Emergency volunteer veteran named 2026 Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year
September 21st, 2026
First aid responder and frontline fire fighter Konrad Janson has been named 2026 Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year, for a decade of service protecting communities and supporting public health.
Konrad was recognised today at the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards at the Liverpool Catholic 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:
Western Sydney Young Volunteer of the Year: Yousef Al Masri from Busby
Yousef gives his time on the Miller Technology High School Student Representative Council; as a Youth Councillor for Liverpool City Council; as a member of the Liverpool Youth Action Group; with the not-for-profit charity group Community Cafe Outreach; and inside the wards at Liverpool Hospital.
His volunteering gives a voice to young people in the community and in government, as well as reducing food insecurity, supporting people in need, and providing hands on patient support and clinical assistance.
Western Sydney Adult Volunteer of the Year: Ann Hook from Moorebank
Ann gives her time to a unit of the Australian Army Cadets, managing operations and communication, organising activities and training schedules, and supporting cadets.
She has provided unwavering support for young people, having helped hundreds of cadets to build confidence, discipline and a sense of purpose.
Western Sydney Senior Volunteer of the Year: Christine Windsor from Busby
Christine volunteers with Catholic Healthcare’s Aged Care Volunteers Visitors Scheme at Holy Spirit Casula.
She provides companionship and emotional support to older people experiencing loneliness and social isolation in residential aged care. She visits several residents during the week, listening to personal stories, taking them out, and promoting wellbeing and social connection.
Western Sydney Emergency Volunteer of the Year: Konrad Janson from Hinchinbrook
Konrad is a first aid volunteer and event health responder with the St John Ambulance NSW Fairfield Division, as well as an Advanced Firefighter volunteer with the NSW Rural Fire Service.
His efforts help keep communities safe and support the next generation of volunteers through training and building resilience.
Western Sydney Volunteer Team of the Year: CPActive Champions Volunteer Team
The Cerebral Palsy Alliance’s CPActive Champions are a team of 38 volunteers with lived experience of disability who dedicate their time, expertise, and personal insight to drive disability advocacy, anti-ableism, and systemic social change across Australia.
The group has given over 2,500 hours of their time to create safe spaces, address discrimination, and improve accessibility for people with disability.
The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said volunteers from across Western Sydney 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 Western Sydney 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.”
Western Sydney 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.