A Cobar youth, Pearl Blackburn, was named the Orana Young Volunteer of the Year yesterday at the 2025 Orana Volunteer of the Year Awards at the Dubbo RSL Club.
The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are hosted by The Centre for Volunteering to help promote and support volunteering across NSW.
The 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.
According to Pearl’s nomination, the 17 year old packs a lot of volunteering into her week.
The Cobar High School student and cross-country runner gives her time to the student council, supporting student health and well-being programs, the Little Athletics Club, Show Girl and Tourism Advisory committees and many other local programs and events.
Pearl also works part time and is currently in the United States competing at school cross country events.
Also at yesterday’s awards, Nepalese community advocate for Dubbo, Ramesh Sharma, was named the Adult Volunteer of the Year; Dubbo grief counsellor Kerry Frost was the Senior Volunteer of the Year; North Yeoval Ambulance NSW Community First Responder volunteer Christopher Milne was the Emergency Volunteer of the Year; and the National Association for Loss and Grief (NALAG) was named the Orana Volunteer Team of the Year.
Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said volunteers are the quiet force, whether helping ease cost of living pressures, supporting those in crisis or responding on the front line of floods, fires and emergencies.
“Their dedication isn’t just admirable; it underpins a more resilient and compassionate society,” Ms Rygate said.
“These exceptional individuals give selflessly – often while juggling careers, study, and family life – yet they still choose to show up for others when it matters most.”
The NSW Minister with responsibility for Volunteering, Jodie Harrison, praised the recipients and said the awards are an important way to recognise the passion and dedication volunteers have for their local communities.
“The NSW Government is continuing to work with The Centre for Volunteering to build a more diverse and inclusive volunteering sector so that all our volunteers feel respected and acknowledged for their work,” Ms Harrison said.
The Orana volunteer award recipients will represent the region at the NSW Volunteer of the Year awards at the end of the year.
