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 Orana Volunteer of the Year Awards.
2026 Orana Volunteer of the Year
Dubbo SES organiser, admin whizz, and logistics volunteer Julie Anderson has been named 2026 Orana Volunteer of the Year, for 30 years of behind-the-scenes support that has kept emergency and lifesaving capability going for communities across the region.
The category winners for the regional awards are:
2026 Orana Young Volunteer of the Year
Aanya Koirala
Aanya gives her time with the Not For Profit Guide Foundation, and for the Nepalese language school Nanibabu Pathshala. She mentors students, designs flyers and certificates, and supports teachers in the classroom.
She also gives her time with the cross-cultural community group ORISCON, where she takes part in the Voices of Women program; teaches dance; and supports community events.
2026 Orana Adult Volunteer of the Year
Julieanne Reynolds from Dubbo
Julieanne draws on her deep, expert knowledge of plants and Australian habitat in her volunteer support for the Taronga Conservation Society Australia.
She volunteers in the grass nursery at Western Plains Zoo, where she assists with propagation, maintenance, and improving plant management for the Plains-wanderer program. Julieanne has also played a major role in the annual revamp of the Plains-wanderer aviaries, helping restore and refresh the habitat structure needed for successful breeding and bird welfare.
2026 Orana Senior Volunteer of the Year
Julie Anderson from Dubbo
Julie has given her time with the NSW State Emergency Service at Dubbo for the past 30 years, providing operational, administrative and logistical support for the unit’s zone headquarters.
She manages the unit’s fleet, uniforms and communications that are so important to its operations, particularly during storms, floods and other emergency events and incidents.
2026 Orana Emergency Volunteers of the Year
Aaron Burrows and Neil Sturrock
Aaron and Neil volunteer with VRA Rescue NSW’s Dubbo Rescue Squad, providing emergency response and rescue support for road accidents, bushfires, floods and other critical and lifesaving operations.
Both hold senior leadership positions in the organisation’s western division, providing training and mentoring for new volunteers, as well as vital early medical intervention.
2026 Orana Volunteer Team of the Year
Dubbo Dementia Alliance
The 20 members of the Dubbo Dementia Alliance volunteer team support events, education programs, and lead support groups to help people living with dementia and their families. They help link community members to services, reduce the stigma of the illness, support carers, and are fierce advocates for improved services and support.
Their dedication and volunteering make a positive difference to the estimated 1,000 people living with dementia throughout the Dubbo region.
2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award Sponsors
