The Volunteering Awards, Canberra Region is the premier recognition event for volunteers in the region. This event makes stories of spirit, kindness, innovation, inclusion, and resilience visible to our whole community. They are held in recognition of the International Volunteer Day, celebrated on 5 December annually.

This year, we had more than 100 nominations from every sector, including but not limited to, health, education, sports, arts, community services, and the environment. The 2025 Volunteering Awards, Canberra Region was organised at the National Library of Australia on Wednesday, 3 December.

The Awards program is available here.

Congratulations to all the award recipients!

2025 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR – TRISH CARLING

Trish Carling has made extensive and significant contributions to the Canberra community over 26 years through her dedicated and active volunteering at Palliative Care ACT.

Since April 1996, Trish has volunteered weekly at Clare Holland House (also known as the Hospice). Since December 2022, Trish has also supported the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Clinic and Support Group.

Trish provides meals and companionship to patients and their families. She also assists with laundry, flower arrangements, and supports the medical team. In the MND Support Group, Trish facilitates compassionate discussions for terminally ill members and collaborates with healthcare professionals to enhance the experience for participants and their families.

As a member of the Palliative Care ACT’s Voluntary Advisory Committee from 2015 to 2017, Trish advocated for volunteers’ needs and contributed to meetings and communications. She embodies the spirit of community-mindedness, creating vital connections, reducing isolation, and being respectful that everyone matters.

2025 Community Support Award: Highly Commended

MUMS EXERCISE GROUP AUSTRALIA – CANBERRA BRANCH

Mums Exercise Group Australia – Canberra Branch has been supporting Canberra families for more than 11 years, helping mums to connect through free and low-cost fitness, friendship and fun.

Run entirely by volunteers — many of whom are working mums or on maternity leave — this team offers a wide range of events including walks, pilates, yoga, aqua sessions and bootcamps, creating welcoming spaces where mothers of all ages can prioritise their wellbeing while their babies and children join in, learning from positive role models of active, supportive women.

2025 Community Support Award: Highly Commended

ST JOHN’S CARE – VOLUNTEER TEAM

The volunteers at St John’s Care represent the heart and hands of the organisation, undertaking an impressive breadth of work that ensures every person who walks through the doors is met with compassion, dignity, and practical support.

Volunteer roles span from direct client engagement to preparation, cooking, and serving nutritious meals at community lunches, where locals gather to share food and friendship.

Volunteers serve as the first point of contact for individuals and families in need, greeting each person with warmth and respect to identify the most suitable supports.

This year, St John’s Care has supported more than 3,200 families with food, clothing, medical and transport needs.

St John’s Care relies on the dedication of between 65 and 85 volunteers each week. Their commitment and generosity make it possible for the team to deliver the breadth and quality of services provided to the community.

2025 Community Support Award: Winner

KIDS IN CARE ACT – VOLUNTEER TEAM

The Kids in Care ACT volunteer team coordinates and delivers practical emergency support for children and young people entering crisis situations in the ACT and surrounding NSW region.  

The organisation is entirely volunteer run with no paid staff.  

The volunteer board manages all aspects of operations, including sourcing donations, fundraising, purchasing items, packing Go Bags to support children and young people in crisis and emergency situations, and responding to urgent requests when frontline workers identify a child in need. 

Since 2013, the volunteer team has ensured that thousands of children have received emergency essentials, comfort packs and Christmas gifts during periods of distress, disruption or removal from their home. Their support gives children comfort, dignity and something of their own when they are at their most vulnerable. 

2025 Young Volunteer of the Year: Highly Commended

AMY TRELOAR

Amy volunteers with multiple organisations including Ronald McDonald House ACT & South East NSW (RMHC), ANU’s Griffin Hall, Relay for Life, Cancer Council, The Deafness Foundation, Vinnies and Roundabout Canberra.

At Ronald McDonald alone, Amy has contributed over 315 hours of service since beginning her volunteer journey in May 2024.

Amy is a passionate and committed volunteer whose leadership, compassion and extensive contribution across these organisations has made a meaningful impact on families and communities in the ACT.

2025 Young Volunteer of the Year: Highly Commended

ANNAMIEK VAN STEENSEL

Annamiek volunteers as part of the leadership team at What Were You Wearing Australia, where she has driven major reforms to improve safety and equality across the ACT.

In her volunteer role, Annamiek leads a dedicated team of 12 volunteers, overseeing all ACT operations, advocacy campaigns, and community engagement initiatives.

