Nominations have opened for the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, marking 20 years of recognising the quiet achievers who underpin communities across the state.
The annual awards program, run by The Centre for Volunteering, celebrates the extraordinary contribution of volunteers in every region of New South Wales. In 2025 alone, more than 145,000 volunteers were recognised for their dedication to strengthening and supporting their communities.
Member for Myall Lakes Tanya Thompson is urging locals across the Manning and Great Lakes to put forward the names of those making a difference.
“Volunteers are the quiet force behind the strength of the Myall Lakes,” Mrs Thompson said.
“They are the people who step up in times of crisis, saving lives, protecting homes, supporting local businesses, and caring for our precious wildlife.”
Seven award categories are open for nomination in 2026, including Young Volunteer, Adult Volunteer, Senior Volunteer, and Emergency Volunteer of the Year. To be eligible, nominees must have completed at least 20 hours of volunteer service within the past 11 months for a community group or recognised not-for-profit organisation.
“Our region thrives because of people who give so generously of their time while balancing work, family, and other commitments,” Mrs Thompson said.
“I encourage everyone across the Manning and Great Lakes to take a few moments to nominate a volunteer or volunteer team who makes a real and inspiring difference. Recognition matters, and it’s a powerful way to say thank you.”
Statewide, the scale of volunteering is significant. According to the 2025 NSW State of Volunteering Report, volunteers give 1.3 billion hours of their time to their communities each year, contributing $205.3 billion to the NSW economy. It is estimated that 4.9 million people over the age of 15 volunteer in NSW, or almost 70 per cent of the population.
The awards culminate in 25 regional ceremonies held throughout the year, before the NSW Volunteer of the Year is announced in December. Regional ceremonies will take place from early August until November.
Minister with Responsibility for Volunteering Jodie Harrison said volunteers remain central to the state’s wellbeing.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities, with 4.9 million of them contributing over 1.3 billion hours to our collective wellbeing,” Minister Harrison said.
“The NSW Government is working to grow volunteering, not only through the recruitment portal, but to make sure volunteers have access to the support they need and their contributions are recognised.”
The state’s Volunteer Recruitment Portal, delivered in partnership with SEEK Volunteer, has recorded 1.59 million online visits since launching in 2017 and connected more than 81,000 people to volunteer organisations via expressions of interest. Organisations registered on the portal have grown by 75 per cent since October 2017.
“We know volunteering is changing, so we are working with volunteering organisations, volunteers, and the Centre for Volunteering to make sure the sector can adapt and attract new volunteers,” Minister Harrison said.
Nominations for the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards close at 5pm on Friday, 29 May 2026. Find out more and how to nominate at https://www.volunteering.com.au/awards/about-the-awards/
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