Volunteering North Queensland
2026 Volunteer of the Year Awards
Finalists
Congratulations to the 2026 Volunteer of the Year Awards Finalists!
Recipients of the Awards will be announced at a Civic Reception on 19th May 2026.
Congratulations to all volunteers who were nominated. Each year we enlist an independent panel of judges. Their task is not easy with so many wonderful nominations received.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Proudly sponsored by Townsville City Council
The Volunteer of the Year Award is presented in honour of an individual who has made an exemplary voluntary contribution. This award celebrates those who have made a significant impact towards the Townsville community’s well-being through their volunteering. Nominees must be over 24 years of age.
Click on Ramon’s name below to expand to read her volunteering story.
Ramon is an outstanding volunteer whose lifelong commitment to service has positively impacted both the veteran and wider Townsville community. Her dedication began with her service in the Australian Regular Army from 1996 to 2012, including deployments to East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Alongside her military career, she volunteered extensively within school communities, sporting organisations, and local events while balancing family responsibilities.
Today, Ramon continues to serve through numerous volunteer roles, demonstrating exceptional leadership, compassion, and advocacy. As a Team Leader for Eat Up Australia in Townsville, she has helped expand the program from supporting four schools to more than 20 schools, producing over 2,000 sandwiches per session to assist children experiencing food insecurity. She also volunteers with Your Village, supporting new mothers, and with Invictus Australia, Orange Sky Australia, and the Returned and Services League of Australia.
As Co-Founder and former President of Women Veterans Network Australia (WVNA), Ramon has created a safe and empowering community for women veterans across Australia. Through advocacy, mentoring, and initiatives such as handmade poppy fundraising, she has helped women reconnect with purpose, belonging, and community. Known for her humility, integrity, and reliability, Ramon consistently uplifts others without seeking recognition, embodying the true spirit of volunteerism and service.
Click on Garret’s name below to expand to read his volunteering story.
Garret is a dedicated and community-minded volunteer who contributes across emergency services, youth development, mental health support, and inclusion initiatives. He currently volunteers with the Rural Fire Service (RFS), assisting with bushfire response, emergency operations, training, and community safety activities. His calmness under pressure and commitment to protecting the community are strengthened by nine years of prior volunteer service with the State Emergency Service (SES), where he supported communities during natural disasters and emergency situations.
In addition to his emergency services work, Garret volunteers with the Australian Army Cadets, mentoring and supporting young people through leadership development, teamwork, discipline, and community responsibility. He is also deeply committed to improving mental health awareness and support within the community. As a Volunteer Mentor with the Headspace Men’s Group and a support person for LIV4Now Townsville Men’s Mental Health, Garret creates safe and non-judgemental spaces where men feel heard, supported, and encouraged to seek help.
Garret also volunteers with the Townsville Pride Collective, actively supporting inclusion, diversity, and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community. Through all his roles, he demonstrates empathy, reliability, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others. His consistent service and willingness to support vulnerable people, particularly in challenging environments, make a meaningful and lasting impact across the Townsville community.
Click on Kathleen’s name below to expand to read her volunteering story.
Kathleen Walsh is an exceptional volunteer whose unwavering commitment has transformed the lives of countless vulnerable people across North Queensland and beyond. As founder and volunteer CEO of the Craic On Foundation, Kathleen dedicates most of every day to supporting survivors of child sexual abuse, domestic and family violence, institutional abuse, and other traumatic experiences. Drawing on her own lived experience, she provides advocacy, emotional support, emergency assistance, court and police accompaniment, crisis accommodation, and practical care to individuals navigating some of life’s most difficult circumstances. Her work often extends late into the night and across weekends, always placing the needs of others before her own.
In addition to her advocacy work, Kathleen serves as a Board Member of the Rotary Club of Townsville, a member of Zonta Club of Townsville Metro, Queensland Representative for LOUD Fence, National Survivors’ Day Ambassador, and Justice of the Peace. She is widely respected for her compassion, integrity, resilience, and leadership. Kathleen also contributes to homelessness outreach, fundraising initiatives, and community events, consistently offering kindness and support wherever it is needed. Humble and selfless, Kathleen embodies the true spirit of volunteerism and community service.
