Volunteering North Queensland
2026 VNQ Volunteer of the Year Awards
Nominations are open!
Volunteering North Queensland (VNQ) appreciates the thousands of volunteers contributing to our community. The Awards celebrate the individuals and leaders that enrich our community through volunteer groups and activities in Townsville, Hinchinbrook, Burdekin, Mount Isa, Palm Island and all regions in between. There are eight categories of nominations.
Award Categories
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 community’s well-being through their volunteering. Nominees must be over 24 years of age
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 community. This award celebrates how the nominee positively impacted the lives of others through volunteering.
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 community
Excellence in Volunteer Management Award
Proudly sponsored by Di Newell – 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 community. The award recognises the dedicated individuals who deliver successful volunteering programs.
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 community. This can be defined as positive, measurable and sustainable, economic, social, cultural and/or environmental impact.
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.
Sports Volunteer Award
Proudly sponsored by South32
Celebrates an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to a sporting organisation, club, team or program through their voluntary efforts.
This award recognises the impact the volunteer has made to the functioning, culture, and success of their sporting environment and beyond.
Neighbour of the Year Volunteer Award
Proudly sponsored by Bravus
This award honors an individual who has gone above and beyond to strengthen their local neighbourhood through selfless volunteering. Their dedication has made a meaningful impact, fostering connection, support, and positivity within the neighbourhood.
Event Partner
Proudly sponsored by Townsville City Council
Media Partner
Proudly sponsored by Townsville Bulletin
Lunch Partner
Proudly sponsored by Volunteering Queensland
Nominations close Sunday 26 April 2026.
Finalists will be announced in early May 2026.
Recipients will be announced at a Mayoral Civic Reception, thanks to Townsville City Council, on Tuesday, 19 May 2026.