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 Illawarra Volunteer of the Year Awards.
2026 Illawarra Volunteer of the Year
Local volunteering legend Vivienne Marris has been named 2026 Illawarra Volunteer of the Year for her service and commitment to more than 15 community groups across the region.
The category winners for the regional awards are:
2026 Illawarra Young Volunteer of the Year
Uthman Farache
Uthman is a volunteer wellness ambassador at the University of Wollongong Pulse Program, where he gives his time on free sports programs, the university breaky bar, kindness workshops and cultural events.
He has completed more than 100 shifts and 300 hours of volunteering, helping to foster meaningful student connections and wellbeing.
2026 Illawarra Adult Volunteer of the Year
Scout Davis
Scout Davis is the co-founder of Propel Project Dharawal, a community-led organisation focused on early intervention and mentoring of young people across the Illawarra.
She is a part of the Circle Sentencing panel, advocates for young people in court and in custody, assists police with community outreach, and actively engages with local schools and their leadership.
Her volunteering helps young indigenous people to re-engage with education, community and build trust.
2026 Illawarra Senior Volunteer of the Year
Vivienne Marris
Vivienne shares her volunteering across many community organisations, services and causes, helping people in need and building strong and healthy community connections.
She has been a driving force at the Jamberoo branch of the Country Women’s Association, while also supporting fundraising for the NSW Cancer Council, Dress for Success and the Red Cross. She gives her time at the Kiama Garden Club, the Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers & Residents group and the Jamberoo Village Markets.
All up Vivienne has supported more than 15 local groups and causes, including local show societies, sports clubs, emergency response, and homelessness support services.
2026 Illawarra Emergency Volunteer of the Year
William Lee
Group Captain William Lee has dedicated an incredible 55 years of volunteering to the NSW Rural Fire Service across the Illawarra region. He provides operations support, training, while also undertaking high‑risk frontline work protecting life and property.
He’s contributed 350 hours to develop national training around heavy plant, safety and crew awareness and is also President of the Austinmer Thirroul RSL Sub-Branch, supporting veteran welfare.
2026 Illawarra Volunteer Team of the Year
Support Transition Assistance Response Service (STARS) Volunteer Program
The 15 members of the STARS Volunteer Program provide care and support to older people in Illawarra and Shoalhaven hospitals waiting to enter the aged care system. They provide companionship, reassurance and advocate for patient preferences.
The team has supported 86 older people and 66 family carers over the past 12 months, providing 244 hours of direct in-hospital and after-hours service.
The program is run by the Community Industry Group, the peak body supporting and advocating for not-for-profit community and human services in Southern New South Wales.
2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award Sponsors