Youth Volunteer of the Year Award
Proudly sponsored by
McDonald’s
The Youth Volunteer of the Year Award is presented in honour of an individual (aged 14 to 24), who has demonstrated an outstanding voluntary commitment to the Townsville community. This award celebrates how the nominee positively impacted the lives of others through volunteering.
Click on Arthur’s name below to expand to read his volunteering story.
Arthur is a valued and inspiring young volunteer whose contribution to headspace Townsville has had a meaningful impact on Indigenous young people and the wider community. Through his involvement in the Coffee and Cultural Conversations group, Arthur plays an instrumental role in helping create a culturally safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for young people accessing support services.
Drawing on his own lived experience, Arthur provides important guidance to the centre on best practice when working with Indigenous young people, while also helping strengthen relationships with local Indigenous organisations, families, and the broader community. His cultural knowledge, authenticity, humour, and approachable nature help young people feel accepted, understood, and connected.
Arthur is passionate about improving accessibility within organisations and systems for Indigenous youth, using his voice and experiences to advocate for positive change. His ability to build trust and foster genuine connections has enriched the headspace community and created opportunities for young people to feel heard and supported.
Click on Madi’s name below to expand to read her volunteering story.
Madi is an exceptional young volunteer whose leadership, compassion, and dedication have made a significant impact across the Townsville community. As a Cub Scout Leader with Belgian Gardens Scout Group and an active member and Chair of Florence Bay Rover Crew, she plays a vital role in mentoring young people, building confidence, and creating positive and inclusive environments. Her rapid progression to Chair of the Rover Crew, just over a year after joining, reflects the immense respect and trust she has earned from her peers.
Madi is particularly passionate about improving mental health outcomes for young people and the wider community. She has led numerous fundraising and awareness initiatives, including coordinating Florence Bay Rover Crew’s participation in The Push-Up Challenge, raising funds for Headspace Townsville, and organising a successful World Mental Health Day trivia fundraiser. Through these initiatives, she has helped fund accredited Mental Health First Aid training for community members, creating lasting benefits that extend far beyond the events themselves.
Despite working full-time in remote communities across Queensland, Madi consistently dedicates her time and energy to volunteering, often working late into the night to support projects and her peers. Her empathy, resilience, humour, and ability to inspire others make her a natural leader and role model. Madi embodies the true spirit of youth volunteering through her selflessness, initiative, and unwavering commitment to helping others.
Click on Ethan’s name below to expand to read his volunteering story.
Ethan is an enthusiastic young volunteer who consistently gives his time to support community organisations and local initiatives. Over the past three years, he has volunteered with The Salvation Army during the Christmas period, assisting at gift-wrapping stations across major shopping centres to help raise donations for families and individuals in need. He also volunteers at the Salvation Army Community Christmas Dinner, helping serve meals and support community members who may otherwise spend Christmas alone or without a Christmas lunch.
In addition, Ethan volunteers with Crimestoppers, regularly assisting with Bunnings sausage sizzles and Queensland Police open days. Through these events, he actively engages with the community, demonstrating maturity, kindness, and a genuine willingness to help others. His involvement has not only benefited the organisations he supports but has also contributed greatly to his own personal growth and confidence.
Ethan also volunteers within his school community through school activities and the Parents and Friends Committee, showing a strong commitment to giving back wherever he can. Despite his young age, Ethan is already making a positive impact and helping challenge negative stereotypes about youth through his actions, attitude, and dedication to community service.
Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award
Proudly sponsored by Townsville Bulletin
The Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award is presented in honour of an individual who has made an exemplary life-long contribution to volunteering. This award is proudly presented to the nominee whose long-term dedication to giving, clearly demonstrates betterment of the Townsville community.
Click on Craig’s name below to expand to read his volunteering story.
Craig Canning has demonstrated an outstanding long-term commitment to volunteering and community leadership through more than a decade of dedicated service with the Garbutt Magpies Sporting and Cultural Association and the wider Townsville community. Since supporting the inaugural Garbutt Magpies Cup in 2014, Craig has played a vital role in strengthening this Aboriginal-led initiative through hands-on leadership, cultural respect, and genuine relationship building with young people, families, and Elders.
