2026 Leader of Volunteers Honour Roll

What is special or unique about this nominee's approach to working with volunteers?
Ammar is someone who genuinely takes an interest in the people around him and wants to see them do well. He's approachable, easy to work with and always willing to lend a hand, whether that's helping newer members, supporting training or getting stuck into jobs around the brigade. What stands out about Ammar is that he doesn't just identify things that could be done better; he actually takes the initiative to do something about them. He's interested in developing people, improving the way things are done and making sure volunteers have the support and resources they need. More recently, Ammar has also joined CFA's Learning and Development team, which is a great reflection of his interest in volunteer development and the contribution he's looking to make beyond his own brigade. It gives him another opportunity to support volunteers across CFA, share his experience and help strengthen the skills and capabilities of the people who give up their time to serve their communities.

What impact has this nominee had on the volunteers and people they support?
Ammar has contributed well beyond attending incidents. He's supported newer members as they find their feet, shared his experience and helped create an environment where people feel comfortable asking questions and getting involved. He's also taken an active interest in improving how the brigade operates, particularly through introducing digital processes and making information and resources more accessible. Outside the brigade, he's contributed to community education initiatives, including fire safety resources for Sinhala-speaking communities as well as fire safe kids. Having attended more than 400 incidents and participated in interstate & state deployments, he's also given a considerable amount of his time to supporting the community. I think one of his biggest strengths is that he's just as willing to put his hand up for the less visible jobs as he is for the operational ones.

What is special or unique about this nominee's approach to working with volunteers?
Barry is a friendly reliable and relatable champion of environmental volunteers. He prioritises ensuring volunteers understand their value and that value is recognised across the community and more broadly.

What impact has this nominee had on the volunteers and people they support?
Barry has been able to capture the stories of volunteers through film and relay them back to the broader community. Not only ensuring the value of the volunteer is understand but demonstrating the incredible impact they have on the environment as well as socially in the community.

What is special or unique about this nominee's approach to working with volunteers?
Deb is an absolute workhorse and leads by example. She works hands-on alongside volunteers and makes every effort to ensure their contributions are recognised, valued and appreciated. I see firsthand the enormous amount of time and effort, every day year-round, she puts into BCER and its volunteers, as well as the volunteers of partner organisations BCER supports. BCER is unfunded and 100% volunteer-run, which means Deb does all of this in a volunteer role herself. She never puts herself above any task and earns her respect through her actions rather than her position in the organisation. As an emergency relief organisation that supports individuals across a wide range of needs and partner organisations in various areas of relief, BCER attracts volunteers from all walks of life, causes they are passionate about and reasons for wanting to help. Deb works to ensure volunteers are well-informed, involved and able to contribute in ways that suit their skills and interests. She supports volunteers and helps them find roles where they can most effectively contribute to the organisation and partner NFPs. This includes fundraising, sourcing donations, purchasing essential items where donations are lacking, sorting and packing aid, and coordinating the delivery of relief support to those in need. Despite being responsible for so much within BCER, she leads their public volunteer community group with honesty, integrity and transparency. She makes sure volunteers understand the importance of their efforts and can see the real difference they are making. They are able to see photos and read more information about aid being packed, collected and received on BCER's social media, giving them a clear and genuine understanding of how their time, effort and generosity are helping our community. Deb brings the volunteering community together, coordinating and managing their efforts while providing the support and guidance they need to succeed and make a meaningful contribution to the wider community. Beyond her role within BCER, she is a genuinely kind and approachable person who is always willing to lend a hand when someone needs help. She is someone people know they can turn to when they need a bit of help or guidance.

