Queensland Volunteering Awards 2026
The Annual Queensland Volunteering Awards shine a spotlight on the selfless efforts, community spirit, and quiet determination that keep our state strong, connected, and compassionate.
Each year, these awards honour volunteers from all walks of life—whether they’re long-time changemakers, fresh faces with bold ideas, passionate young people, or those supporting others behind the scenes. Volunteers are the backbone of Queensland communities, and without them, many vital services and initiatives simply wouldn’t exist.
The 2026 Awards Ceremony was held at Brisbane City Hall on Friday, 15 May. It brought together inspiring nominees, community leaders, and organisations to celebrate the very best of volunteering. The atmosphere was one of pride, gratitude, and joy as we recognised not only those receiving awards but also the thousands of volunteers they represent across Queensland who took the time to share the great work of our volunteer stars in the community.
The 2026 Queensland Volunteering Awards were proudly sponsored by the Queensland Government.
Volunteering Queensland would like to thank the Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers for their continued support of volunteering across Queensland, and their recognition of the work of all Queenslanders who volunteer.
Award Categories
The full list of award categories is:
- Queensland Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award
- Queensland Youth Volunteer of the Year Award
- Queensland New Volunteer Award
- Queensland Excellence in Volunteer Management Award
- Queensland Volunteering Impact Award – Community, Government, Corporate
- Queensland Volunteer of the Year Award
These categories ensure that volunteers from all sectors and backgrounds are recognised—from individuals to teams, grassroots organisations to government initiatives.
Meet the Finalists and Recipients!
Meet the individuals and organisations whose efforts speak volumes.
The 2026 Queensland Volunteering Awards finalists and recipients stand out not only for their impact but also for the passion, innovation, and leadership they bring to the sector. This section shines a light on those who have gone above and beyond—often quietly, always wholeheartedly—to support others and strengthen communities across Queensland.
Queensland Volunteer of the Year Award
Presented in honour of an individual who has made an exemplary voluntary contribution (over 5+ years) and who through their volunteering has made asignificant impact towards Queensland’s wellbeing.
Carolyn Robinson
Recipient
Carolyn Robinson
Recipient
Carolyn Robinson is the driving force behind Beyond DV, dedicating eight years of full-time volunteer role following her daughter’s experience of domestic violence. Leaving a 35‑year teaching career, she built a charity that has redefined long‑term recovery in Australia. She developed the Five Pillars of Recovery, supporting more than 3,400 women and children, and leads national reform as Chair of the Domestic and Family Violence Recovery Alliance. Her leadership and advocacy has created lasting pathways to safety, healing, and independence.
Alina Graham
Finalist
Alina Graham
Finalist
Alina Graham is a committed volunteer making a strong impact in regional Queensland. Since 2020, she has provided vital financial leadership as Treasurer of Quilpie Sport and Recreation Inc, supporting programs that keep a remote community healthy, connected, and inclusive. She volunteered as Treasurer of the Quilpie Bowls Club, strengthening local, community‑run organisations.
Alongside this, Alina serves on the frontline with SES Quilpie, contributing to emergency response and recovery in a region regularly affected by floods and extreme weather. She takes on high responsibility, commits for the long term, and delivers real outcomes for her community.
Janelle Clarke
Finalist
Janelle Clarke
Finalist
Janelle Clarke has transformed the Bribie Island Church of Christ Op Shop into a thriving, community‑centred service, while reshaping its culture around volunteer development and community support. She leads a team of 32 volunteers, providing training, mentoring, and clear systems that keep the shop running smoothly. Under her leadership, the shop now supports vulnerable community members, while donating at least 10% of sales to charity. As well as being the carer of her husband, Janelle volunteers five days a week, creating a safe, welcoming space and building partnerships that uplift the whole community.
Queensland Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award
Presented in honour of an individual who has made an exemplary life-long contribution to volunteering (15+ years) and who throughout their volunteering has contributed to the betterment of the community in Queensland.