As a volunteer club member and Manager at Ausco Modular, Craig has consistently used both his professional expertise and personal commitment to create meaningful opportunities for community connection, youth development, and inclusion. He has been instrumental in supporting Palm Island students to safely participate in the Garbutt Magpies Cup, helping provide transport, meals, supervision, and culturally safe spaces that honour community leadership and cultural identity.
In 2024 alone, Craig coordinated and contributed to more than 640 volunteer hours supporting event planning, logistics, and delivery. His efforts directly supported hundreds of children, young people, and families, contributing to positive wellbeing, participation, and community connection outcomes.
Beyond the Garbutt Magpies, Craig volunteers on the AFL Townsville Advisory Board and actively supports youth training and employment pathways. He also championed reconciliation initiatives within Ausco Modular, helping create employment opportunities for First Nations youth.
Click on Carol’s name below to expand to read her volunteering story.
Carol has dedicated more than 50 years of voluntary service to the Hinchinbrook community, making a lasting impact through her compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to helping others. As one of the founding members of the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre, Carol helped establish a central hub of information and support for local families and individuals in need. Today, at 89 years of age, she continues to volunteer two days each week, playing a vital role in the Centre’s Emergency Relief Program, which provides food assistance and practical support to community members experiencing hardship.
Carol’s dedication extends beyond the Support Centre. She is actively involved with the Lions Club of Ingham, assisting with fundraising activities and community initiatives, and is also a committed member of Palliative Care Ingham, where she contributes to supporting and advocating for people receiving end-of-life care services.
Carol’s journey into volunteering began during a period of personal grief following the loss of her husband at a young age. Through volunteering, she found purpose and healing, and since then has devoted her life to supporting others with empathy, kindness, and genuine care. Her lived experience allows her to connect deeply with people facing hardship, offering not only practical assistance but also understanding and compassion.
Carol’s lifelong service, humility, and dedication have enriched countless lives and continue to inspire those around her. She truly embodies the spirit of community volunteering and selfless service.
Click on Dariel’s name below to expand to read her volunteering story.
Dariel Walker has provided almost 20 years of exceptional voluntary service to the Army Museum North Queensland and the Kissing Point Military Foundation, becoming an integral part of preserving Townsville’s rich military history and supporting the local defence community. As the Museum’s primary Administration Officer, Dariel’s dedication, organisational skills, and meticulous attention to detail have ensured the smooth and efficient operation of the museum for two decades. Her commitment to maintaining accurate records, up-to-date databases, and effective administration has created a strong foundation that continues to benefit volunteers, Defence staff, and the wider community.
Beyond her administrative role, Dariel is deeply valued for the kindness, compassion, and personal care she shows others. She regularly creates personalised get well and sympathy cards for volunteers and Defence members facing illness, injury, or loss, ensuring people feel supported and connected during difficult times. Her warmth, generosity, and thoughtful gestures have fostered a welcoming and caring environment within the museum community.
Now in her 80s, Dariel continues to contribute her extensive knowledge and experience as a Director on the Kissing Point Military Foundation Board, helping bridge past and present military traditions and operational understanding. Widely regarded as the heart of the museum, Dariel’s unwavering dedication, humility, and service have enriched the Townsville community and preserved an invaluable connection to the region’s military heritage. Her contribution exemplifies the true spirit of lifelong volunteering and community service.
Excellence in Volunteer Management Award
Proudly sponsored by The People and Culture Link
The Excellence in Volunteer Management Award is presented in honour of a volunteer manager (paid or non-paid) who has demonstrated best practice and outstanding performance in the management of volunteers and the delivery of volunteering programs in the Townsville community. The award recognises the dedicated individuals who deliver successful volunteering programs.
Click on Tee’s name below to expand to read his volunteering story
For more than ten years, Tee has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication as Station Manager of 103.9 Triple T Community Radio, coordinating and supporting a team of more than 60 volunteers. While managing the station full-time, Tee consistently contributes countless additional hours to ensure the station continues to thrive as a valuable voice for the Townsville community.
