, GPs, specialists and allied health professionals who give their time each week, providing care for our most vulnerable people. Their street-based healthcare delivery includes everything from basic check-ups and prescriptions, to chronic disease management and minor procedures, across the region.
2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award Sponsors
