2023 Amy Large Volunteer Awards
Meet our 2023 Award Recipients
A great congratulations to the 2023 Amy Large Volunteer Award recipients. We acknowledge and appreciate your contribution to the Inner West Community.
Discover more about all the nominees for this year's Awards via the 2023 Community Awards digital presentation or the information below.
Young Volunteers
Our Young Volunteer recipients are:
- Kasandra Lim for work as a Centre Support Volunteer at the Asylum Seekers Centre, Newtown
- Paddy Ljubic McMorrow for work at Addison Road Community Organisation
- Kiara Tran for various volunteer performances and work at Addison Road Community Organisation and Bill Crews Foundation
Read their inspiring stories below.
Kasandra Lim
Kasandra has been a Centre Support Volunteer at the Asylum Seekers Centre in Newtown for one year now and has provided a range of benefits to vulnerable people. Centre Support Volunteers play a vital role in providing general advice and guidance to clients about the Centre’s services and Australian processes. Kasandra has an ability to personally connect with clients with a calm, professional and sensitive manner.
Paddy Ljubic McMorrow
Paddy has been a part of the Addison Road Community Organisation family for a number of year, however ‘officially’ became a volunteer in 2022. Paddy has participated in many events and programs, and is the inaugural Chair of the Addison Road Youth Committee. Paddy is a bright and remarkable person, always finding alternative ways of doing things.
Kiara Tran
Kiara Tran is an emerging local leader, having completed varying volunteer experiences. Over recent years, this has included volunteer music performances as part of ANZAC Day Services, Inner West Music Festival, and more. Kiara has also volunteered with local organisations including Addison Road Community Organisation and Bill Crews Foundation.
Adult Volunteers
Our Adult Volunteer recipients are:
- Yvette Andrews for work at Reverse Garbage as a longstanding board member
- Teigan Butchers (Rainbow Smash) as President of Inner West Roller Derby League and advocating for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sports
- Tiffany Chen for significant volunteer work at Newtown Breakaways AFL Club including as Club President
- Alison Cockrell for work with Council's Bushcare team
- Janet Cooksey as a local volunteer working with Story Factory
- Noel Cuthill for work with Together2, Rozelle
- Darryl Hodgson as a local volunteer working with Stepping Stone House
- Erica James for work with Universities Women's Cricket Club, Camperdown
- Elliot Kahl for work as a Centre Support Volunteer at the Asylum Seekers Centre, Newtown
- Christine Karadijs for work with Community and Cultural Connections Inc, Marrickville
- Cara O'Neill for contributions to Balmain Water Polo Club
- Jitra Sae-Seung for work on the Community Visitors Scheme at Sydney Multicultural Community Services
- Hugh Sanderson for work with Council's Bushcare team
- Andrew Sciberras for work with Addison Road Community Organisation
- Glen Smith for work with Bill Crews Foundation
- Kimberly Uesiliana for work on the Individual Social Support program at Newtown Neighbourhood Centre
- Elizabeth Youssef for work with Community and Cultural Connections Inc, Marrickville
Read their inspiring stories below.
Yvette Andrews
Yvette is a longstanding board member of local outfit Reverse Garbage. Yvette has leant her expertise in strategic engagement, communications and community engagement to ensure the longevity and improvement of the organisation. Yvette has worked extensively across Reverse Garbage undertakings, always championing their mission and cause.
Teigan Butchers (Rainbow Smash)
Teigan, also known as Rainbow Smash, is a trailblazer for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sports as the President of Inner West Roller Derby League. This has included bringing the club to platforms such as Sydney World Pride, Luna Park and Network 10. Rainbow has an immense passion for the sport, creating a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for all skaters.
Tiffany Chen
Tiffany has volunteered with the Newtown Breakaways AFL club for over five years as a player, committee member, and now as the Club President. Tiffany has overseen the expansion of the club from women’s only to now also including a men’s team. Tiffany is a role model for the club and is dedicated to ensuring a safe place for all players.
Alison Cockrell
Alison is part of Council’s incredible Bushcare team, caring for the local natural environment. Alison donates her time on Sundays contributing to restoration projects reinstating local native vegetation along the Greenway biodiversity corridor. Alison willingly takes on tough tasks and provides a great example to new and young members.
Janet Cooksey
Janet is a keen local volunteer, nominated for her work at Story Factory in Redfern. Janet is a cheerleader for the creative writing students and is always proactive in considering new ways to support the organisation’s mission and team. Janet also completed the most volunteer hours in the organisation across 2022!
Noel Cuthill
Noel is a new and highly motivated volunteer at Together2 in Rozelle. Since joining in early 2021, Noel has made himself available twice every week. With a friendly smile and warm words, Noel makes a difference in the daily life of many local people, taking the time to talk with each recipient of Together2’s services.
Darryl Hodgson
Local volunteer Darryl is a driving mentor for young people as part of Stepping Stone House, based in Alexandria. Darryl has established himself as a healthy role model within the service, providing valuable time and knowledge in driving and car maintenance, teaching young people these valuable skills.
