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 Riverina Volunteer of the Year Awards.
2026 Riverina Volunteer of the Year
Wagga Wagga board stalwart and emergency volunteer Rory McKenzie has been named the 2026 Riverina Volunteer of the Year, for his deep commitment to community health and safety, inclusion, and stronger governance for not-for-profit and community organisations.
The category winners for the regional awards are:
2026 Riverina Young Volunteer of the Year
Sarah Smith
Wagga Wagga teenager Sarah Smith is a leading advocate and volunteer for events and services for young people throughout the Riverina, helping to amplify voices, reduce barriers, and foster engagement.
She gives her time with Wagga Wagga Regional Council to support events and services as well as rolling up her sleeves to provide on the ground support. She also mentors young girls through the Turvey Park Girl Guides.
2026 Riverina Adult Volunteer of the Year
Steven Ballard
Steven is the co-founder and Chairperson of the Sunshine Ride Committee which has raised more than $680,000 over the past five years to help local cancer patients with care and support.
His volunteer work includes event planning, community engagement, driving sponsorships, managing logistics, media promotion, and additional fundraising events.
2026 Riverina Senior Volunteer of the Year
Margaret Hill
Margaret is a volunteer veteran, having given her time at the Cooinda Court Aged Care facility for the past 40 years to win grants, keep records, manage archives and support the administration.
She also volunteers with the Junee Showground Trust and Junee Show Society, helping to source funding for infrastructure improvements, community projects and facility upgrades for the showground.
2026 Riverina Emergency Volunteer of the Year
Rory McKenzie
Rory gives his time with the local branches of the NSW State Emergency Service, NSW Rural Fire Service, and Australian Red Cross.
He has also supported the Wagga Wagga Multicultural Council, The Leisure Company, and The Forrest Centre through his volunteer board roles and is the co-chair at the Wagga Wagga Local Health Advisory Committee.
His volunteer work improves community health and safety, inclusion and supports stronger governance across numerous not-for-profit and community organisations.
2026 Riverina Volunteer Team of the Year
The Carevan Foundation Team
The 20 volunteer members of the Carevan Foundation Team include school students, retirees, working professionals and community leaders – all of whom go above and beyond to foster community resilience, reduce social barriers, and promote dignity in the community.
They provide more than 20,000 healthy meals each year and sewing bags for the Street Care Pack program. They help up to 80 people a day, as well as students at 13 schools.
2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award Sponsors
