Northern Rivers Volunteers Set to Shine at 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards

JEFF GIBBS

The Northern Rivers community is rallying behind its local volunteer heroes as they prepare to represent the region at the prestigious 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.

Finalists from across the Northern Rivers will join over 200 other extraordinary individuals and teams in Sydney next month for a gala event celebrating their invaluable contributions.

The highlight of the evening will be the announcement of the 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year.

These fnalists were selected from 25 regions across the state, with regional ceremonies held in recent months to honour their exceptional efforts. Representing the Northern Rivers region this year are:

• Young Volunteer of the Year: Jackson Whitney, NSW SES

• Adult Volunteer of the Year: Simone Clark, Wardell CORE, Orange Sky, and Mary’s Place

• Senior Volunteer of the Year: Leoni Byron-Jackson, WIRES

• Volunteer Team of the Year: Agape Outreach

Gemma Rygate, CEO of The Centre for Volunteering, praised the incredible impact volunteers make across the state.

“Each year, more than 4 million people volunteer in NSW, contributing an astounding $178 billion in social and economic value,” Ms. Rygate said.

“Volunteers in the Northern Rivers region are a vital part of this collective effort. We wish this year’s fnalists the very best of luck at the state awards and, most importantly, extend our heartfelt thanks to all volunteers across the region for their selfess dedication and remarkable contributions.”

The 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards Gala Ceremony will take place in Sydney on Tuesday, 10 December.

The awards are proudly supported by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice and ClubsNSW as Principal Partners, with regional sponsor Beyond Bank Australia and additional support from Sixt and Mint Awards.