Professional Leaders of Volunteers
The finalists for the 2025 Professional Leaders of Volunteers Awards were announced at Parliament House as part of the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, an annual program delivered by The Centre for Volunteering.
Seven outstanding individuals from a diverse range of sectors were recognised for their excellence in volunteer leadership.
The Centre also celebrated graduates of the Nationally Recognised Certificate IV in Coordination of Volunteer Programs (CHC44015).
Thank you to all who make these awards possible: Awards Patron Minister Jodie Harrison, Principal Partner NSW Department of Communities and Justice, Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib, Minister for Youth Rose Jackson, Regional Awards Sponsor Beyond Bank, and supporters Etchcraft and SIXT.
2025 Volunteer Leader of the Year Finalists
Marian Casey from St John Ambulance NSW, NSW State Emergency Service, Warrior Woman Foundation, and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Marian is a volunteer leader with St John Ambulance NSW, NSW State Emergency Service, Warrior Woman Foundation, and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). She has held senior leadership roles with St John Ambulance, championed diversity and inclusion within the NSW SES, supported emerging female leaders through the Warrior Woman Foundation, and serves as the inaugural non-clinical member of the steering committee for the RACS TIPS course, which trains surgeons in communication and problem-solving to improve patient outcomes.
Kylie Elliott from Western Sydney Local Health District (Westmead and Auburn Hospitals)
As Volunteer Leader for the Western Sydney Local Health District, overseeing Westmead and Auburn Hospitals, Kylie manages a team of more than 150 volunteers. Her responsibilities span recruitment, onboarding, training, volunteer welfare, and strategic planning. In the last 12 months, she has introduced a district-wide best-practice volunteer management model, aligned with NSW Health policies, to promote consistency, professionalism, and strong governance.
Kim Simpson from Maitland Hospital
Kim leads volunteer programs across Maitland, Kurri Kurri, and Cessnock Hospitals. As Volunteer and Community Participation Coordinator, she oversees scheduling, training, governance, and accreditation, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for both volunteers and patients, while demonstrating how hospitals can integrate volunteer and cultural programs to strengthen community trust and collaboration.
Nicole Suffling from Feel the Magic
Nicole leads the national volunteer program for Feel the Magic, an organisation which supports children aged 7–18 who have experienced the loss of a parent, guardian, or sibling. With more than 4,000 registered volunteers – and around 1,000 of them actively engaged – Nicole manages every aspect of volunteer recruitment, training, and ongoing support. Her oversight guarantees that every volunteer who interacts with children is not only qualified, but also deeply aligned with the organisation’s mission to provide comfort, education, and hope to grieving children.
2025 Not-For-Profit Voluntary Governance Finalists
LIVEfree Project Governance Board
The LIVEfree Project is dedicated to tackling isolation, trauma, hardship, and the challenges faced by those experiencing socio-economic disadvantage. Its six volunteer members of their Governance Board provide strong leadership and oversight through strategic planning, compliance, financial stewardship, and risk management – ensuring the organisation remains resilient, community-led, and focused on creating lasting social impact.
Wollongong Meals on Wheels Committee Team
The five-member Wollongong Meals on Wheels Committee demonstrates strong leadership and governance, ensuring the organisation’s ongoing viability and growth. Under their guidance, Wollongong Meals on Wheels has strengthened its capital base, expanded its programs, and enhanced service delivery to better meet the needs of its clients.
Women’s Justice Network Board
The six volunteer members of the Women’s Justice Network (WJN) Board play a pivotal role in guiding one of Australia’s only community organisations supporting women and girls impacted by the criminal justice system. Through their leadership, WJN has strengthened its programs, expanded its impact, and delivered life-changing support that helps women leaving prison to rebuild their lives and reduce reoffending.
Recognising recent graduates of the CERT IV in Coordination of Volunteer Programs (CHC44015)
Certificate IV in Coordination of Volunteer Programs (CHC44015) is a specialist qualification designed for volunteer leaders, managers and coordinators. The course is delivered by the National School of Volunteer Management (RTO 90031) and includes a focus on foundational theory, practical tips, tools and industry best practice techniques for enriching volunteer worker experiences. The following graduates were recognised at the ceremony:
- Rhonda Chesterton
- Jane Dinsdale-Scanlon
- Cassandra Lee
- James Lomas
- Tracey Marsh