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LIFE & STYLE
Nominations open for 2026 Outer Western
Sydney Volunteer of the Year
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Outer Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year Awards, giving the community a chance to recognise the extraordinary contribution volunteers make across the region.
Part of the broader NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, the program is now in its 20th year and remains one of the largest celebrations of volunteering in the country. Run by The Centre for Volunteering, the awards recognise outstanding individuals across seven categories, highlighting the diverse ways people give back
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Residents are encouraged to nominate family members, friends, colleagues or community members whose efforts often go unrecognised but make a lasting difference.
According to the 2025 NSW State of Volunteering Report, volunteers across the state contribute an estimated 1.3 billion hours each year— equating to a remarkable $ 205.3 billion contribution to the NSW economy.
The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said the awards shine a light on this
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“ Volunteers in NSW do so much good for so many people every year,” Ms Rygate said.
“ Now, more than ever, we need to recognise the positive impact of volunteering, particularly in areas like Western Sydney. That’ s what these awards are all about.”
Regional award recipients will be invited to attend the State Gala Ceremony later in the year, where they will represent Outer Western Sydney and be part of the announcement of the overall 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year.
Last year’ s Outer Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year, St John Ambulance first aid logistics officer Richard Bernecic, was honoured for his dedication to keeping the community safe and healthy across the region.
Minister with Responsibility for Volunteering, Jodie Harrison MP, said volunteers play a vital role in shaping strong communities.
“ Our state would not be the thriving place it is without the millions of volunteers giving their time and sharing their knowledge and skills every day,” she said.
“ They don’ t do it for recognition or awards, but because they want to help others. These awards are a meaningful way to show how much they are appreciated.”
Emergency service volunteers are also recognised through a dedicated award category, supported by NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib.“ Every day across NSW, emergency service volunteers quietly step up for their communities without being asked and without expecting recognition,” Mr Dib said.
“ Whether responding to floods, fires or storms, they put others first— often at great personal sacrifice. If you know someone who gives their time in this way, I encourage you to nominate them.” Nominations for the 2026 awards close on Friday, 29 May.
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Karen McKeown MP with Senior Volunteer of the Year 2025 winner Helen Knobbs from Hawkesbury Community Kitchen.
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16 ISSUE 192 // MAY 2026 theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT