Advocacy Australia is proud to announce that our founder, Clare Collins, this week was recognised with two prestigious honours at the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards – Sydney City and Eastern Suburbs Region, hosted by The Centre for Volunteering.
Clare was named both the Senior (Over 65) Volunteer of the Year and the overall 2025 Sydney City–Eastern Suburbs Volunteer of the Year, in recognition of her exceptional dedication to supporting victims of serious crimes and their families, and her tireless advocacy for asbestos education and awareness.
The awards ceremony, held at Club York in Sydney’s CBD, was a moving celebration of volunteerism across NSW. Clare was presented with the Sydney City–Eastern Suburbs Volunteer of the Year trophy by The Hon. Michael Daley, NSW Attorney General, who commended her unwavering advocacy, compassion, leadership, and service to some of the state’s most vulnerable people.
Since founding Advocacy Australia in 2020, Clare has worked tirelessly to provide essential support and a voice for people facing unimaginable tragedy. Her leadership and advocacy have been instrumental in driving key legislative reforms to mental health laws in NSW and securing greater support for grieving families.
Clare Collins said “I was shocked and overwhelmed to be recognised, and felt truly humbled being in a room full of extraordinary people who give so much of themselves to improve the lives of others and strengthen communities across our region. To be recognised alongside such inspiring individuals is an incredible honour, and I share this award with every volunteer whose compassion and commitment make a real difference.”
Clare was nominated by Kristy Smith, aunt of Emerald Wardle, who was brutally killed by her partner in 2020.
Ms. Smith said, “Until I found Clare, my family and I were alone, with limited support, trying to survive a horrific situation no one should ever have to endure. What sets Clare apart is her courage to challenge barriers others see as insurmountable, her ability to rally decision-makers, and her unwavering commitment to upholding victims’ rights. She has given us back our voices.”
Now in their 19th year, the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards celebrate the contributions of thousands of volunteers across the state who help build stronger, more resilient communities.
Advocacy Australia extends our heartfelt thanks to The Centre for Volunteering for recognising Clare’s outstanding contribution and for their continued work in promoting and supporting volunteerism in our community.
The NSW Minister with responsibility for Volunteering, Jodie Harrison said, “Congratulations to the recipients of the Sydney City-Eastern Suburbs Volunteer of the Year Awards. You’ve been recognised as heroes by the people in your communities who know you best. We thank you for your ongoing contributions, which make New South Wales the best state to live and work in. These awards are an important way we recognise your passion and dedication.
The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said, “In difficult times, volunteers often come forward to meet a crisis with compassion. Their dedication isn’t just admirable; it underpins a more resilient and compassionate society. These exceptional individuals give selflessly and show up for others when it matters most.”
2025 Sydney City-Eastern Suburbs Volunteer of the Year Recipients:
- 2025 Sydney City-Eastern Suburbs Volunteer of the Year: Clare Collins
- 2025 Sydney City-Eastern Suburbs Young Volunteer of the Year: Cianna Walker – Y NSW Youth Parliament
- 2025 Sydney City-Eastern Suburbs Adult Volunteer of the Year: Tamera Lang – Bondi Beach Playgroups
- 2025 Sydney City-Eastern Suburbs Senior Volunteer of the Year: Clare Collins – Advocacy Australia
- 2025 Sydney City-Eastern Suburbs Emergency Volunteer of the Year: David Gellert – SES
- 2025 Sydney City-Eastern Suburbs Volunteer Team of the Year: Justice Advocacy Service Volunteer Team
Sydney and Eastern Suburbs Volunteer Award recipients will represent their region at the Gala State Ceremony, where the NSW Volunteer of the Year is announced across each category later this year.
-ENDS-
HASHTAGS: #AdvocacyAustralia #VolunteerOfTheYear #NSWVolunteerAwards
DOWNLOAD Images: https://bit.ly/NSW-Volunteer-Awards
Advocacy Australia is proud to announce that our founder, Clare Collins, this week was recognised with two prestigious honours at the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards – Sydney City and Eastern Suburbs Region, hosted by The Centre for Volunteering.
