Volunteers from across the Illawarra region were today recognised for their outstanding contribution to volunteering in NSW, at a special ceremony in Wollongong.
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The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards is an annual event run by The Centre for Volunteering and is the biggest celebration of volunteering across the country.
Adult Volunteer of the Year was Nicki Bowman of Dress for Success Illawarra. During the last four years she has helped establish an Illawarra branch of the service that has already supported more than 100 vulnerable women in the region. She sources funding, establishes relationships with referral agencies, encourages clothing donations, recruits volunteers and finds suitable and affordable accommodation for clients.
Young Volunteer of the Year was Dapto’s Rianna Le for her work with Camp Quality, the autism-specific service provider ASPECT, Catholic Care’s Sibling Support Program and the University of Wollongong's Learning Labs Program. She balances her busy schedule with teaching studies at university.
Senior Volunteer of the Year Audrey Walsh, of Fairy Meadow, was recognised for her work with Illawarra Cancer Carers over the last 25 years.
Volunteer Team of the Year was awarded to Port Kembla Branch United Hospital Auxilliaries at Port Kembla Hospital. The 11 member team has helped raise more than $1 million for patient care over the past 50 years.
At the end of the presentation Nicki Bowman, of Dress for Success, won the overall award to be named Illawarra Volunteer of the Year.
The Centre for Volunteering chief executive Gemma Rygate said the winners were representative of volunteers from all over the Illawarra region who made an enormous contribution to the local community.
She said they give their time helping in schools, hospitals, sporting clubs, the environment and many community based organisations.
“They all give so much without asking for anything in return,” she said.
“It was so pleasing to recognise their outstanding efforts and also celebrate the special contribution.”
The winners will now represent the Illawarra at the NSW 2018 Volunteer of the Year Awards in November.
The awards are supported by the Department of Family, Community Services NSW, ClubsNSW, Etchcraft and Thrifty Car & Truck Rentals.
Ray Williams, the NSW Minister responsible for volunteering, said 2.1 million volunteers in NSW contributed more than $5 billion to the tstae economy every year.
ClubsNSW chief executive Anthony Ball said volunteers were the backbone of registered clubs across NSW. He said more than 32,000 volunteers helped make the venues a vibrant and enjoyable experience.
“They also contribute so much more to our wider community, adding billions of dollars to the NSW economy each year,” he said.
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