Volunteer

Are you interested in volunteering? Are you an organisation seeking volunteers? Council is keen to support you connect!

Here are just a few of the many organisations in our region who rely on volunteers to serve the community. Reach out to them directly, or to another organisation you would like to support. They will be glad to hear from you:

For more information on volunteering visit https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/

Armidale Volunteer Referral Service

Armidale Volunteer Referral Service (AVRS) closed on 30 June 2026 as funding for the AVRS was discontinued.

The AVRS was established in 1998, auspiced by Armidale Regional Council.  Activity was funded by The Centre for Volunteering and the Australian Government Department of Social Services.

It aimed to match volunteers with organisatons seeking volunteers, identifying positions that suited people's skills, interests, and passions.

AVRS Coordinator Jane Davies hosted regular Volunteer Morning Tea and other gatherings which provided a point of connection for volunteers, and also for organisations to stay in touch, and ensure their services are complementing each other to best support the community.

The AVRS also coordinated and awarded the New England Volunteer Awards and supported connection to the NSW Volunteer Awards.

New England Regional Volunteer of the Year Awards 2026 - award winners

The 2026 New England Regional Volunteer Awards were held on 19 May at a morning tea where we welcomed the volunteers and supporters of the nominations made this year.  Thanks go to Deputy Mayor Todd Redwood, Cr Kay Endes, and Brendan Moylan MP for presenting certificates of nomination and the awards.

The winners of each category nominated are listed below:

• Youth Volunteer of the Year: Maielle Parsons (Armidale Uralla Meals on Wheels)
• Adult Volunteer of the Year: Sam Baker (NSW RFS Dumaresq Rural Fire Brigade)
• Senior Volunteer of the Year (65+): Nick Hanson (Vinnies)
• Volunteer Team of the Year: Country Women’s Association of NSW Armidale Branch (CWA Armidale)
• New England Volunteer of the Year: Nick Hanson (Vinnies)

Congratulations and thank you to all our volunteers!

For more about the awards, and a full list of nominees:

International Volunteer Day 2025

To coincide with International Volunteer Day 2025, Armidale Volunteer Referral Service hosted lunch on 4 December for some of the many wonderful volunteers making a difference in our community.

Cr Kay Endres, Cr Rob Taber and Cr Susan McMichael presented certificates of appreciation on behalf of council, and everyone enjoyed a tasty meal and the warm atmosphere of Armidale City Bowling Club.

This was a great chance to say thank you to those who could attend, and we extend this thanks to the many others who give their time and energy for our community.

New England Volunteer Awards 2025 - award winners

The 2025 New England Regional Volunteer Awards were held on 21 May at a morning tea where we welcomed the volunteers and supporters of the nominations made this year.  Thanks go to Cr Paul Gaddes and Brendan Moylan MP for presenting certificates of nomination and the awards.

The winners of each category nominated are listed below:

• The New England Regional Volunteer Team is Armidale Hospital Kiosk nominated by Kay Pell for their work with United Hospitals Auxiliary.

• The New England Regional Senior Volunteer of the Year (65 years +) is Henry Raymond nominated by AJ Murphy for his work with Armidale/Uralla Meals on Wheels.

• The New England Regional Adult Volunteer of the Year is Donna Green nominated by Pamela Bath for her work with TAFE NSW Adult Migrant English Program.

• The New England Regional Volunteer Leader of the Year is Shevaun Stait nominated by Daryl Broadley for her work with Dept Of Defence- Cadet HQ NSW AAC.

• The New England Regional Volunteer of the Year is Henry Raymond nominated by AJ Murphy for his work with Armidale/Uralla Meals on Wheels.

Congratulations and thank you to all our volunteers!