Meals on Wheels legend named 2026 Central Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year
September 11th, 2026
Meals on Wheels volunteering legend Bev Grace has been named the 2026 Central Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year, for 25 years of care and compassion while delivering meals to elderly and disadvantaged members of her community.
Bev was recognised today at the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards at Club Parramatta.
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:
Central Western Sydney Young Volunteer of the Year: Phoebe Ng from Carlingford
Phoebe gives her time with the Kids Giving Back Youth Change Makers program, where she oversees younger volunteers who help prepare meals and care packages for people in need as part of the Parramatta Helping Hands program.
She also does shopping runs and deliveries for other charities and shelters, ensuring essential items get to where they’re needed.
Central Western Sydney Adult Volunteer of the Year: Joyce Lam from Parramatta
Joyce is a long-standing and deeply valued volunteer with the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation. She’s given countless hours of her time over many years, supporting volunteer programs and fundraising events.
A significant part of Joyce’s contribution involves volunteer logistics and operations – ensuring uniforms, event materials, supplies and equipment remain sorted, accessible and ready at all times.
Central Western Sydney Senior Volunteer of the Year: Bev Grace from Greystanes
Bev has volunteered with the City of Parramatta’s Community Care Meals on Wheels service for over 25 years, working multiple shifts each week delivering meals to people at risk of social isolation and declining health.
During one shift, Bev potentially saved a life by locating an elderly resident who had experienced a fall and calling 000 – the reason Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver meals to the person, not to the front door.
Central Western Sydney Emergency Volunteer of the Year: Sarjeyan Subhangan from Girraween
Sarjeyan is a trained medical commander and emergency medical technician with St John Ambulance NSW and serves as Superintendent of both the Parramatta adult and Holroyd cadet divisions.
He has volunteered over 1,200 hours including at major events like the Sydney Royal Easter Show, New Year’s Eve and the City2Surf and major flood emergencies on the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers Regions.
He also supports and mentors other volunteers, overseeing their training and development and assisting with state logistics coordination.
Central Western Sydney Volunteer Team of the Year: Parramatta City Swim Club Swim Teachers
The 20 volunteer swim teachers at the Parramatta City Swim Club provide year-round swimming lessons for children and adults at Granville Pool. The cost-free program has provided water safety and skill development for thousands of community members since 1951.
They gave more than 1,500 hours of instruction in 2025-26, equating to 10,000 hours of student lessons. They also provide free advanced coaching to children, removing barriers to competitive sporting opportunities.
The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said volunteers from across the Parramatta and Central Western Sydney 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 Central 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.”
Central 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.