NOMINATIONS for the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are now open, with family, friends and work mates urged to help celebrate the enormous positive impact of volunteers across the state.
The awards are in their 20th year and are run by The Centre for Volunteering to recognise the outstanding work of volunteers in every region across NSW.
Nominations for the awards can be made across seven separate categories, with recipients recognised at one of 25 regional ceremonies throughout the year, culminating in the announcement of the NSW Volunteer of the Year in December.
According to the 2025 NSW State of Volunteering Report, volunteers across the state give 1.3 billion hours of their time to their communities each year, contributing $205.3 billion to the NSW economy.
The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards celebrate this amazing contribution.
“Volunteers in NSW do so much good for so many people every year,” Ms Rygate said.
“Now more than ever, we need to shine a light on the positive impact of volunteering – and that’s what these awards are all about.”
The 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year was Molly Croft, who was recognised for her work raising awareness and funding for young people with cancer.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have my life changed by volunteers, and so every time I get to give back and try and make a difference, I feel very honoured to do so.
“Recognising their work and celebrating the work of volunteers is worth so much, and that’s what the awards achieve.”
Minister with Responsibility for Volunteering, Jodie Harrison said volunteers are a powerful force for change in our 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.
“They don’t do it for recognition or awards, but because they want to help others.
“The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are a great way to celebrate their contributions and show that they are appreciated.
“I urge people to nominate someone you know – the unsung heroes in our communities – for these awards.”
The Emergency Volunteer of the Year Award category is supported by the 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”, Minister Dib said.
“Whether it’s responding to floods, fires or storms, these volunteers drop everything to keep people safe, often missing out on time with their own families.
“If someone in your life gives their time as an emergency volunteer, I’d encourage you to nominate them and show them that their time and service matters.”
Nominations are open until Friday 29 May 2026 at https://www.volunteering.com.au/awards/about-the-awards/.
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