Roger Whyte
Recipient
Roger Whyte
Recipient
Roger Whyte has dedicated more than 30 years to Queensland Rugby League, contributing countless volunteer hours across all levels of the game. He led the unification of Townsville’s junior and senior competitions and founded the Rugby League Helping Hands Mentoring Program, supporting young people at risk. Drawing on his background in Queensland Police, Roger has created pathways that divert young people from offending behaviour and foster belonging, discipline, and hope, with an impact that will be felt for generations.
Reginald Butler
Finalist
Reginald Butler
Finalist
Reg Butler has dedicated 76 years to surf lifesaving, contributing thousands of hours across patrols, training, mentoring, administration, and officiating at all levels. He has trained generations of surf lifesavers in First Responder, Rescue, and Resuscitation skills, with many going on to win Gold at State and National competitions. A constant presence at his club, Reg also leads in fundraising, restoration, and strategy. Despite numerous honours, including Life Memberships and an OAM, he remains humble setting a lifelong benchmark for service.
Annette Dundas
Finalist
Annette Dundas
Finalist
Annette Dundas has made an extraordinary contribution to Special Olympics Australia over many years as a parent of an athlete, State Membership Officer, and as a state and national team member. Drawing on her experience as a nurse, she has strengthened medical support processes for travelling teams and maintained the state membership register with precision. Deeply trusted by athletes and families, Annette’s people-centred leadership has built lasting relationships and enhanced wellbeing, confidence, and connection across the community.
Queensland Youth Volunteer of the Year Award
Presented in celebration of an individual aged between 12 and 24 years, who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to volunteering in Queensland and who, through their volunteering, has positively impacted the lives of others.
Jaylyn Rongo
Recipient
Jaylyn Rongo
Recipient
Jaylyn Rongo is an inspiring young volunteer who uses his lived experience as a heart‑transplant recipient to drive DonateLife’s youth engagement. As a young Māori Australian, he proudly represents DonateLife as a visible ambassador, helping the organisation reach young people with culturally relevant messaging about organ and tissue donation. Jaylyn is a founding member of the DonateLife Queensland Youth Advisory Group, playing a key role in shaping its purpose, structure and youth‑focused strategies. Through school, university and Schoolies engagements, Jaylyn shares his story to inspire meaningful conversations and influence future generations.
Taylor Randall
Finalist
Taylor Randall
Finalist
Taylor Randall is an outstanding young leader contributing thousands of volunteer hours across local organisations. At 21, she has served with Girl Guides Queensland, Rotary, Red Frogs and more, and now leads the Southern Star Rotex Alumni Association. A Queen’s Guide recipient and Paul Harris Fellow, she has represented youth globally, including as Co-Chair of the Rotary International Youth Advisory Council. Alongside full-time study, Taylor mentors young people, coordinates volunteer teams and drives youth leadership initiatives, demonstrating exceptional commitment, maturity and impact.
Mattias Steljic
Finalist
Mattias Steljic
Finalist
Mattias Steljic is a dedicated young volunteer whose leadership spans Surf Life Saving, Pathfinders and local community programs. In Surf Life Saving, he has strengthened youth participation by recruiting, mentoring and supporting the largest intake of new lifesavers at his school, and his work with the Bush to Beach program earned him the John Wilson Trophy. He founded a cultural youth group to reduce isolation and connect young people to volunteering. As a Junior Councillor and Mayor’s Student Ambassador, he combines civic leadership with hands-on service, volunteering most weekends and afternoons to build stronger communities.
Queensland New Volunteer Award
Presented in acknowledgement of an adult volunteer who has between six (6)months to three (3) years of volunteering service. This individual shows exceptional dedication to volunteering in Queensland and has made a positive impact on the lives of others through their efforts.
