Dubbo SES champion named 2026 Orana Volunteer of the Year
September 29th, 2026
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.
Julie was recognised today at the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards at the Dubbo 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:
Orana Young Volunteer of the Year: Aanya Koirala from Dubbo
Aanya gives her time with the Not For Profit Guide Foundation and for the Nepalese language school Nani Babu 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 – and teaches dance and supports local community events.
Orana Adult Volunteer of the Year: Julieanne Reynolds from Dubbo
Julieanne draws on her deep knowledge of plants and Australian habitat in her volunteer support for the Taronga Conservation Society Australia.
She volunteers in the grass nursery, where she assists with propagation, maintenance, and improving plant management for the Plains-wanderer program.
Julieanne 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.
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, and provides essential operational, administrative and logistical support.
She manages fleet, uniforms and communications that are so important to SES operations, particularly during storms, floods and other emergency events and incidents.
Orana Emergency Volunteers of the Year: Joint winners Aaron Burrows and Neil Sturrock from Dubbo
Neil and Aaron volunteer with VRA Rescue NSW/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 and provide training and mentoring for new volunteers.
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 people living with dementia throughout the region.
The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said volunteers from across the Orana 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 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 Orana 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.”
Orana 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.