The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are now in their 20th year and celebrate the work of thousands of individuals and volunteer teams from a diverse range of organisations across the state.
Congratulations to the 2026 Award winners for the Blue Mountains Volunteer of the Year Awards.
2026 Blue Mountains Volunteer of the Year
Hope in a Suitcase volunteer Natalie Bennett has been named 2026 Blue Mountains Volunteer of the Year for her role in bringing comfort to children entering the out-of-home care system and for speaking out on the need to provide more support.
The category winners for the regional awards are:
2026 Blue Mountains Adult Volunteer of the Year
Natalie Bennett
Natalie gives her time with Hope in a Suitcase, helping to collect, pack and distribute clothing, blankets and toys for children transitioning to out-of-home care.
She has supported more than 1,000 children, while organising for surplus donations to be shared with other charities like Gateway Services and Bonnie Support Services. She is also a champion fundraiser, public speaker and finder of donations, sourcing support from Woolworths, Bunnings, and other organisations.
2026 Blue Mountains Senior Volunteer of the Year
Garry Sims
Detective Chief Inspector Garry Sims from the Blue Mountains Police Area Command is a Community Ambassador for the Kids with Cancer Foundation, which provides essential items, toys and personally written cards for children undergoing cancer treatment.
Garry leads an annual food drive across the Blue Mountains, coordinating local emergency services, businesses, schools and other community groups to raise thousands of dollars’ worth of donations.
He’s also an ambassador for RU OK? Day, highlighting the important issues of mental health and wellbeing.
2026 Blue Mountains Emergency Volunteer of the Year
Sabella Hebels
Sabella is a volunteer with Anglicare Sydney, where she sources and packs crucial items such as toiletry packs for distribution at emergency evacuation centres, providing comfort to those in need.
During the 2025 Mid North Coast Floods, Sabella supported the work of GIVIT, coordinating hundreds of requests from flood affected households and matching them with donated items, including fridges, beds and other household goods, enabling families to rebuild their homes and lives.
2026 Blue Mountains Volunteer Team of the Year
Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Reception Team
The Reception Team at the Springwood Neighbourhood Centre offers a warm, safe and welcoming space for community members looking to connect with others or access support services. The team welcomes new clients, organises resources, packs food relief bags, and provides admin support for staff.
Last year, the team distributed 900 food bags and 3,500 bread and pastry items to people in financial hardship, and contributed to 5,500 social connections, building a stronger, more connected community.
2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award Sponsors
