New South Wales celebrates the unsung heroes in their communities, by nominating them for the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.
This annual program, run by The Centre for Volunteering, celebrates the remarkable contributions of volunteers across the state.
“Every day, volunteers are out there in their communities helping to run vital services and events,” says Gemma Rygate, CEO of The Centre for Volunteering. “Our local communities would not be the same without volunteers.”
With 4.3 million people volunteering in NSW, contributing a staggering $178 billion in social and economic benefits, the impact of these individuals is undeniable. The awards, now in their 19th year, serve as a crucial platform to acknowledge and appreciate their dedication.
“Nominating your local volunteers for these awards sends a clear message that their work is valued and does not go unnoticed,” Rygate emphasises.
The awards span seven categories, including Young Volunteer, Adult Volunteer, Senior Volunteer, Volunteer Team, Volunteer Leader, Not-for-Profit Voluntary Governance, and a newly introduced Emergency Volunteer of the Year award. This new category recognises the critical role of volunteers in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.
“They are incredibly passionate about what they do and selflessly devote their time, skills and knowledge to help others,” says the Hon Jodie Harrison MP, NSW Minister with Responsibility for Volunteering. “I encourage people to nominate a volunteer in your community for the awards – the unsung heroes whose contributions make our state a great place to live in.”
The 2024 awards saw over 139,000 volunteers from more than 500 organisations recognised, highlighting the program’s significant reach. The latest data underscores the importance of volunteer recognition, showing it’s a key factor in retaining current volunteers and attracting new ones.
“Our volunteers deserve recognition and these Awards are a fantastic way to show that they are appreciated,” Harrison states.
The awards are supported by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, regional awards sponsor Beyond Bank, and supporters Mint Awards and SIXT. This collaboration reinforces the collective effort to honour those who give their time freely.
“Local communities would not be the same without volunteers,” Rygate reiterates. She encourages everyone to take the time to nominate their neighbours, colleagues, or community members.
The sheer scale of volunteering in NSW is remarkable. With 2.1 million women, 1.3 million rural and regional volunteers, and a highly active youth cohort, the impact is felt across all sectors. Sports volunteers alone contribute $40 billion to the state’s economy, while over 812,000 seniors contribute $28.7 billion.
Nominations for the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are open until Friday, 23 May 2025. You can submit your nominations at
https://www.volunteering.com.au/awards/about-the-awards/. Don’t miss this opportunity to say thank you to the volunteers who make a difference in your community.
Also read: Balwyn Evergreen Centre honours volunteers on International Volunteer Day
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