Dental care provider and multiculturism advocate named 2026 Upper North Shore Volunteer of the Year
September 18th, 2026
Dental care volunteer and Chinese community and multiculturism advocate Dr Anthony Ching has been named the 2026 Upper North Shore Volunteer of the Year, for his tireless commitment to community cohesion and accessible healthcare.
Dr Ching was recognised today at the 2026 NSW Volunteer of Year Awards at the Hornsby RSL Club.
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:
Upper North Shore Young Volunteer of the Year: Jordan Dawkins from Cherrybrook
Jordan gives his time with the North Sydney District Rugby League Referees’ Association where he completely redesigned the organisation’s website and social media pages, helping to increase online engagement and boost its reach to new referees that support the game.
He has volunteered hundreds of hours to modernise the organisation’s outreach, assisted with the development of promotional videos and sponsorship proposals, and supported event management.
Upper North Shore Adult Volunteer of the Year: Dr Anthony Ching from Killara
Dr Ching provides pro bono dental care to vulnerable people or those that cannot afford dental care.
He has also given his time with Christian Community Aid, Salvation Army Eastwood, ACCF, Ryde Council Grannie Smith Festival Committee, Ku-ring-gai Council Multicultural Committee, Lupus Australia, and the Lunar New Year Committee. His volunteering efforts foster social cohesion, cultural pride, and empower young people and women.
Upper North Shore Senior Volunteer of the Year: Kenneth MacRae from Pennant Hills
Kenneth supports the St Vincent de Paul Society at St Agatha’s Parish with community visits, helping with food, housing, and emotional care.
He is also a rowing coach at St Joseph’s College and Loreto College Normanhurst, where he has helped hundreds of young people participate in sport, gain confidence and support teamwork.
Upper North Shore Emergency Volunteer of the Year: Tim Wilkins from Berowra Heights
Tim is a volunteer with the NSW State Emergency Service Hornsby Unit, where he serves as Senior Group Officer and Deputy Unit Commander.
He has volunteered with the SES since 2014, providing leadership and support for trainees, incident management and response, logistics, and community liaison. He has also supported interstate communities during major storms, flooding and cyclones.
Upper North Shore Volunteer Team of the Year: Listening Ear Helpline Volunteer Team
The Listening Ear Helpline Volunteer Team provides phone support to people experiencing loneliness, isolation, grief, mental health concerns and personal distress. The 40 team members have given 7,300 hours of service over the past 12 months, responding to more than 6,000 calls from people in need.
Their volunteering efforts help reduce barriers to support, ease pressure on health services, and foster community connection.
The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said volunteers from across Sydney’s Upper North Shore region 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 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 Upper North Shore 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 you do.”
Upper North Shore 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.