Clare was named both the Senior (Over 65) Volunteer of the Year and the overall 2025 Sydney City–Eastern Suburbs Volunteer of the Year, in recognition of her exceptional dedication to supporting victims of serious crimes and their families, and her tireless advocacy for asbestos education and awareness.
The awards ceremony, held at Club York in Sydney’s CBD, was a moving celebration of volunteerism across NSW. Clare was presented with the Sydney City–Eastern Suburbs Volunteer of the Year trophy by The Hon. Michael Daley, NSW Attorney General, who commended her unwavering advocacy, compassion, leadership, and service to some of the state’s most vulnerable people.
Since founding Advocacy Australia in 2020, Clare has worked tirelessly to provide essential support and a voice for people facing unimaginable tragedy. Her leadership and advocacy have been instrumental in driving key legislative reforms to mental health laws in NSW and securing greater support for grieving families.
Clare Collins said “I was shocked and overwhelmed to be recognised, and felt truly humbled being in a room full of extraordinary people who give so much of themselves to improve the lives of others and strengthen communities across our region. To be recognised alongside such inspiring individuals is an incredible honour, and I share this award with every volunteer whose compassion and commitment make a real difference.”
Clare was nominated by Kristy Smith, aunt of Emerald Wardle, who was brutally killed by her partner in 2020.
Ms. Smith said, “Until I found Clare, my family and I were alone, with limited support, trying to survive a horrific situation no one should ever have to endure. What sets Clare apart is her courage to challenge barriers others see as insurmountable, her ability to rally decision-makers, and her unwavering commitment to upholding victims’ rights. She has given us back our voices.”
Now in their 19th year, the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards celebrate the contributions of thousands of volunteers across the state who help build stronger, more resilient communities.
Advocacy Australia extends our heartfelt thanks to The Centre for Volunteering for recognising Clare’s outstanding contribution and for their continued work in promoting and supporting volunteerism in our community.
The NSW Minister with responsibility for Volunteering, Jodie Harrison said, “Congratulations to the recipients of the Sydney City-Eastern Suburbs Volunteer of the Year Awards. You’ve been recognised as heroes by the people in your communities who know you best. We thank you for your ongoing contributions, which make New South Wales the best state to live and work in. These awards are an important way we recognise your passion and dedication.
The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said, “In difficult times, volunteers often come forward to meet a crisis with compassion. Their dedication isn’t just admirable; it underpins a more resilient and compassionate society. These exceptional individuals give selflessly and show up for others when it matters most.”
2025 Sydney City-Eastern Suburbs Volunteer of the Year Recipients:
- 2025 Sydney City-Eastern Suburbs Volunteer of the Year: Clare Collins
- 2025 Sydney City-Eastern Suburbs Young Volunteer of the Year: Cianna Walker – Y NSW Youth Parliament
- 2025 Sydney City-Eastern Suburbs Adult Volunteer of the Year: Tamera Lang – Bondi Beach Playgroups
- 2025 Sydney City-Eastern Suburbs Senior Volunteer of the Year: Clare Collins – Advocacy Australia
- 2025 Sydney City-Eastern Suburbs Emergency Volunteer of the Year: David Gellert – SES
- 2025 Sydney City-Eastern Suburbs Volunteer Team of the Year: Justice Advocacy Service Volunteer Team
Sydney and Eastern Suburbs Volunteer Award recipients will represent their region at the Gala State Ceremony, where the NSW Volunteer of the Year is announced across each category later this year.
-ENDS-
HASHTAGS: #AdvocacyAustralia #VolunteerOfTheYear #NSWVolunteerAwards
INTERVIEW REQUESTS
To interview Clare Collins, please contact Advocacy Australia. E:media@advocacyaustralia.org.au or call 0414 821 957
For Centre of Volunteering media requests: media@volunteering.com.au or call 0402 837 917
DOWNLOAD Images: https://bit.ly/NSW-Volunteer-Awards
