News

Palliative care volunteering is having a moment with two teams in the running for NSW Volunteer Team of the Year. Hosted by The NSW Centre for Volunteering, the NSW Volunteer of the Year 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 the state.

Two palliative care volunteer teams have won their regional awards thereby qualifying them as state finalists. A winner will be decided from 25 regional finalists in that category.

2025 Illawarra Volunteer Team of the Year – Illawarra Bereavement and Palliative Care Volunteers

This dedicated team offers comfort to people in palliative care and their loved ones, both in hospitals and at home. They also support the bereaved as Grief Companions. Going the extra mile, some undertake biography training to offer up to six weeks of recording a person’s life story and putting it into a bound book, with photos.

2025 Northern Rivers Volunteer Team of the Year – Livable Palliative Care Team Grafton

The seven members of the Livable Palliative Care Team give their time to provide end-of-life care and support to people and their families around the Grafton region. The team provides assistance with daily tasks and respite care, a listening ear, and comfort and dignity during a very emotionally difficult time.

Winners of all categories including NSW Volunteer Team of the Year will be announced at a State Gala ceremony held in Sydney on December 4.

Whatever the outcome, it is fabulous recognition not just of the hard work and dedication of the volunteer teams from both services but also of just how valuable and appreciated volunteers working in end-of-life care are.

A big congratulations goes out to both teams and their Volunteer Managers. You are both winners in our eyes!