The Crisafulli Government has honoured volunteers at the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Awards, celebrating individuals and organisations making significant contributions to communities across the state.

A total of 275 nominations representing 49,722 volunteers were recognised during the ceremony, with eight recipients and 21 finalists acknowledged across six award categories.

Queensland Minister for Volunteers Ann Leahy said volunteers were the backbone of local communities and played a vital role in supporting Queenslanders during challenging times.

“Volunteers are at the heart of our communities, and our government is proud to be delivering practical support and recognition for the people who selflessly give their time to help others.”

Leahy said the awards reflected the government’s commitment to supporting and celebrating volunteering across the state.

Among the major winners, Carolyn Robinson from Beyond DV received the Queensland Volunteer of the Year Award, while Jaylyn Rongo from DonateLife Queensland was named Queensland Youth Volunteer of the Year.

Roger Whyte from Queensland Rugby League received the Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award for decades of service.

Foodbank Queensland’s Food Distribution and Community Food Relief Program won the Community category of the Queensland Volunteering Impact Award, while Sunshine Coast Health’s Volunteer Program won the Government category.

Volunteering Queensland CEO Jane Hedger said the awards were especially significant in 2026, which has been designated the United Nations International Year of Volunteers.

“At a time when cost-of-living pressures and increasing demand for support are placing strain on Queenslanders, volunteers continue to step up and be the steady hands helping to hold our communities together.”

2026 Queensland Volunteering Award Recipients and Finalists 

Queensland Volunteer of the Year Award: 

• Recipient: Carolyn Robinson – Beyond DV
• Finalists: Janelle Clarke – Bribie Island Church of Christ Op Shop, Alina Graham – Rotary Club, SES 

Queensland Youth Volunteer of the Year Award: 

• Recipient: Jaylyn Rongo – DonateLife Queensland
• Finalists: Taylor Randall – Rotary Queensland, Mattias Steljic – Surf Life Saving Australia, Seventh Day Adventist Church 

Queensland New to Volunteering Award: 

• Recipient: Phillip Smith – Ride in Shorts for Leah (Campaign)
• Finalists: Leanne Evert – Kokoda, SES, Declan O’Grady – Orange Sky Australia 

Queensland Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award: 

• Recipient: Roger Whyte – Queensland Rugby League 
• Finalists: Annette Dundas – Special Olympics Australia Queensland, Reginald Butler – Surf Life Saving Australia 

Queensland Excellence in Volunteer Management Award: 

• Recipient: Nicole Ashley – Play Matters Australia
• Finalists: Barbara Dean – Girl Guides Queensland, Emily MacManus – Toowoomba Lighthouse 

Queensland Volunteering Impact Award: 

• Community:
  • Recipient: Foodbank Queensland – Food Distribution and Community Food Relief Program 
  • Finalists: The Older Mens Network (TOMNET) – Seniors Volunteering Program, Palliative Care Queensland – Ambulance Wish 

• Government:
  • Recipient: Sunshine Coast Health – Volunteer Program
  • Finalist: Department of Housing – Safer Schoolies Initiative 

Recipient: Origin Energy – Community Volunteering 

The Queensland Volunteering Awards were first established in 2016 to recognise the contribution of volunteers and volunteer organisations across the state.

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