What impact has this nominee had on the volunteers and people they support?
Volunteers want to help people, but once their part is done they don't always get to see an outcome which can make it harder for them to feel connected to the overall effort of volunteering. By helping them see the results of their contributions, Deb gives volunteers a stronger connection to the work they do and encourages them to keep coming back to support the community. I believe this also helps volunteers build a stronger connection with the community and the people and partner organisations they support, giving them a greater understanding of the struggles of those doing it tough around them. Volunteers can gain a greater sense of purpose and reinforces the value of helping others and the positive impact they can have as members of the community. The people receiving her support benefit from her practical, hands-on approach and the speed at which she helps organise and deliver emergency relief without unnecessary delays. Through her dedication to keeping BCER running, she makes sure essential relief reaches people experiencing difficult circumstances in the most practical way possible. She is skilled at mobilising the community, finding pragmatic solutions, and bring people together to do the behind-the-scenes work that is essential, but often unnoticed, to get support out effectively and reaches those who need it and that partner NFPs receive the assistance they need to support their communities.

What is special or unique about this nominee's approach to working with volunteers?
Harpreet never asks a volunteer to do something he wouldn’t do himself. If the kitchen needs help, he’s in the kitchen. If trees need planting, he has a shovel in his hand. That simple habit has built a deep trust between Harpreet and the people who serve alongside him at the Gurdwara. His approach comes from seva, the Sikh idea of selfless service. For Harpreet, giving time matters as much as giving money, and he believes everyone has something to offer. He takes the time to find out what people are good at and what they care about, then finds a place where those skills can make a real difference. Harpreet has a gift for seeing what people bring with them and turning it into something the whole community benefits from.

What makes Harpreet stand out most is how he responds to problems. When drownings shook the local Indian community, he didn’t wait for someone else to fix it. Despite nearly drowning as a child, he learned to swim himself, then rallied volunteers and partners to help hundreds of others do the same. He brings that same “let’s do something about it” spirit to food relief, mental health and community safety. Harpreet also makes sure his volunteers are seen. By building friendships with more than 30 local organisations, he has put them alongside councils, schools, emergency services and other faith groups. That has changed how the wider community sees the Gurdwara. As he puts it, “from problem makers to being problem solvers.” And when times are hard, Harpreet’s volunteers are always among the first to show up.

What impact has this nominee had on the volunteers and people they support?
Harpreet’s greatest impact on his volunteers has been helping them see what they are capable of. Many who first came to help in the community kitchen now organise events, run programs, speak publicly and represent their community on local committees. Under his mentoring, volunteers have built practical skills in planning, partnership and leadership, and have gained the confidence to work alongside councils, emergency services, Members of Parliament and national organisations. Several have moved into formal leadership and civic roles, showing that volunteering at the Gurdwara is a pathway, not just a pastime. He has also given volunteers a strong sense of pride and belonging.

Perhaps most importantly, Harpreet has made the Gurdwara a place where anyone in need is welcomed without question, whatever their faith or background. Newly arrived migrants, students, seniors and struggling families find practical help, friendship and hope there. The result is a community that is more confident, connected and resilient, and a team of volunteers inspired to keep serving.

What is special or unique about this nominee's approach to working with volunteers?
Jay brings a unique combination of compassionate leadership, professional organisational skills and genuine dedication to community service. As the South-Eastern Region Volunteer Coordinator for the Order of Malta, he leads by example, combining structured volunteer coordination with a deeply personal commitment to supporting those experiencing homelessness and disadvantage. His approach is centred on ensuring every volunteer feels welcomed, valued, supported and empowered to make a meaningful contribution. He understands that successful volunteering is not simply about coordinating people and activities, but about building relationships, fostering teamwork and creating an environment where volunteers feel a genuine sense of purpose and belonging.

