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 Northern Beaches Volunteer of the Year Awards.
2026 Northern Beaches Volunteer of the Year
Mowana Safe Space founder Melani Kypri has been named the 2026 Northern Beaches Volunteer of the Year, for her deep commitment to greater mental health services and support for people feeling depressed, lonely, isolated or anxious.
The category winners for the regional awards are:
2026 Northern Beaches Young Volunteer of the Year
Tilly Cooper
Teenager surf rescuer and author Tilly Cooper is a constant presence at the Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club where she works on the sand and water with young nippers, drives fundraising and promotes inclusion.
Her passion for helping others, initiative and leadership spurred her to establish the Fijian Clothes Drive, a campaign to help collect and deliver clothes and swim wear to Fijian communities. Tilly is also an Ambassador for the Kimaya Brighter Minds Program in Fiji, which promotes the intellectual development of students.
2026 Northern Beaches Adult Volunteer of the Year
Kerry Gleeson
Kerry gives her time with Northern Beaches Council, Lifeline Northern Beaches and Wayahead, providing support for mental health, suicide prevention, and for people at risk of homelessness and domestic violence.
Her volunteer support extends across the Avalon Youth Hub Steering Group, the Homeless interagency, facilitating free anxiety support groups, and as Chair of Northen Beaches Mental Health Month.
2026 Northern Beaches Senior Volunteer of the Year
Melani Kypri
Melanie helped establish the Mowana Safe Space in Narrabeen to provide a safe place for people feeling anxious, bullied, depressed, lonely or suicidal.
The free mental health support service accommodates 1,000 visits a year where 45 volunteers meet with and listen to people in need. Melanie trains volunteers, develops programs and builds strong community connections.
2026 Northern Beaches Emergency Volunteer of the Year
Christian Young
NSW SES Commander Christian Young has provided more than 17 years of volunteer service, helping communities and people to stay safe during storms and major events.
He oversees the Canterbury, Bankstown and Fairfield Units, while also volunteering his time as a Chief Inspector. He coordinates the emergency response to floods and storms, mentors fellow volunteers, supports training, and drives strategic planning and inter-agency collaboration.
2026 Northern Beaches Volunteer Team of the Year
Warrior Woman Foundation Wise Women Mentors
The 65 volunteers at the Forestville based Warrior Woman Foundation Wise Women Mentors help young women facing disadvantage with training, one-on-one mentoring, and community activities.
They have provided more than 13,000 volunteer hours in the past 12 months, helping young women with issues like housing insecurity and family violence, and building confidence, financial understanding and engagement in employment and education.
2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award Sponsors
