International Women’s Day 2023

This International Women’s Day, we’re choosing to amplify and recognise the diversity of incredible community leaders across the state.

Here at The Centre for Volunteering, inclusion is at the core of everything we do. This means advocating for equal access and opportunity for everyone. 

This International Women’s Day, we’re choosing to amplify and recognise the diversity of incredible community leaders across the state. It’s important to reflect on this year’s theme, #CrackingTheCode – innovations for a gender equal future, and how we can be involved in not just embracing but engineering progress. 

Today and every day, let’s take meaningful action. Let’s be part of the change together. More pressingly, let’s celebrate what can be achieved when women have a seat at the table. 

Join us in looking back on our exemplary 2022 Volunteer of the Year award-winning volunteers who have innovated transformative change in their communities. 

Rose Lewis

Awarded 2022 Young Volunteer of the Year, Rose Lewis is a prolific volunteer who has engaged with the NSW Youth Parliament, Multicultural Youth Affairs Network, the Red Cross, Youth Action NSW – and now, her own Street Library.  

An inspiration to communities everywhere, Lewis is living proof that you can make a difference, no matter your age, gender or identity. Where she goes from here is simply a matter of what she puts her mind to. 

Hear in her own words why she loves volunteering here.

Clementine Hartson 

Awarded 2022 Adult Volunteer of the Year, Clementine Hartson transformed her personal experiences with mental health into a calling to help others. Founder of ProjectKindness, she leads her organisation in collecting and distributing donations for Kindness Hampers. 

Encouraging random acts of kindness across the state, Hartson is a champion of giving back to the community in more ways than one. 

Hear in her own words why she loves volunteering here.

Joy Rappo 

Awarded 2022 Senior Volunteer of the Year, Joy Rappo has devoted decades to supporting The Compassionate Friends, after they supported her following the tragic loss of her son. Ever since, she has been an invaluable asset to the organisation, contributing to training, events, liaison with Regulatory Bodies and more. 

Reaching individuals and whole communities in her efforts, Rappo has turned her grief into a life of selflessness and healing others.  

Hear in her own words why she loves volunteering here.