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 Central Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year Awards.
2026 Central Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year
Meals on Wheels volunteering legend Bev Grace has been named the 2026 Central Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year, for 25 years of care and compassion while delivering meals to elderly and disadvantaged members of her community.
The category winners for the regional awards are:
2026 Central Western Sydney Young Volunteer of the Year
Phoebe Ng
Phoebe gives her time with the Kids Giving Back Youth Change Makers program, where she oversees younger volunteers who help prepare meals and care packages for people in need as part of the Parramatta Helping Hands program.
She also does shopping runs and deliveries for other charities and shelters, ensuring essential items get to where they’re needed.
2026 Central Western Sydney Adult Volunteer of the Year
Joyce Lam
Joyce is a long-standing and deeply valued volunteer with the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation. She’s given countless hours of her time over many years, supporting volunteer programs and fundraising events.
A significant part of Joyce’s contribution involves volunteer logistics and operations – ensuring uniforms, event materials, supplies and equipment remain sorted, accessible and ready at all times.
2026 Central Western Sydney Senior Volunteer of the Year
Bev Grace
Bev has volunteered with the City of Parramatta’s Community Care Meals on Wheels service for over 25 years, working multiple shifts each week delivering meals to people at risk of social isolation and declining health.
During one shift, Bev potentially saved a life by locating an elderly resident who had experienced a fall and calling 000 – the reason Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver meals to the person, not to the front door.
2026 Central Western Sydney Emergency Volunteer of the Year
Sarjeyan Subhangan
Jey is a trained medical commander and emergency medical technician with St John Ambulance NSW as well as serving as Superintendent of both the Parramatta adult and Holroyd cadet divisions.
He has volunteered over 1,200 hours including at major events like the Sydney Royal Easter Show, New Year’s Eve and the City2Surf and major flood emergencies on the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers Regions.
He also supports and mentors other volunteers, overseeing their training and development and assisting with state logistics coordination.
2026 Central Western Sydney Volunteer Team of the Year
Parramatta City Swim Club Swim Teachers
The 20 volunteer swim teachers at the Parramatta City Swim Club provide year-round swimming lessons for children and adults at Granville Pool. The cost-free program has provided water safety and skill development for thousands of community members since 1951.
They gave more than 1,500 hours of instruction in 2025-26, equating to 10,000 hours of student lessons. They also provide free advanced coaching to children, removing barriers to competitive sporting opportunities.
2065 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award Sponsors
