Volunteer Recognition Awards

Nominations are open to volunteers who have contributed to the Burwood community within the past 12 months or longer. (Please note: nominations for individuals primarily involved in political or lobbying activities will not be accepted.)

Eligibility extends to volunteers who live in the Burwood LGA or volunteer locally but reside outside the area and primarily support the local community.

Service may be completed through one organisation or multiple community-based roles

Age categories at the time of nomination are as follows:

• Young Volunteer: 16–25 years
• Adult Volunteer: 26–54 years
• Senior Volunteer: 55 years and over

Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award minimum of 10 years of dedicated volunteer service

Volunteer Team of the Year nominations may include three or more volunteers who work together within the same organisation or project.

Each volunteer may be nominated in only one award category per year.

Volunteers who have been nominated within the past 12 months are not eligible for nomination again this year

Nominations will be evaluated based on the following:

• The impact of the volunteer’s contribution within the community
• The outstanding service and commitment demonstrated
• The time, skills, and energy dedicated to supporting others
• The volunteer’s leadership and empowerment of others within the community

The selection panel’s decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.

Young Volunteer of the Year

• Age: 16–25 years at the time of nomination
• Must have undertaken volunteer work within the past 12 months

Description: Recognises a young person who has made a significant contribution to the community through active participation in volunteer activities.

Adult Volunteer of the Year

• Age: 26–54 years at the time of nomination
• Must have undertaken volunteer work within the past 12 months

Description: Recognises an adult who gives their time, skills, and energy to support others and contribute to the local community.

Senior Volunteer of the Year

• Age: 55 years and over at the time of nomination
• Must have undertaken volunteer work within the past 12 months

Description: Recognises a senior volunteer who has made an outstanding contribution to the local community.

Volunteer Team of the Year

• Comprises three or more individuals
• Must have undertaken volunteer work within the past 12 months

Description: Recognises a team or group (3 or more) that has demonstrated dedication and made a significant impact in supporting the community.

Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award

• Must have a long-term record of volunteering in the Burwood community (typically 10 years or more).
• Must have undertaken volunteer work within the past 12 months

Description: Recognises a volunteer who has made a long-term and outstanding contribution to the Burwood community.

Burwood Council recognises the vital role volunteers play in our community and the importance of celebrating their efforts.  The Volunteer Recognition Awards aim to acknowledge outstanding individuals, teams, and organisations that contribute to the Burwood community through their dedication and service.

Volunteers who live in the Burwood LGA, or who live outside the LGA but volunteer within Burwood, are eligible for nomination. Awards will be presented at the Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony in May 2026. We are pleased to announce that nominations for the 2026 Burwood Council Volunteer Recognition Awards are now open!

Award Categories

• Young Volunteer of the Year
• Adult Volunteer of the Year
• Senior Volunteer of the Year
• Volunteer Team of the Year Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award

Eligibility Criteria

Nominations are open to volunteers who have contributed to the Burwood community within the past 12 months or longer. (Please note: nominations for individuals primarily involved in political or lobbying activities will not be accepted.)

Eligibility extends to volunteers who live in the Burwood LGA or volunteer locally but reside outside the area and primarily support the local community.

Service may be completed through one organisation or multiple community-based roles

Age categories at the time of nomination are as follows:

• Young Volunteer: 16–25 years
• Adult Volunteer: 26–54 years
• Senior Volunteer: 55 years and over
• Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award minimum of 10 years of dedicated volunteer service
• Volunteer Team of the Year nominations may include three or more volunteers who work together within the same organisation or project.

Each volunteer may be nominated in only one award category per year.

Volunteers who have been nominated within the past 12 months are not eligible for nomination again this year. All winners will receive a congratulatory plaque and a $200 gift voucher. Winners will be announced at the Volunteer Recognition Awards ceremony on Friday 22 May 2026 at Southern Cross Catholic Vocational College, Burwood.

Nominations close 5pm Friday 16 April 2025

Winners will be announced at the Volunteer Recognition Awards ceremony on Friday 22 May 2026 at Southern Cross Catholic Vocational College, Burwood. (further details about the event will be advertised at a later date).

All winners will receive a congratulatory plaque and a $200 gift voucher.

1. How do I nominate someone for an Award?
   Nominations are only accepted via the official nomination forms on our website. For enquiries contact the Volunteering & Programs Officer on 9911 9855 or volunteering@burwood.nsw.gov.au
   
   
2. Can an individual nominate him/herself?
   No, you are not permitted to nominate yourself. All nominators must have permission from the person or team you are nominating to disclose their personal information as part of their entry into the Burwood Volunteer Recognition Awards. For privacy purposes, the nominee is required to understand and be aware that by this nomination form being submitted and their image and story may be used publicly by Burwood Council to promote the Awards program.
    
3. Does a nominee still have to be working with the nominating organisation or organisation with which he or she volunteered?
   No. provided the nominee did not finish working with the organisation before June 2025.
   
   
4. How many nominations can I make?
   Each volunteer may be nominated in only one award category per year.
   
   
5. What happens if I fill in my nomination form incorrectly?
   If your nomination form is incorrectly completed you will need to contact us via volunteering@burwood.nsw.gov.au and advise us what the issue is. You will have the opportunity to submit a revised application as long as it is received prior to the closing date. We will try to contact you if a nomination form is incomplete so you can resubmit
   
   
6. When do nominations close?
   Nominations close: 16 April 2026 at 5pm
   
   
7. How do I know if you have received my nomination?
   All nominations will be acknowledged by email on submission. Please double check both the nominee’s and the nominator’s email addresses are correct. If you do not receive an email, please contact Burwood Council via volunteering@burwood.nsw.gov.au
   
   
8. When are the winners announced?
   The Winners will be announced at the Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony, which will be held on Friday 22 May 2026 during National Volunteer Week. All Nominees will be acknowledged with a certificate and winners will  receive a congratulatory plaque and a gift voucher.

If you have not found the answer to your question on this Awards FAQs page please contact the Volunteering & Programs Officer at volunteering@burwood.nsw.gov.au  or call on 9911 9855.