Phillip Smith
Recipient
Phillip Smith
Recipient
Phil Smith began volunteering with Advocacy Australia’s Asbestos Education just 12 weeks after losing his wife Leah to malignant mesothelioma [meh-zoh-thee-lee-OH-muh], an asbestos – related cancer. He founded Ride in Shorts for Leah, creating a powerful awareness and fundraising movement held on what would have been Leah’s 50th birthday. Since November 2024, Phil has coordinated events across Queensland, turning personal loss into a community-driven effort to prevent other families from experiencing the same preventable loss.
Declan O’Grady
Finalist
Declan O’Grady
Finalist
Declan O’Grady has become a key part of Brisbane’s volunteering community in just two years, contributing more than 20 hours weekly alongside full‑time work. His hands-on approach saw him progress to Service Leader with Orange Sky within 24 months, supporting volunteers and ensuring consistent service delivery. He also contributes nationally through the Volunteer Voices Crew, helping shape a more inclusive volunteer experience.
Leanne Evert
Finalist
Leanne Evert
Finalist
Leanne Evert volunteers across multiple organisations while working full time, supporting young people develop resilience with Kokoda Youth Challenge, bringing “smiles on dials” to participants of all abilities with the Disabled Surfers Association Australia, and serving as a trained emergency responder with the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES). Within a short period of service, she has made a profound impact across multiple organisations, aligning her skills, values and energy with missions that strengthen individuals and communities.
Queensland Excellence in Volunteer Management Award
Presented in acknowledgement of an individual salaried or non-salaried volunteer manager who has demonstrated outstanding best practice in the management of volunteers and the delivery of volunteer programs.
Nicole Ashley
Recipient
Nicole Ashley
Recipient
Nicole Ashley has reimagined volunteer management at Play Matters Australia. As Project Officer for Volunteer Strategy, she identified gaps in structure and direction and independently led a full review to deliver a volunteer report and 120‑task strategy. She established the 2024 Volunteer Steering Group, giving volunteers a direct voice in shaping the system they are part of. With 30+ years of volunteer leadership, Nicole has strengthened the full volunteer journey and built a culture of consistency, respect, and genuine appreciation across Play Matters Australia.
Emily MacManus
Finalist
Emily MacManus
Finalist
Emily MacManus has transformed volunteering at The Lighthouse Toowoomba into a structured, inclusive, and values-driven program. She embeds trauma-aware, practices, removes barriers, and matches volunteers to roles that build confidence. Her leadership has enabled nearly 9 thousand volunteer hours, reaching 12,925 people and 100% of local schools. Through 51 partnerships and a culture of care and dignity, Emily has improved volunteer wellbeing and set a benchmark for ethical engagement.
Barbara Dean
Finalist
Barbara Dean
Finalist
Barbara has contributed more than 45 years of leadership to Girl Guides Queensland at local, state, and national levels. A dedicated Trefoil Guild leader and mentor, she has supported generations of volunteers while creating safe, welcoming spaces for girls and women. Her hands‑on guidance in navigating evolving standards and compliance has strengthened volunteer culture and retention. Barbara’s impact is both wide-reaching and deeply personal, delivered consistently over decades of service.
Queensland Volunteering Impact Award
Community, Government, Corporate
Foodbank Queensland
Community Recipient
Foodbank Queensland
Community Recipient
Foodbank Queensland supports 135,000 Queenslanders weekly and provides breakfast to 52,000 children through 350 partners and nearly 500 schools. Volunteers are central to this impact, with more than 100 active volunteers delivering over 10,500 hours annually across ordering, packing and supporting visitors statewide. Foodbank fosters a highly engaged volunteer community through meaningful roles, strong recognition, and inclusive culture, reflected in a retention rate of nearly 70% over two years. Volunteer contributions save the organisation over $400,000 each year, enabling more than 800,000 additional meals for Queenslanders in need.