Annamiek led community rallies uniting thousands to say “no more” to gender-based violence and helped secure new laws introducing sexual assault and harassment training for hospitality staff.

Her nominator says: Annemiek’s compassion, advocacy, and dedication have created lasting change for survivors and built safer communities for all.

2025 Young Volunteer of the Year: Winner

ANANYA BANERJEE

Ananya is a psychology student at the Australian National University and has dedicated her time and lived experience of depression to building a more inclusive, aware, and compassionate ACT community.

Over the past four years, Ananya has dedicated hundreds of volunteer hours to multiple organisations including Fearless Women Canberra, Canberra Multicultural Services Radio, 2XX FM, Sakhi Inc., Global Shapers Canberra and many more.

Her nominator says that: through her volunteering, Ananya has transformed her lived experience of depression into a force for awareness, empathy, and systemic change.

The Award was received by Ananya’s nominator.

2025 Senior Volunteer of the Year: Highly Commended

KATHRYN McQUARRIE

Kathryn has dedicated over 30 years bringing comfort, connection, and joy to others through her pet therapy visits, pastoral care, and community leadership.

Her compassion and commitment have touched countless lives and inspired generations of volunteers through a range of volunteering activities over decades.

At Warrigal Hughes, she leads pet therapy visits that bring comfort, laughter, and companionship to residents. Alongside her beloved therapy dog, Ash, she provides emotional support, facilitates one-on-one visits, and assists with church and memorial services.

Kathryn also leads three Dogs as Therapy teams through the ACT Companion Dog Club, coordinating around 15 handlers and their dogs who visit aged care facilities and schools each month. Her leadership has strengthened this important community program, and in 2023 she was honoured with Companion Dog Club Life Membership in recognition of her decades of service.

2025 Senior Volunteer of the Year: Winner

JAN ELLIOT

Jan is a compassionate and long-serving volunteer whose commitment to helping others spans more than four decades across multiple community and aged care settings.

At Warrigal Stirling, she is an active member of the craft team, leading creative sessions such as scrapbooking and themed craft.

Jan is also a trained Golden Angel Volunteer, visiting people and creating familiar picture memory books based on their life stories to evoke fond and familiar memories. These activities engage Warrigal residents’ creativity, stimulate warm memories, and strengthen social connections.

Jan embodies the true spirit of service, bringing connection, comfort, and kindness to everyone she meets.

The Award was received by Jan’s nominator.

2025 Senior Volunteer of the Year: Winner

DIANNE BROOKES

Dianne is a dedicated volunteer who has contributed her time and energy to a range of organisations across the ACT, including the Ronald McDonald House Night Owl Program, St Vincent de Paul Night Patrol, and Orange Sky Laundry.

Since 2011, Di has also been an active volunteer with Camp Quality, regularly attending overnight camps, and she supports Project Independence in both staff and volunteer capacities.

Di has contributed over 1,355 hours of volunteer service to Ronald McDonald House ACT & South East NSW, offering consistent overnight support to families with seriously ill children receiving care at the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children.

Her presence helps create a warm, welcoming environment that eases the sense of isolation many families experience during challenging times.

2025 First Nations Volunteer of the Year: Highly Commended

CANBERRA AND DISTRICT NAIDOC ABORIGINAL CORPORATION – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The board of directors of the Canberra and District NAIDOC Aboriginal Corporation is a fully First Nations volunteer body that leads the not for profit corporation.  

The Corporation recognizes, advocates and celebrates First Nations excellence in the community through the ACT NAIDOC Awards and ball, the Indigenous showcase at the National Multicultural festival, and a range of other events.  

In addition, the Corporation is able to provide confirmation of heritage for community members, which plays a significant part in the healing journey of our local First Nations communities and facilitates connection to community, culture and country. 

Board Directors contribute on average around 400 hours of volunteer work over the course of the year to ensure the successful delivery of events and community engagement, as well as policy, advocacy and service delivery. 

2025 First Nations Volunteer of the Year: Winner

AMY MINCHIN

Amy is a proud Kamilaroi woman, born and bred on Ngunnawal Country.

Amy’s passion for dance began at five years old and it has been a constant thread throughout her life.

Amy started Dream Danz to provide a safe, inclusive space for everyone to express themselves through dance.

In addition to school programs, Dream Danz regularly performs at local community events, celebrating culture and sharing stories through dance. These performances help strengthen community connections and showcases the talent and spirit of our young dancers.

For indigenous students, Dream Danz is also a place to strengthen cultural knowledge, identity and pride while learning from one another. Many have gone on to pursue professional dance roles, while others have found empowerment and self-belief through movement and storytelling.

