COFFS COAST volunteers have taken out major wins at the Mid North Coast Volunteer of the Year awards.
Tania Hrbacek from Ulong was named Mid North Coast Adult Volunteer of the Year with Toby Mitchell from Coffs Harbour taking out the Mid North Coast Young Volunteer of the Year award.
A dedicated canteen worker, fundraiser and event organiser, Tania works tirelessly to support teachers, students and their families across seven schools in the Orara Valley Learning Community.
She creates the menus, shops for supplies, cooks meals at canteens, organises school events, and helps raise funds through stalls, raffles, bake sales and sponsorships.
Toby Mitchell, 12-year-old artist, author and marine conservationist, gives his time to the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary where he raises awareness and funding for the care and conservation of sea turtles.
Toby has created his own original artwork, including painted coasters, plant pots and bookmarks, and has written several books for sale at the sanctuary to support its sea turtle rehabilitation program.
The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are hosted by The Centre for Volunteering to help promote and support volunteering across NSW.
Now in their 19th year, the awards celebrate the work of thousands of individuals and volunteer teams from a diverse range of organisations across the state.
All volunteer award winners were recognised on Friday 22 August at the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards ceremony at the Westport Club in Port Macquarie.
The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said in difficult times, volunteers often come forward to meet a crisis with compassion.
“Volunteers are the quiet force, whether helping ease cost of living pressures, supporting those in crisis or responding on the front line of floods, fires and emergencies,” Ms Rygate said.
“Their dedication isn’t just admirable; it underpins a more resilient and compassionate society.
“These exceptional individuals give selflessly, often while juggling careers, study, and family life, yet they still choose to show up for others when it matters most.”
The NSW Minister with responsibility for volunteering, Jodie Harrison congratulated the recipients.
“You’ve been recognised as heroes by the people in your communities who know you best,” she said.
“These awards are an important way we recognise your passion and dedication to your local communities.”
Unable to attend the ceremony, Tania’s award was accepted on her behalf by the principal of Ulong Public School, Mrs Surinder Kaler.
By Andrea FERRARI
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