Tee has built a strong, passionate, and community-focused volunteer culture where people feel safe, supported, and valued. His leadership style encourages teamwork, collaboration, and personal growth, creating an environment where volunteers work together to deliver high-quality community radio while also supporting one another. Under Tee’s guidance, the station actively collaborates with local community groups, promoting events, supporting initiatives, and helping connect organisations with volunteers.
A key strength of Tee’s volunteer management is his focus on volunteer development and recognition. He regularly organises training sessions, station meetings, and opportunities for volunteers to engage in community events throughout the year. Tee actively builds the confidence and capabilities of his team while fostering a strong sense of belonging and purpose.
Tee also ensures volunteers feel appreciated for their contributions through initiatives such as Volunteer of the Month recognition and annual awards celebrations. His genuine care, encouragement, and commitment to community connection have created a motivated and dedicated volunteer team.
Click on Sandra’s name below to expand to read her volunteering story.
Sandra Lamari has been a cornerstone of the Townsville Hike and Explore Group since its formation in 2018, demonstrating exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to volunteer management. As both a long-serving committee member and now in her second term as President, Sandra has played a vital role in the growth, organisation, and success of the group, while fostering a welcoming and inclusive community environment.
Sandra leads by example through her active involvement as a hike leader, generously volunteering her time to organise and lead walks for community members. She is particularly passionate about accessibility and inclusion, creating opportunities for people living with disabilities to participate in outdoor activities, social connection, and community engagement.
Behind the scenes, Sandra is instrumental in coordinating committee operations, ensuring strong governance, compliance, communication, and effective organisational management. She also oversees marketing and social media, helping grow the group’s reach and strengthen volunteer engagement.
Sandra’s volunteer management style is supportive, collaborative, and empowering. She mentors new hike leaders, provides guidance and practical support, and ensures volunteers feel confident and valued in their roles. Through regular recognition, clear communication, and genuine appreciation of volunteer contributions, she has built a strong, motivated, and committed volunteer base.
Click on Vanessa’s name below to expand to read her volunteering story.
Since 2015, Vanessa has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to volunteer management through her long standing involvement with the AusIMM Townsville Branch, where she has served as Chair, Vice Chair, and Treasurer. Across these roles, she has successfully coordinated and supported volunteers while expanding the branch’s impact through STEM outreach, student engagement, industry networking, and professional development initiatives.
Vanessa’s leadership style is inclusive, supportive, and highly people focused. She creates an environment where volunteers feel valued, confident, and empowered to contribute meaningfully. Through clear communication, mentoring, and practical guidance, she supports committee members, students, and early-career professionals to develop leadership skills and actively participate in volunteer initiatives.
A passionate advocate for STEM education, Vanessa has coordinated volunteers to deliver school outreach activities, career talks, bursary opportunities, and university networking events that inspire young people to pursue engineering, geology, and mining careers. Through her teaching role at James Cook University, she has strengthened connections between industry and education, helping students engage with volunteers, mentors, and professional pathways.
Vanessa consistently recognises volunteer contributions and encourages new participation through her approachable and encouraging nature. Her strong governance, organisational skills, and financial oversight as Treasurer have ensured the branch operates effectively and sustainably.
Community Volunteering Program Impact Award
Proudly sponsored by Volunteering Queensland
The Community Volunteering Program Impact Award is presented to an organisation in recognition of a volunteering program or activity that has made a significant impact on the Townsville community. This can be defined as positive, measurable and sustainable, economic, social, cultural and/or environmental impact.
Click on Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundations’s name below to expand to read their volunteering story.
Since 2021, the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation (AKKF) has provided vital mental health support programs for young people in Townsville aged 8–18 who are living in families impacted by mental illness. Through free camps, activity days, and educational support sessions, the program creates safe, supportive, and engaging environments where children can connect with others, build resilience, and simply enjoy being kids.
AKKF’s programs combine recreational therapy with mental health education, helping young people better understand mental illness, develop coping strategies, and learn how to seek support when needed. Weekend camps and activity days include outdoor adventures such as canoeing, archery, high ropes, and community excursions, encouraging confidence, teamwork, and social connection. Daily chat groups provide age-appropriate discussions around mental health, reducing stigma and increasing emotional wellbeing.