Dream Danz is a place where culture, creativity and confidence come together and Amy is proud to see the next generation of dancers carrying stories forward.

2025 Inclusion Award: Highly Commended

CLUB KALINA – COMMUNITY HOME AUSTRALIA

Club Kalina is part of Community Home Australia.

The Club’s group of older community members living with dementia volunteer regularly with Roundabout Canberra, helping to prepare and deliver essential items for local families in need.

Each week, Club Kalina participants and their support staff spend time sorting, cleaning, and packing high-quality pre-loved baby and children’s goods such as clothing, toys, and bedding.

The care and attention by Club Kalina members ensures that every item rehomed by Roundabout Canberra meets the highest standard, providing dignity and comfort to families across the Canberra Region.

This beautiful program links older people from our community with young families and celebrates the importance of connection and community contribution for every one of us.

2025 Inclusion Award: Highly Commended

CATHERINE GARRINGTON

Catherine is an inclusive volunteer leader who has dedicated herself to building supportive and accessible environments across all levels of the ACT rowing community.

Her volunteer work as Chief Boat Race official, lead coach for the Veterans and Para Indoor Rowing Programs, and Director on the Rowing ACT Board, demonstrates Catherine’s exceptional commitment to ensuring that everyone – regardless of age, gender, ability, or background – can participate and belong.

Catherine’s impact reaches across generations and communities – veterans, people with disability, young people, older volunteers, and, through an innovative rowing in prisons initiative, for people rebuilding their lives.

Catherine’s work embodies the spirit of an inclusive Canberra: practical compassion, equal opportunity, and unwavering respect for every person’s right to belong.

2025 Inclusion Award: Winner

KENT BROWN

Kent has been a volunteer at the Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services (MARSS) since 2009!

He started volunteering for MARSS when he retired from public service in Canberra and started his volunteering journey in the home tutoring program helping migrant and refugee people to learn English.

Kent has done numerous volunteer hours supporting the Karen community in Canberra. (The Karen people are a group indigenous to Myanmar and Thailand.)

The breadth of Kent’s work covers support to refugees and migrants to access Centrelink; make passport applications; apply for citizenship; and support people to bring their families to Australia via the Resident Return Visas.

He has helped an incredible 1,500 clients over the 16 years he has volunteered at MARSS. This is meaningful and inclusive volunteering that has supported migrant and refugee people settle into their new community with support and dignity.

2025 Volunteer Leadership Award: Highly Commended

FRANKIE TAYLOR

Frankie volunteered thousands of hours to create Seahorse Playgroup, the first Canberra playgroup for the LGBTIQA+ and sistergirl/brotherhood communities where rainbow families, parents, carers and children come together to create a community space where Queer families are celebrated and normalised.

Seahorse Playgroup has over 120 families currently signed up and attending gatherings on Mondays and Saturdays.

Frankie’s volunteer contribution included creating the group, promoting it to the Canberra community, organising a space to meet, creating child centred activities, advocating for the experience of Rainbow families, facilitating playgroup sessions, creating events and programming for the playgroup as well as a myriad of other playgroup related jobs.

2025 Volunteer Leadership Award: Highly Commended

WENDY BULLOCK

Wendy’s volunteer contributions span more than a decade of service with Ronald McDonald House Charities ACT & South East NSW (RMHC), supporting families since the House first opened in October 2012.

Wendy has dedicated an extraordinary 10,000 hours of volunteer service to RMHC, consistently demonstrating unwavering commitment and a deep passion for RMHC’s mission and the people it serves.

Beyond RMHC, Wendy has demonstrated an extraordinary dedication to community service. She co-founded the Spinify Foundation in 2016, which has donated over $400,000 to charitable causes.

She has served as a Justice of the Peace since 2019, regularly donates blood and plasma, and volunteered to care for her elderly neighbour from 2021 to 2023. Her leadership extends to her previous roles as treasurer for Weston Creek Playgroup and Northside Canberra Grammar School.

2025 Volunteer Leadership Award: Winner

AMANDA LILLIE

Amanda has been a dedicated volunteer with Vinnies Night Patrol for eight years, serving as a Team Leader for the past seven. She coordinates volunteers, provides companionship and conversation to people experiencing homelessness, and ensures that all visitors are treated with dignity, empathy, and respect.

Amanda’s leadership fosters a welcoming environment where every small gesture, such as listening, sharing a meal, or offering kind words, adds up to meaningful human connection.