What impact has this nominee had on the volunteers and people they support?
Through his ongoing involvement with the Order of Malta since 2019, Jay has made a meaningful contribution to supporting volunteers and vulnerable members of the Melbourne community. He has helped coordinate volunteers delivering essential assistance to people experiencing homelessness, including the distribution of warm clothing, hygiene products, care packages and other practical necessities. His coordination of volunteer rosters, outreach activities and partnerships, including engagement with Australian Catholic University, helps ensure volunteers are organised, supported and able to contribute effectively. Beyond the practical assistance provided, Jay promotes an environment where people experiencing hardship are treated with dignity, compassion and genuine human connection. His leadership helps volunteers develop confidence, teamwork and a stronger understanding of the difference their service can make. Jay's greatest impact is his ability to bring people together in service, demonstrating that volunteering is not just about what we give, but about the lives we touch and the communities we strengthen. Jay's dedication and contribution to volunteering were further recognised when he was named a finalist for the 2026 Victorian Volunteer Leadership Award.

What is special or unique about this nominee's approach to working with volunteers?
Jo is a very warm person who makes her team feel welcome and included. What makes Jo particularly unique is her unwavering belief that volunteers are not simply helping the organisation but are an integral part of achieving Sovereign Hill's mission. She regularly recognises volunteers' contributions, celebrates their successes and ensures they understand the impact they have on the visitor experience and the preservation of history. Jo is also a passionate advocate for volunteers. She champions their needs, perspectives and contributions when working with other departments, ensuring volunteers are respected, supported and included in organisational decision-making. Through her warmth, authenticity and advocacy, Jo has created a culture where volunteers feel appreciated, empowered and proud to contribute their time and talents. Jo's approach has fostered a highly engaged volunteer team who feel a strong sense of belonging and connection to both their role and the broader purpose of Sovereign Hill.

What impact has this nominee had on the volunteers and people they support?
By creating an environment where volunteers feel genuinely valued, respected and included, Jo has built a highly engaged and committed team. Volunteers consistently describe feeling supported, appreciated and confident in their roles, knowing that Jo is always available to provide guidance, encouragement and advocacy. One of the clearest indicators of Jo's impact is the strong retention of volunteers within her department. Volunteers choose to stay because they feel connected to the team, recognised for their contributions and inspired by the purpose of their work. Jo fosters a culture where volunteers develop a strong sense of belonging and are encouraged to share their skills, knowledge and ideas. Through her leadership, volunteers have developed a deep connection to Sovereign Hill's mission of preserving, documenting and interpreting Ballarat's rich gold rush history. Jo helps volunteers understand the significance of their contribution, ensuring they see themselves not simply as helpers, but as preserving local history. The result is a volunteer team that is dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate about documenting history.

What is special or unique about this nominee's approach to working with volunteers?
Jodie is excellent at providing clear roles and responsibilities for the 148 volunteers who are a part of the Sussex Neighbourhood House. She is also great at providing volunteers with the right balance of enough support and also enough independence to let them really step into their role and thrive. She is also genuinely interested in tracking their progress, thanking them in meaningful ways and celebrating their successes. One of Jodie's superpowers is to be able work with diverse people, skills and aspirations and channel these into meaningful volunteer roles here at Sussex Neighbourhood House.

What impact has this nominee had on the volunteers and people they support?
It's transformational for each of our volunteers. With Jodie it's about finding the right fit of volunteer to position (and vice versa). While there is no one set and forget approach, the principles of respect, kindness and working to people's strength's is always applied.

What is special or unique about this nominee's approach to working with volunteers?
Khalid leads with humility, compassion and a genuine commitment to bringing people together. As President of Truganina Lions Football Club (TLFC), he dedicates countless hours to supporting volunteers, coaches, players and families, often working behind the scenes without seeking recognition. He balances strong governance and accountability with an approachable, people-centred leadership style, ensuring volunteers feel valued, respected and empowered. His ability to unite a diverse multicultural community, inspire others and turn shared ideas into meaningful action makes his contribution truly exceptional.

What impact has this nominee had on the volunteers and people they support?
Under Khalid's leadership, TLFC has grown to 43 teams and almost 600 members, with its girls' program expanding from three to eight teams. He has supported the development of 22 accredited coaches and 20 referees and championed child safety education for more than 450 participants. Recognising the importance of volunteers, he secured local business funding to celebrate over 1,000 volunteer contributions. Through community events, female participation initiatives and volunteer development, Khalid has helped create a welcoming, inclusive club where people from diverse backgrounds feel connected, supported and proud to belong.