Erica James
Erica is a mentor and inspiration as part of her work with the Universities Women's Cricket Club in Camperdown. Erica has been integral to the delivery of UWCC’s Youth Development Program initiative as well as volunteering with Marrickville Cricket Club. Erica’s enthusiasm and positive energy are infectious and ensure players feel welcome and valued.
Elliot Kahl
Elliot is one of the fantastic Centre Support Volunteers working out of the Asylum Seekers Centre. Elliot provides vital assistance and guidance for clients, keeping them up to date, informed and supported. Elliot has gone above and beyond to help clients navigate the complex Australian systems to ensure clients secure services and benefits wherever needed.
Christine Karadijs
Christine is a multi-talented volunteer as part of Community and Cultural Connections Inc in Marrickville. Christine has organised and lead group outings, functions, food distribution and provided one-on-one support. Through her work, Christine has helped bring about a great deal of happiness, social support and connection between seniors of diverse cultural backgrounds.
Cara O’Neill
Cara has provided extensive volunteer contributions to the Balmain Water Polo Club. Cara has played a key role in the formation and administration of teams, officiating games, as well as organising and running events. Cara advocates for young members and their participation in both the game itself as well as club activities.
Jitra Sae-Seung
Jitra is one of the fantastic volunteers at Sydney Multicultural Community Services, working on the Community Visitors Scheme. Jitra displays love and care for all the people she visits. She is a great example of working with generosity, warmth and dedication in the community.
Hugh Sanderson
Hugh is part of Council’s incredible Bushcare team, caring for the local natural environment. Hugh donates his time on Sundays contributing to restoration projects reinstating local native vegetation along the Greenway biodiversity corridor. Hugh is a cornerstone of the group with insightful commentary and uplifting observations.
Andrew Sciberras
Andrew has been a crucial member of the Addison Road volunteer team. Andrew helped manage the operations of the Covid Emergency Relief Hub during the pandemic, and has since conducted much work in the community hall. Andrew is an exemplary volunteer, conducting his work with good humour, kindness and positivity.
Glen Smith
Glen has been part of the Bill Crews Foundation volunteer team for almost seven years, having completed over 3,000 volunteer hours in that time. Glen works diligently to keep the grounds clean and tidy, as well as caring for the garden, flowers and trees. Glen regularly takes time away from his tasks to be friendly and socialise with guests.
Kimberly Uesiliana
Kimberley has been a significant part of the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre volunteering team. Kimberley has been part of the Individual Social Support program, providing social support to seniors in the community; as well as the Newtopian Outreacher program, providing resources, temporary housing and support services to people experiencing homelessness.
Elizabeth Youssef
Elizabeth is one of the hard working volunteers at Community and Cultural Connections Inc in Marrickville. Elizabeth’s work supports local seniors in the Arabic speaking community, ensuring their continued wellbeing and advocating for their needs. Elizabeth was part of the incredible team at CCCi that delivered additional services during the pandemic.
Senior Volunteers
Our Senior Volunteer recipients are:
- Pauline Choy for work at Addison Road Community Organisation
- Jie Xiang Li for long-term volunteer work with the Chinese Australian Services Society
- Kay Lim for work with Bill Crews Foundation
- Michael Muhlbauer for work with Horn of Africa Relief and Development Agency
- David Rollinson for work with 3Bridges Community
- Ray Swinnerton for coaching contributions to UNSW Wests Water Polo Club
- Sajjad Versi for work with Horn of Africa Relief and Development Agency
- Carolyn Walker for work with Western Suburbs Lawn Tennis Association and leadership on the Rally4Ever initiative
- Rick Wayde for long-term volunteer contributions to Western Suburbs District Cricket Club
- Trish Wyner for long-term volunteer contributions to Dress For Success, Marrickville
Read their inspiring stories below.
Pauline Choy
Pauline joined the Addison Road volunteer team only in recent years, however has been volunteering four days per week ever since. Pauline sees it as a privilege to serve her community and is a driving force like no other, never letting her age slow her down. Pauline has become an integral part of the team and an inspiration to many.
Jie Xiang Li
Jie Xiang has volunteered with the Chinese Australian Services Society since 2015. In this time, Jie Xiang has played a significant role with the Ashfield Activity Group Social Dance Time. She is responsible for the bookkeeping of this group, taking her work seriously with high level organisation and management. Jie Xiang is kind to everyone, and loved and welcome by all participants.
Kay Lim
Kay has been volunteering with Bill Crews Foundation in their Food Service Department for eight years now, gaining 1,500 hours of volunteering. Kay prepares and serves guests, especially key during the Christmas Day lunch. Kay also willingly helps with interpreting for some of the service’s non-English speaking guests.
Michael Muhlbauer
Michael is one of the many hard working volunteers at the Horn of Africa Relief and Development Agency (HARDA). Michael has been the secretary for the organisation for over 15 years, in which time, he has tirelessly ensured the effective management of the organisation. Michael is detail-oriented and is always willing to assist whenever and wherever needed.
