National Volunteer Week 2026 this May gave the Society occasion to celebrate and thank the thousands of volunteers and members who bring our mission to life across New South Wales every day. This year’s theme, Your Year to Volunteer, recognised the extraordinary contribution volunteers make through their compassion and willingness to serve others. 

Members and volunteers play a vital role in extending the Society’s reach and deepening our impact. In Vinnies Shops, they support customers, create displays and sort donations. Through Vinnies Vans, they provide meals, referrals and human connection to vulnerable members of the community. Across Conferences, services and programs, they offer practical assistance, encouragement and lend an ear to people in need. 

Across NSW, more than 12,000 members and volunteers give their time, energy and care so that people experiencing hardship can be supported by the Society with dignity and respect. Over the past financial year alone, members helped assist close to 100,000 people and provided more than $14 million in financial support to those doing it tough. 

On Tuesday, 19 May, over 160 Society members, volunteers and employees gathered online and in person to recognise this remarkable contribution at the Society’s annual Volunteer Awards. Hearing stories from people who have dedicated years to helping others, often quietly and without recognition, was a powerful reminder of the spirit that drives the Society. Moments of joy, surprise and even a few happy tears from award recipients made the celebration memorable. 

Congratulations to the following members who received awards:

Service Volunteers

• Youth Volunteer of the Year - Friday Afternoon Helpers, Group of 7 students from Rosebank College and Santa Sabina College 
• Adult Volunteer of the Year - Gillian Daley, Team Leader on the Sydney and Bayside Vinnies Van Services
• Senior Volunteer of the Year - Margaret Colman, Volunteer at Brookvale Vinnies Support Centre and Member of Narrabeen St Joseph's Conference
• Volunteer Leader of the Year - Ross McCarty, Retail Manager at Matthew Talbot Hostel
• Volunteer of the Year - Sue Wilson, EAPA Assessor at Gosford VSC

Membership

• Youth Volunteer of the Year - Joseph Wang and Chloe Juwono, President and Vice President from University of Notre Dame Youth Conference
• Adult Volunteer of the Year - Grace Rosser, Member of St Sebastian’s Young Adult Conference and Youth Representative for Wagga Wagga Central Council
• Senior Volunteer of the Year - Camille Philips, Vice President and Secretary of Peakhurst Our Lady of Fatima's Conference
• Volunteer Leader of the Year - Ada Nealon, Member of the Tamworth St Nicholas Conference and Volunteer at the Tamworth Shop
• Volunteer of the Year - Telesia Clinch, Member of the Penrith St Nicholas Conference and Volunteer at the Penrith Vinnies Support Centre. 

Retail Volunteers

• Youth Volunteer of the Year - Ellie Riesterer, Dubbo store
• Adult Volunteer of the Year - Coral Gossner, Bourke store
• Senior Volunteer of the Year - Paulino (Paul) Fernandes, Chatswood store
• Volunteer Leader of the Year - Vicki George, Scone store
• Volunteer of the Year - Kathy Howell, Junee store

To every member and volunteer, thank you for showing up with your hearts so generously and continuing the Society’s mission to create a more just and compassionate society.