What is special or unique about this nominee's approach to working with volunteers?
What makes Michelle truly special is her ability to bring people together around a shared purpose and inspire them to take action. Through her passion, vision and genuine commitment to helping others, she has successfully rallied an extraordinary number of local tradespeople who generously donated their time, skills, and resources free of charge to build a brand-new community food hub. This project has created a lasting impact for people experiencing hardship in our community. Michelle leads by example and has a unique ability to make every volunteer feel valued, connected and part of something bigger than themselves. She motivates and empowers people from all walks of life, creating an environment where volunteers feel appreciated, inspired, and eager to contribute. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and the positive energy she brings each day not only strengthens volunteer engagement but also lifts the morale of everyone around her. What sets Michelle apart is her ability to build genuine relationships, unite people behind a common cause, and turn goodwill into meaningful community action. Her leadership has created a strong, supportive volunteer culture that continues to make a real difference in the lives of others.

What impact has this nominee had on the volunteers and people they support?
Michelle has had an extraordinary impact on both volunteers and the people they support. Through her leadership, she has created a culture where volunteers feel valued, empowered, and connected to a shared purpose. Her ability to inspire and motivate others has helped build a strong, committed volunteer workforce that consistently goes above and beyond to support the community. Volunteers are drawn to Michelle's passion, positivity, and genuine appreciation for their contributions. She fosters an environment where people feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to use their skills to make a meaningful difference. As a result, many volunteers have developed greater confidence, stronger community connections, and a deep sense of pride in the impact they are making. For the people being supported, Michelle's impact is life-changing. Her ability to mobilise volunteers, community groups, businesses, and tradespeople has expanded the reach and capacity of community services, ensuring that more people can access food, support, and essential resources when they need them most. The creation of a new community food hub stands as a lasting example of her commitment and vision, providing ongoing support for individuals and families experiencing hardship. Michelle doesn't just lead programs; she inspires people to become part of a movement that strengthens the entire community. Her leadership continues to create positive outcomes for volunteers, service users, and the wider community alike.

What is special or unique about this nominee's approach to working with volunteers?
Silvia stepped into the Volunteer Coordinator role at Olivia’s Place when the role as brand new, she had no predecessor to learn from, and she made it her own. She built a strong onboarding process from the ground up, so every new volunteer begins with clarity and confidence. She keeps meticulous records, gathers and collates volunteer feedback, and nurtures each volunteer personally. Last year she worked closely with our external IT consultants to create a volunteer portal where people log their shifts, and she continues to add training and other resources to it. She also works hand in hand with our Material Aid Coordinator and Op Shop Manager, the two areas of our organisation that rely on volunteers the most, so volunteer needs are met where they matter.

What impact has this nominee had on the volunteers and people they support?
Since Silvia joined us, our volunteer program has gone from strength to strength. We now have 69 active volunteers, and new people sign up every month. Volunteers join through a clear, welcoming onboarding process, log their own shifts through the portal Silvia helped create, and have ongoing training available to them. Their feedback is gathered, collated and heard. As one volunteer told us, “This space is so good for my mental health, to come in and work with like-minded people.” Our Material Aid and Op Shop teams are better supported because Silvia understands and responds to their needs. When volunteers feel supported and valued, the families who come to Olivia’s Place receive better care.

What is special or unique about this nominee's approach to working with volunteers?
Sohail leads with humility, kindness and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. He recognises that volunteers give their time generously and continually looks for ways to make their contributions easier and more meaningful. Rather than simply adding to people's workloads, he develops practical systems, clear processes and supportive structures that help volunteers feel confident and accountable. His calm, collaborative approach ensures people feel heard and respected, even during challenging situations. He leads through service rather than recognition, creating an environment where others feel empowered to contribute.

