Hawkesbury Locals Named In 2024 North Western Sydney Volunteer Of The Year

The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards celebrate the work of thousands of individuals and volunteer teams from a diverse range of organisations across the state.

The Awards are hosted by The Centre for Volunteering, whose mission it is to promote and support volunteering across NSW.

Castle Hill’s Jacob Dommersen was named North Western Sydney Young Volunteer of the Year.

A passionate first responder with St John Ambulance, having accumulated over 400 hours of community service in just a few years, Jacob shares his knowledge through weekly classes for new volunteers, encouraging others to build their confidence and give back to their community.

Aged care volunteer, Pauleen West from North Richmond was named North Western Sydney Senior Volunteer of the Year.

Pauleen embodies the very essence of community spirit in her role at RSL Lifecare Ron MIddleton VC Gardens.

For ten years, her greatest contribution has been the time she devotes to activities for the 80 residents of the aged care facility, bringing joy to their end-of-life care.

CEO of The Centre for Volunteering, Gemma Rygate said these awards recognised the exceptional effort of volunteers across North Western Sydney.

“Whether it’s in the local sports club, in health care, education and cultural centres, legal support or emergency response volunteers are essential for the ongoing health and viability of local communities,” Ms Rygate said.

“It’s important for volunteers across North Western Sydney to know that their commitment is recognised and valued.”

The Awards are supported by Principal Partners the NSW Department of Communities and Justice and ClubsNSW.

The NSW Minister with responsibility for volunteering, Jodie Harrison congratulated the recipients of the North Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year Awards.

“Thank you for the incredible contributions you make to NSW and your local community,” Minister Harrison said.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities, and the NSW Government is pleased to be partnering with the Centre for Volunteering to recognise volunteers and the valuable role they play in making NSW the best state to live and work in.”

ClubsNSW CEO, Rebecca Riant said the awards were a tribute to the vital contributions made by volunteers across the state.

“Volunteers are the backbone of the NSW club industry, and their efforts are crucial in uplifting local communities,” Ms Riant said.

“We’re delighted to have a special Club Volunteer of the Year Award category and I can’t wait to see who takes hom that honour.”

The North Western Sydney Award recipients will be invited to represent their region at the Gala State Ceremony in Sydney at the end of the year, where the NSW Volunteer of the Year will be announced across each category.

IMAGE: State Member for Castle Hill, Mark Hodges, and Member for Hawkesbury, Robyn Preston, with this year’s North Western Sydney Senior Volunteer of the Year, Pauleen West from North Richmond.

• Topics:

• Volunteering
• Awards
• People