In recognition of her tireless dedication to the Coffs Coast community, Helen Mears has been named our region’s 2021 Senior Volunteer of the Year.
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards recognise the significant contributions individuals and organisations make across all sections of the community.
“Helen Mears has been a United Hospital Auxiliaries volunteer at Coffs Harbour Health Campus for the past 40 years and I applaud her for her passion and dedication,” Mr Singh said.
“She has fundraised for medical equipment, staffed the hospital’s café and gift shop and recruited, managed and inspired countless volunteers. Helen has been the president of the local UHA group, the Pink Ladies, for more than 30 years, overseeing the donation of more than $3 million.
“Today’s online ceremony gave us the chance to come together and say thank you to our local volunteers, who are the lifeblood of our communities. We’re extremely grateful for their continued commitment.”
The annual awards are run by The Centre for Volunteering, the state’s peak body for volunteering.
The awards follow the release of the inaugural NSW State of Volunteering Report, which found more than 4.8 million people volunteered in NSW in 2020.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said the awards recognise volunteers who have gone above and beyond for their communities.
“The pandemic may have tested the character and resolve of our state but our volunteers responded in a variety of ways,” Mr Henskens said.
“I am inspired by the incredible people that devote their time and energy to benefit others and I congratulate all award winners.”
The awards are supported by the NSW Government and ClubsNSW, which represents the state’s 1,400 not-for-profit clubs. For more information, visit www.volunteering.com.au