A key focus of the program is supporting children from Defence families within Townsville’s large military community, recognising the unique challenges associated with service life, including relocations and parental absence.
The impact of the program is significant and long-lasting. Participants report improved mental health literacy, stronger resilience, increased willingness to seek help, and lasting friendships that reduce feelings of isolation. Families also benefit through improved understanding and communication within the home.
Click on the Florence Bay Rover Crew’s name below to expand to read their volunteering story.
For more than 70 years, Florence Bay Rover Crew has delivered a youth-led program focused on adventure, leadership, service, and personal development, creating lasting positive impact within the Townsville community. Although the Crew paused during COVID, it successfully restarted in 2022 and has continued to grow as a vibrant and active program for young adults.
The Crew provides members with opportunities to develop leadership skills, resilience, teamwork, and confidence through activities including camps, hikes, regional events, and community service projects. Members are empowered to take ownership of their development while building lifelong skills and strong social connections in a supportive environment.
Beyond benefiting its members, Florence Bay Rover Crew makes a significant contribution to the wider community. The Crew regularly supports local Scout Groups, assists at community events, volunteers during flood emergencies, participates in environmental conservation projects, and contributes to charitable initiatives including mental health fundraising and blood donation drives. Members have also organised and supported events raising funds for Mental Health First Aid training, Lifeline, Headspace, and the Kookaburra Kids Foundation.
A defining strength of the Crew is its strong culture of mateship, inclusion, and support, fostering positive mental health and a sense of belonging among members. Through service, leadership, and community engagement, Florence Bay Rover Crew continues to develop capable young leaders while strengthening community connection and demonstrating the lasting value of youth volunteering and active citizenship.
Click on the RFDS Near & Far Auxiliary’s name below to expand to read their volunteering story.
For 45 years, the RFDS Near and Far Auxiliary has made an extraordinary contribution to communities across Far North Queensland through its unwavering support of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Bringing together dedicated volunteers and supporters from across the region, the Auxiliary plays a vital role in raising awareness, fostering community connection, and generating essential funds to support the lifesaving work of the Flying Doctor.
Through fundraising events, advocacy, and community engagement activities, the Auxiliary has created meaningful opportunities for people throughout the region to support accessible healthcare for rural and remote communities. The funds raised directly contribute to RFDS operations, including the purchase of critical medical equipment for the Cairns and Townsville bases and supporting the delivery of emergency and primary healthcare services to people who may otherwise struggle to access medical care.
Over the past 45 years, the RFDS Near and Far Auxiliary has raised close to $1 million, demonstrating remarkable long-term commitment, generosity, and community spirit. Their contribution has helped ensure the Flying Doctor can continue providing lifesaving care to some of Queensland’s most isolated and vulnerable communities.
The Auxiliary’s impact extends far beyond fundraising. Through their dedication, they have strengthened community awareness, encouraged local involvement, and helped maintain an essential service that supports the health and wellbeing of countless individuals and families across the region.
Corporate Volunteering Award
Proudly sponsored by Queensland Country Bank
Presented in recognition of a business that has contributed volunteer hours through an employee volunteering program. The program is able to demonstrate the significant positive outcomes brought about in the local community.
Click on Biniris’ name below to expand to read their volunteering story.
Kanden and the Biniris team have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to community support through their involvement with the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys 50/50 Charity Raffle and their ongoing support of Cowboys Community Foundation initiatives across North Queensland. Their contribution reflects a genuine dedication to corporate volunteering, community partnership, and creating positive social impact.
The 50/50 Charity Raffle is a major game-day fundraising initiative held at North Queensland Toyota Cowboys home games, where volunteers sell raffle tickets throughout the stadium, with proceeds supporting important education, health, and social programs delivered across the region. Kanden and the Biniris team have provided exceptional support to the program, contributing their time, energy, and enthusiasm to ensure its continued success. Their involvement not only helps raise vital funds but also encourages community participation and connection on game days.
