The formal opening of nominations marks the start of 2022 National Volunteer Week in NSW, with organisations, colleagues, families, and friends urged to show their appreciation by nominating their local volunteers for the awards.
The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are an annual program run by The Centre for Volunteering to recognise the outstanding work of volunteers in every corner of the state.
Nominations can be made across eight separate categories, with recipients recognised at one of 25 regional ceremonies, culminating in the announcement of the NSW Volunteer of the Year in December.
Almost 120,000 volunteers from hundreds of community-based organisations were recognised as part of last year’s awards, making it one the biggest celebrations of volunteering across the country
The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said the awards were a way to thank, recognise and celebrate the efforts of the state’s four million volunteers.
“Over recent years, volunteers have stood tall in the face of drought, bushfires and COVID,” Ms Rygate said.
“And more recently, they again responded by helping their neighbours, friends and strangers during the devastating floods in northern NSW.
“It’s National Volunteer Week and so there’s no better time to say thank you to people who give their time to make their communities stronger right across NSW.”
The categories for the 16th NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are: Young Volunteer of the Year; Employee Volunteer of the Year; Adult Volunteer of the Year; Volunteer Leader of the Year; Senior Volunteer of the Year; NSW Club Volunteer of the Year; Volunteer Team of the Year; and Not for Profit Voluntary Governance Award
ClubsNSW CEO Josh Landis said the awards continue to shine a spotlight on the valuable contribution that volunteers make to communities right across NSW.
“Each year we uncover so many inspirational stories of volunteers going above and beyond to support their local communities,” Mr Landis said.
“Clubs wouldn’t be able to do all the wonderful things they do without volunteers, and I’m thrilled to have a special NSW Club Volunteer of the Year category to acknowledge their efforts.”
Nominations are open until Friday, June 17 at volunteering.com.au/volunteer-awards.
Thank, recognise and celebrate efforts of dedicated volunteers
IT’S time to shine a light on the tireless efforts of the state’s army of dedicated volunteers, with nominations open for the 2022 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.