The Older Mens Network (TOMNET)
Community Finalist
The Older Mens Network (TOMNET)
Community Finalist
TOMNET is a community‑led initiative that transforms social connection into meaningful volunteering for older men across Queensland. Its flexible, peer based model supports those experiencing isolation or retirement transition to reengage, build confidence and step into valued volunteer roles. By removing traditional barriers and embedding volunteering within trusted social networks, TOMNET creates pathways into mentoring, leadership and community outreach, strengthening communities while restoring purpose, identity and wellbeing for participants. TOMNET demonstrates the significant social and economic value of older volunteers, while challenging outdated perceptions of ageing.
Ambulance Wish Queensland, Palliative Care Queensland
Community Finalist
Ambulance Wish Queensland, Palliative Care Queensland
Community Finalist
Ambulance Wish Queensland is a community led program that enables people with life limiting illnesses to fulfil a final wish with dignity. Launched by Palliative Care Queensland in 2019, it has fulfilled more than 300 wishes, each made possible by volunteer doctors, nurses and paramedics who donate specialist time to ensure patients can travel safely. Supported by volunteers contributing over 1,500 hours annually, AWQ curates deeply personal end‑of‑life experiences that would otherwise be impossible. Its clinically integrated model stands apart as a compassionate, high‑impact volunteering.
Sunshine Coast Hospital Volunteer Program
Government Recipient
Sunshine Coast Hospital Volunteer Program
Government Recipient
The Sunshine Coast Hospital Volunteering Program is a values‑driven initiative that has delivered meaningful outcomes for more than 20 years. Aligned to the National Standards for Volunteering, the program treats volunteers as integral contributors to patient care and community wellbeing. More than 22,000 volunteer hours are contributed annually across hospital and community services. With strong recruitment, training and recognition frameworks, volunteers remain engaged for an average of eight years. Recognised as best practice, the program enhances patient experience, reduces isolation, and strengthens community connection.
Department of Housing Safer Schoolies Initiative
Government Finalist
Department of Housing Safer Schoolies Initiative
Government Finalist
The Safer Schoolies Initiative coordinates more than one thousand volunteers annually to support the safety and wellbeing of Queensland’s Year 12 school leavers. Led by the Department of Housing, the initiative brings together government, councils, community organisations and trained volunteers to provide drug‑ and alcohol-free activities, on the Gold Coast and in Airlie Beach. Now in its 22nd year, the initiative enhances youth safety, and creates safe, well‑managed celebrations for young people across Queensland.
Origin Energy
Corporate Recipient
Origin Energy
Corporate Recipient
Origin Energy’s volunteering program delivers significant community impact across regional Queensland, with employees contributing more than 1,500 volunteer hours to 132 initiatives in 2025. Through paid volunteer leave and strong employee engagement, Origin staff support festivals, school programs, reconciliation activities, and community events across the Maranoa, Western Downs and Banana Shire regions. The program stands out for its STEM partnerships, connecting employees with schools and universities to deliver real-world engineering experiences. Combined with more than $2 million in community investment, Origin’s volunteering program strengthens regional liveability, education pathways, community resilience, and trusted local relationships.
Looking Ahead
The Queensland Volunteering Awards are more than just a ceremony—they’re a statewide celebration of everything volunteering brings to our lives. We also look to the future: supporting more inclusive, accessible, and impactful volunteering across Queensland.
Whether you’re a nominee, a supporter, or someone considering volunteering for the first time, thank you; your contribution keeps our communities thriving.
Thank you Kristen Cox Photography for capturing the day!
Previous Queensland Volunteer Awards
The Queensland Volunteer awards are a time to celebrate the volunteering sector and all those who dedicate their time, energy and resources to improving peoples lives and protecting our environment.
As an organisation, we are very proud of the ongoing dedication of volunteers and volunteer managers. It is an honour to witness so many individuals come together to work towards the betterment of our communities.
We would like to share with you Snippets from the Queensland Volunteering Awards from years gone by and look forward to celebrating with you in 2024 and beyond!
View all the details of past award ceremonies below.
Questions
For assistance with nominations, please contact us on 07 3002 7600 or awards@volunteeringqld.org.au