It’s time for people across the Riverina to nominate family, friends or work mates for the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, 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, and the Riverina Regional award recipients are invited to the State Gala ceremony at the end of the year to represent the region and to be present for the announcement of the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year.

The 2025 NSW state of volunteering report revealed that 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, particularly in areas like the Riverina. That’s what these awards are all about.”

Last year’s Riverina Volunteer of the Year was the founder of the Griffith Trauma Teddies Knitter’s Group, Pat Zandona, who was recognised for her support of young children impacted by health challenges and life threatening emergencies.

The 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year awards are supported by the awards’ patron: Minister Jodie Harrison; Principal Partner: NSW Department of Communities and Justice; Regional awards sponsor: Beyond Bank, and award supporters: the NSW Minister for Emergency Services, the NSW Minister for Youth, Etchcraft and SIXT.

Minister with Responsibility for Volunteering, the Hon. Jodie Harrison MP, 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, Hon. 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 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.