David Rollinson
David is one of the exceptional volunteers at 3Bridges Community. David has worked tirelessly with various clients suffering from dementia and has shown remarkable innovation in his approach to volunteering. In all his work, David shows remarkable patience and uplifts the spirits of those around him.
Ray Swinnerton
Ray has been coaching at UNSW Wests Water Polo Club as a volunteer for the better part of 30 years. One of Ray’s many achievements has been coaching the Club’s national league team. Ray brings extensive experience to players, coaching beginners all the way through to the highest level of competition.
Sajjad Versi
Sajjad has been a volunteer at the Horn of Africa Relief and Development Agency (HARDA) for over 10 years. Since 2015, Sajjad has held the position of President, leading various projects and representing HARDA with government leaders. Despite various challenges, Sajjad’s work allows HARDA’s important work to continue.
Carolyn Walker
Carolyn is a long-standing volunteer with Western Suburbs Lawn Tennis Association. First joining the club as a junior in 1968, Carolyn has since filled positions including Secretary, President, and Director. Carolyn has been part of the collective team behind the Rally4Ever initiative in collaboration with Council. Carolyn displays a steadfast commitment to the club and the wider local tennis community.
Rick Wayde
Rick has been involved in Western Suburbs District Cricket Club for over 30 years. In this time, he has filled the role of Secretary and has recently become the Club Vice President. Rick has gone above and beyond to support Club members as well as fulfilling the full array of volunteer roles at the Club.
Trish Wyner
Trish is a long-standing volunteer with Dress for Success, based in Marrickville. Trish has given time and dedication to various volunteering endeavours with the organisation, including eight fashion fundraising events in the year. Trish is a quiet achiever, with a fun nature which always lifts the atmosphere in any room.
Volunteer Teams or Groups
Our Volunteer Team or Group recipients are:
- Addison Road Community Organisation Volunteers
- Ashfield Boys High School – Seniors and Students Shop and Chat Program
- The Balmain Knitters
- Bill Crews Foundation - Wednesday Night Dinner Van Group
- Inner West Little Athletics Team
- The Soup of Human Kindness at Parliament on King
- Sydney Multicultural Community Service – Community Visitors
Read their inspiring stories below.
Addison Road Community Organisation Volunteers
Addison Road Community Organisation are a wide ranging service for the local community with teams working across food pantries, deliveries, transport, gardening, facility management and partnerships. Addison Road have fed over 360,000 people in the last 12 months alone and have diverted 380 tonnes of food from landfill in the process. With over 300 volunteers, they each make a difference every day to the lives of local people with commitment and dedication.
Ashfield Boys High School – Seniors and Students Shop and Chat Program
Ashfield Boys High School have partnered with Inner West Neighbour Aid to deliver the Senior and Students Shop and Chat program to support seniors with their grocery shopping. The participants of this program have demonstrated increased intergenerational and cross-cultural connections whilst directly supporting and enabling local seniors to participate more fully in their community. The student volunteers all display kindness, generosity, maturity and respect in all their interactions.
The Balmain Knitters
The Balmain Knitters, coordinated by Jan Christensen and based at Balmain Library, are a tight knit community. The group gather regularly to share a cup of tea and stories whilst talking and learning from each other everything knitting and crocheting. The group has been growing strong for many years and continue to gift items to need in various hospitals and facilities.
Bill Crews Foundation - Wednesday Night Dinner Van Group
The volunteers of the Wednesday Night Dinner Van group at Bill Crews Foundation have been working together for years and collectively have over 2,000 volunteer hours. Initially volunteering together, the group has since divided into multiple groups as well as serving on Christmas night. The group serves needy and vulnerable guests with a hot meal, tea and coffee and are generous with their time and care with guests.
Inner West Little Athletics Team
The Inner West Little Athletics team is made up of dedicated volunteers, continuing to service the sporting community since 1972. There are many hours of unseen work including registrations, preparing programs and training sessions, organising equipment and uniforms, and coordinating competition nights. The team strive for positivity and inclusion, working to see their athletes improve and achieve.
The Soup of Human Kindness at Parliament on King
Parliament on King is a social enterprise staffed by refugees and people seeking asylum. Ravi, owner of Parliament on King, started up The Soup of Human Kindness during the pandemic, recognising that many people were hungry and isolated on the streets of Sydney. Ravi and a strong team of volunteers come together on Saturday evenings to prepare, pack and distribute over 110 meals to those in need. The service has since continued in partnership with other community organisations including One Meal.
Sydney Multicultural Community Service – Community Visitors
Sydney Multicultural Community Service have been running the Community Visitors Scheme program for more than 20 years. The program is run by more than 150 volunteers and aims to reduce the loneliness and isolation of multicultural and elderly people. Across the team, they speak more than 40 different languages and provide more than 2,000 hours of free social support, visitations and other services annually.