What impact has this nominee had on the volunteers and people they support?
Sohail has helped transform Truganina Lions Football Club into a stronger, more sustainable community organisation, growing from 17 teams in 2024 to 43 teams and almost 600 members in 2026. Through improved governance, streamlined committee systems, clear policies and practical support, he has helped volunteers manage this growth while maintaining a welcoming and safe environment. His contribution to securing a $50,000 Wyndham WARP Grant has also supported the club's development. Most importantly, his leadership helps hundreds of players, families and volunteers feel supported, respected and connected through community sport.

What is special or unique about this nominee's approach to working with volunteers?
Susan provides for her volunteers like family. The services she provides at The Old Courthouse Community Centre are as much for them as for their clients, creating lasting friendships and resilient networks throughout our whole community.

What impact has this nominee had on the volunteers and people they support?
Susan has been instrumental in reviving our local services after a freak hailstorm destroyed almost every building in our town. Her tireless efforts have restored connections throughout our community, providing clear pathways and programs for both volunteers and clients to access support and care during a time of significant social and economic uncertainty. She has effectively rebuilt our local support community from scratch, for which we are eternally grateful.

What is special or unique about this nominee's approach to working with volunteers?
What makes Tegan's approach so special is that she led our National Games volunteer team as a volunteer herself. Outside of the Games, Tegan works as a detective with Victoria Police, bringing her professional skills, leadership and ability to work under pressure to an entirely different environment, giving her time and energy because she genuinely believes in the power of volunteering. The scale of the National Games was enormous, with volunteers playing a critical role in delivering competition and supporting athletes across nine venues and 12 sports. This required Tegan to be incredibly organised, adaptable and flexible, responding to the different needs of each venue, sport and volunteer team, often in a fast-moving environment where plans and priorities could change. She never lost sight of the fact that volunteers were giving their own time to make the Games possible. She led with kindness, enthusiasm and a genuine appreciation for every contribution, creating an environment where people felt welcomed, valued and part of something bigger. She didn't just manage 1000 volunteers; she brought people together, built a team and and helped create an experience that was as rewarding for the volunteers as it was for the athletes they supported.

What impact has this nominee had on the volunteers and people they support?
Tegan's impact could be felt right across the Games. Her positivity was infectious. Whether it was a high five, an encouraging word, a big smile or simply taking the time to check in with someone, she made people feel seen, appreciated and supported. Her enthusiasm never seemed to run out, even during the busiest and most challenging moments. She genuinely cared about her volunteers, took the time to understand their needs and made sure they felt part of the team. That care and energy helped create a positive experience for the hundreds of people who gave their time to make the National Games possible. The team in the purple shirts became part of the fabric of the Games. Behind so many of the moments and highlights that made the week special, there was a volunteer. Smiling, cheering, lending a hand, encouraging an athlete or simply being there when someone needed them. They were part of every venue, every sport and so many memories. Tegan helped bring that team together and created an environment where people wanted to be, where they felt valued and where they knew they were part of something truly special.

What is special or unique about this nominee's approach to working with volunteers?
Vivina brings compassion, cultural understanding and a strong commitment to community to her leadership at AusUnity Aid. She recognises the strengths people bring and encourages volunteers from diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills, ideas and experience.

What impact has this nominee had on the volunteers and people they support?
Through her leadership at AusUnity Aid, Vivina brings volunteers together to support young people, women and families from culturally diverse communities. Her work creates opportunities for volunteers to contribute through youth soccer and wellbeing activities, homework support, food relief and community programs. She encourages volunteers to recognise their abilities and understand the value of their contribution. Working together across these programs provides opportunities to develop skills, build relationships and take on responsibility. For the people they support, these programs offer practical assistance, connection and opportunities to participate in community life. Vivina’s contribution extends beyond organising activities: she helps build a community where people can seek support, contribute their strengths and support one another.