THE Centre for Volunteering has encouraged residents of Far West New South Wales to nominate their local volunteers for the 2025 NS Volunteer of the Year Awards.
The annual awards recognise outstanding work by volunteers throughout NSW, and Far West volunteers can be nominated from seven categories.
Finalists will be invited to represent the region at the State Gala ceremony, where the NSW Volunteer of the Year is announced.
According to the Centre for Volunteering, the latest report on NSW volunteering indicates that around 4.3million people volunteer across the state annually, which contributes $178 billion in social and economic benefits.
Centre for Volunteering chief executive Gemma Rygate urged residents to nominate their neighbours, friends, colleagues or family members for an award.
“Every day, volunteers are out there in their communities helping to run vital services and events,” Ms Rygate said. “Local communities across the Far West would not be the same without volunteers. “Nominating your local volunteer for these awards sends a clear message that their work is valued and does not go unnoticed.”
In 2024 more than 139,000 volunteers were recognised as part of the recognition program, and this year a new Emergency Volunteer of the Year Award has been added to the categories.