Beyond the raffle, Biniris also supports NRL Cowboys House through the provision of complimentary cleaning services. This generous in-kind contribution allows funding that would otherwise be allocated to operational costs to be redirected into essential education, wellbeing, and support services for Indigenous students from remote communities across Far North Queensland.
Through both practical support and active volunteering, Biniris demonstrates strong corporate social responsibility and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for young people and communities.
Sports Volunteer Administrator Award
Proudly sponsored by South32
Celebrates an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to sports administration through voluntary efforts. This award recognises their dedication, leadership, and organisational skills in managing sports programs, events, or clubs, often behind the scenes.
Click on Keith’s name below to expand to read his volunteering story.
For more than 35 years, Keith has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to community sport through his tireless volunteer service as Club President, senior and junior registrar, coach, and mentor. Throughout this time, he has supported and guided hundreds of children, young people, and adults, helping create an inclusive and welcoming sporting environment where everyone has the opportunity to participate, regardless of skill level or personal circumstances.
Keith strongly believes that sport provides far more than physical activity—it builds confidence, connection, resilience, and community. His compassion and genuine care for others have made him an important mentor to many young boys and men, particularly those experiencing mental health challenges. Through his willingness to listen without judgement and provide ongoing support, Keith has made a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals.
His commitment extends beyond volunteering his time. Keith has personally assisted less fortunate participants by covering registration fees to ensure they are not excluded from the opportunity to be involved in sport and feel part of a supportive community.
Widely respected for his selflessness, leadership, and unwavering dedication, Keith inspires everyone around him through his actions and service. His long-standing contribution has strengthened both the sporting community and the wider community, leaving a lasting impact on generations of participants and volunteers alike.
Click on Lorraine’s name below to expand to read her volunteering story.
Lorraine has made an outstanding contribution to the lawn bowls community through her exceptional volunteer service, leadership, and organisational expertise over the past 17 years. She currently serves as Match Committee Secretary and Selector for the North Queensland District Ladies Bowling Association (NQDLBA), as well as Selector, Games Director, and Secretary of the Joint Advisory Committee at Suburban Bowling Club.
Lorraine plays a vital role in coordinating competitions and representative events across 18 clubs throughout North Queensland, covering a vast geographic region from Bowen to Hughenden and Ingham. Her responsibilities include scheduling events, preparing conditions of play, coordinating fixtures, managing representative teams, and maintaining records through the BowlsLink digital management system. Her dedication ensures competitions run smoothly, fairly, and efficiently for more than 350 female bowlers across the district.
Known for her exceptional attention to detail, time management, and people skills, Lorraine has embraced modern technology to improve communication and event management within the sport. She has become a recognised leader in implementing BowlsLink, enabling real-time access to competition information and results while strengthening the administration of lawn bowls across the region.
Beyond administration, Lorraine provides invaluable support to travelling representative teams and remains actively involved in club and district events. Her professionalism, reliability, and commitment have significantly strengthened the bowls community and enhanced opportunities for players at all levels.
Click on Steven’s name below to expand to read her volunteering story.
For more than 10 years, Steve has made an outstanding contribution to the local sporting community through his dedication, leadership, and tireless volunteer service. Having previously served as Club President and now as Vice President, senior women’s coach, and groundsman, Steve plays a vital role in the ongoing success and growth of the club.
Steve consistently contributes countless hours maintaining the club grounds and facilities, ensuring players and families have a safe and welcoming environment to enjoy sport. He is deeply committed to developing women’s football in Townsville, dedicating significant time to coaching and mentoring senior women while also supporting and encouraging youth girls transitioning into senior competition. His passion for growing opportunities for women and girls in sport has had a lasting and positive impact on the club and wider sporting community.
In addition to his hands-on work, Steve actively seeks grants and funding opportunities to improve club facilities and strengthen the future of the organisation. His organisational skills, leadership, and willingness to step up wherever needed make him an invaluable volunteer.
What makes Steve’s commitment even more remarkable is that he has continued fulfilling his volunteer responsibilities while supporting his wife through serious illness over recent years, all while serving as an officer in the Australian Army. His resilience, selflessness, and dedication to others are truly inspiring.