Creator, cook and advocate for victims of gender-based violence named 2026 South Coast Volunteer of the Year
October 1st, 2026
Southern Women’s Group and Bega Women’s Resource Centre volunteer Yvonne Cole has been named 2026 South Coast Volunteer of the Year, for her creative contributions and active hands-on support for victims of gender-based violence.
Yvonne was recognised today at the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards at Club Sapphire in Merimbula.
The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are hosted by The Centre for Volunteering to help promote and support volunteering across NSW.
The 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.
Other individual and team awards were also announced today:
South Coast Adult Volunteer of the Year: Yvonne Cole from Nethercote
Yvonne volunteers with the Southern Women’s Group, where she uses her artistic flare, culinary skills, and a dose of hard work to support women who are victims of gender-based violence.
She runs cooking, art and craft workshops, bakes hundreds of cupcakes, creates felt flowers, grows plants for table decorations, cooks BBQs, and helped with building renovations and transport for workshop participants.
Yvonne volunteers through the group’s Bega Women’s Resource Centre, helping to reduce social isolation, increase community participation and build confidence for women.
South Coast Senior Volunteer of the Year: Vera Clark from Eden
Vera has volunteered with the Eden Community Access Centre for over 15 years, supporting digital inclusion, producing a local community newsletter, and running outreach programs across the Bega Valley.
She is a long‑standing Centrelink Volunteer, helping community members navigate complex government systems and online requirements, and an ATO‑trained volunteer, completing tax returns for community members who can’t access commercial tax services.
South Coast Emergency Volunteer of the Year: Marine Rescue NSW Women in Search & Rescue Event Organising Committee
Sonia Teston, Caron Parfitt and Olivia Ford are all qualified vessel masters and highly committed volunteers with the Merimbula Unit of Marine Rescue NSW.
The team ran a successful three-day professional development workshop and on-water exercises for female marine rescue volunteers, helping to boost female participation, confidence and inclusivity, as well as improving organisational culture.
All three also train and mentor other volunteers, while providing frontline rescue services for the boating community across the South Coast.
South Coast Volunteer Team of the Year: Community Connect South Shoalhaven
The six members of the Community Connect South Shoalhaven volunteer team support not-for-profit and volunteer groups in Milton, Ulladulla and surrounding villages across the NSW South Coast.
They provide hands-on support, such as leadership and governance training, grant writing, strategic planning and an annual youth engagement program with strong ties to Ulladulla High School.
The team also connects volunteers with service providers, businesses, schools and TAFE, as well as organising an annual community expo.
The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said volunteers from across the NSW South Coast give so much to the local community.
“Volunteers help build strong and healthy communities across the state,” Ms Rygate said.
“They are always there when we need them most, giving their time and support across all areas of life including health, emergency services, education and community sectors.
“Volunteers are also role models for others, highlighting how volunteering can have such a positive impact on people and places. These awards celebrate the volunteering effort and impact.”
The NSW Minister with responsibility for Volunteering, Jodie Harrison said:
“Congratulations to our everyday heroes, the winners of the South Coast Volunteer of the Year Awards.
“From the bush to the sea, volunteers are the true heartbeat of our communities. Thank you for your invaluable contributions. You make New South Wales the best state to live in.
“In partnership with the Centre for Volunteering, the NSW Government continues to build a sector that is strong and diverse, and to make sure volunteers like you are recognised for and supported in what they do.”
South Coast award recipients will be invited to represent their region at the State Gala Award Ceremony at the end of the year, where the NSW Volunteer of the Year in each category will be announced.