Krazy Kosci Klimb veteran named 2026 Southern Sydney Volunteer of the Year
September 1st, 2026
Krazy Kosci Klimb organiser and Cerebral Palsy Alliance volunteer Bill Manning has been named the 2026 Southern Sydney Volunteer of the Year, for his decades long work helping young people with a disability to participate in a rich and life changing experience.
Bill was recognised today at the 2026 NSW Volunteer of Year Awards at Cronulla RSL.
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:
Southern Sydney Young Volunteer of the Year: Sunny Liu from Blakehurst
Sunny has volunteered with the Australian Army Cadets and Lifeline for the past two years, giving almost 4,000 hours of her time to lead cadets and support people when they are most in need.
She has served as the Officer Commanding, Second-in-Command, and Training Officer of her cadet unit, ensuring the physical and mental safety and welfare of more than 150 members. She is also a telephone crisis supporter, where she listens to and supports people in distress, and mentors other volunteers.
Southern Sydney Adult Volunteer of the Year: Bill Manning from Connells Point
Bill has been helping to organise the Cerebral Palsy Alliance’s Krazy Kosci Klimb event since its inception more than 13 years ago, helping more than 200 young people believe in themselves and reach their goals.
He manages mountain logistics, safety, and volunteer coordination ensuring that young people with a disability can set and reach their goals and participate in challenging outdoor activities in one of the country’s most iconic environments.
Southern Sydney Senior Volunteer of the Year: Paul Quinn from Illawong
Paul has been volunteering at Calvary Health Care Kogarah for over six years where he supports people in palliative care through equipment delivery, community visits, and emotional support.
He ensures that the patients in palliative care have access to the specialist equipment they need, as well as companionship and welfare support that reduces loneliness and enhances emotional wellbeing.
Southern Sydney Emergency Volunteer of the Year: Warren Rennie AM OAM from Cronulla
Warren has been volunteering at North Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club for almost 70 years, where he has helped maintain beach safety through patrols, rescues, coaching, and mentoring other surf lifesaving volunteers.
He has strengthened lifesaving’s standards, protected beach goers and trained several new generations of fellow surf lifesaving volunteers.
Southern Sydney Volunteer Team of the Year: Calvary Kogarah Biography Service
The 20 members of the Calvary Kogarah Biography Service volunteers help record the life stories of people in palliative care, allowing them to speak openly about their lives, relationships, achievements, fears and hopes.
They give their time, compassion and energy so people are heard and supported during the final chapter of their lives. Their work also supports memory projects, letters, eulogies and legacy items for families and future generations.
The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said volunteers from across St George and Sutherland Shire 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 Southern 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 you do.”
Southern 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.