Locals among those recognised at volunteer awards

Dozens of volunteers in the wider Orana Region were recognised at the 2025 Orana Volunteer of the Year Awards in Dubbo late last month.

By Sharon Bonthuys

Member for Parkes, Jamie Chaffey with Collie Day Branch CWA members Helen Murray, Noelene Herbig, and Pat Henry. Photos by Dubbo Photo News: Sharon Bonthuys.

Held as part of the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards hosted by The Centre for Volunteering, the awards are now in their 19th year and celebrate the work of thousands of individuals and volunteer teams from a diverse range of organisations across NSW.

Nominees across all categories received certificates at the event at the Dubbo RSL Club on September 30, with the winners of each category receiving a framed award.

While they may not have walked away with the major gongs, several local groups were recognised at the awards event, including:

• Gilgandra District Speedway Club

• Tooraweenah Branch, Country Women’s Association (CWA)

• Mendooran Branch, CWA

• Collie Day Branch, CWA

• Collie Evening Branch, CWA

• Gilgandra Evening Branch, CWA

• Gilgandra Day Branch, CWA.

The NSW minister with responsibility for volunteering, Jodie Harrison, congratulated the award nominees and recipients.

“You’ve been recognised as heroes by the people in your communities who know you best. Thank you for your ongoing contributions, which make NSW the best state to live and work in,” she concluded.