Amanda also volunteers with the Paediatric Play Therapy team at Canberra Health Services where she engages with children and families to provide comfort, play, and distraction during what can be an anxious time in hospital.

As if those roles are not enough, recently Amanda joined the Perinatal Wellbeing Centre volunteer team, assisting with childcare for babies and toddlers while parents attend perinatal support sessions.

Through her long-term commitment to volunteering, Amanda has improved the wellbeing of countless individuals, offering connection to people facing isolation, comfort to families navigating the stress of hospital care, and support to parents experiencing perinatal challenges. Her empathy, reliability, and warmth have made her a trusted and respected member of every organisation she serves.

2025 Volunteer Team of the Year: Highly Commended

VOLUNTEER SERVICES BUS DRIVERS – MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITIES COUNCIL OF ILLAWARRA

The Volunteer Services Bus Drivers consists of four volunteers: Wayne, Paul, Tim and Chris.

Every week, the team dedicates their time to drive senior clients to and from multicultural support groups. They provide companionship and a sense of connection for seniors who might otherwise experience isolation.

The team extends their time beyond logistics by providing informal welfare checks and alerting management of any health changes with any of the clients.

Whether braving extreme heat, heavy rain or cold Canberra mornings, the team interacts with all clients with genuine warmth and kindness, creating meaningful interactions that brighten the day of every client!

2025 Volunteer Team of the Year: Highly Commended

DOMESTIC ANIMAL SERVICES – VOLUNTEER TEAM

These team members have contributed a combined more than 5,000 volunteer hours. They provide exercise, enrichment, and compassionate care to the dogs at DAS, many of whom are traumatised and need additional care.

These volunteers gently and patiently encourage dogs along the bush walking track, never rushing, always celebrating small victories like a tail wag or a brave step forward.

Some of the team work with harder to place dogs to improve their quality of life and increase their chances of successful adoption.

The work of this team extends beyond the shelter when dogs go on to become beloved family pets, bringing joy and companionship to households across the Canberra Region community.

Thank you all for your empathy and patience in working with and healing these often-desperate animals.

Congratulations to the Domestic Animal Service Volunteer Team: David, Alex, Chris, Dianne, Barbara and Pearl!

2025 Volunteer Team of the Year: Winner

PARKCARE VISITORASSIST MENTORING TEAM

The ParkCare VisitorAssist volunteering team broadly supports members of the public to engage with the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Namadgi National Park. In 2024-25, VisitorAssist volunteers contributed over 2,000 hours, and this year are on track to support over 12,000 visitors across Tidbinbilla and Namadgi.

However, the VisitorAssist volunteering program lacked a robust recruitment program for some years, and in 2025 the Volunteer Coordinator launched a new induction program that sought to engage new volunteers, ensuring they were equipped with the correct information and confidence to undertake their roles across the parks. Utilising volunteer mentors was seen as vital to a program that had reducing numbers

The VisitorAssist Mentoring Team consisted of 12 longer-term volunteers, who provided more than 250 hours of mentoring support to 23 new VisitorAssist volunteers.

These volunteer mentors coach and engage new volunteers to build their confidence in VisitorAssist program delivery and provided a significant boost to the ParkCare volunteering stream.

The induction had a 110% retention rate and has already seen the new VisitorAssist volunteers contribute over 200 hours.

2025 Canberra’s Choice Award: Winner

JAYE GRIESHABER

Jaye has made a profound impact on the ACT rugby community through her volunteer work capturing the action and the emotion, pride and unity of local sport.

As the official photographer for the Gungahlin Eagles and a passionate advocate for women’s rugby, Jaye devotes hours to documenting games and fostering inclusion.

Each week, Jaye volunteers her time to attend rugby games across all levels, from grassroots juniors to elite competitions such as the ACT Brumbies, Super Women’s and the Bentspoke Cup.

After each match, Jaye spends hours editing and sharing high-quality images with players, families, and clubs. These photos are provided freely and have become treasured keepsakes for hundreds of individuals and families.

DISCLAIMER:

Award winners are nominated by the Canberra Region community. When we consider the ACT volunteering awards, we examine a nominee’s volunteering contribution and do our best to ensure the recipients are of a suitable character. We ask nominators and their nominating organisations to confirm there are no legal, reputational, or other issues that may bring themselves, their nominating organisation, or VolunteeringACT into disrepute should they win an award. We are not able to undertake police checks for all nominees or award recipients. We understand that not all members of the community have the same experience with nominees as those who nominated them for recognition.