2024 Illawarra Volunteer of the Year Barbara Adams (centre) with MPs Gareth Ward and Maryanne Stuart. Photos: Supplied.
With her family joking they need to book an appointment to see her, it’s easy to see why Jamberoo’s “everywhere” volunteer Barbara Adams was named 2024 Illawarra Volunteer of the Year, just months after being recognised as a Hidden Treasure.
As the Jamberoo Red Cross president and a prolific community leader, Barbara received the recognition in Wollongong on Monday (2 September) for her significant contributions to countless community groups and causes.
Part of the 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards and hosted by The Centre for Volunteering, the awards celebrate the work of individuals and volunteer teams from a range of organisations across the state.
Barbara was also recognised in one of the four category awards, the Illawarra Senior Volunteer of the Year, proving a good year for her so far, after being recognised in the NSW Hidden Treasures Honour Roll in June to pay tribute to rural women volunteers who give to their communities.
“My husband said the wall is getting full,” she said, laughing, but then adding that the award wasn’t just about her.
“It means that the community has been recognised as well, because I wouldn’t be winning these awards if I didn’t have the support of the community, my family and my husband.
“My family say they have to book an appointment sometimes.
“I live in a very caring and loving community that no matter what I ask, they do, and I’ve got a lot of lovely ladies in Red Cross that very rarely ever say no.”
Barbara said her Red Cross branch did everything from cooking and making trauma teddies to bingo and a craft morning once a month.
“One of the highlights was when we went down to Batemans Bay after the fires and we took $15,000 down there to Red Cross to distribute,” she said.
“To be driven around and to see all the devastation, it was confronting.”
Barbara said she first became a volunteer when she was just 16 years old, helping the Salvation Army at Port Kembla.
She said her tasks included helping with street stalls and raising money for the church.
Since then, her volunteering has spanned the Jamberoo Football Club, Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal, Jamberoo Car Show and Family Day, Kemblawarra Public School P&C and Jamberoo Australia Day festivities.
Barbara said organisations such as Red Cross continued to be important in small communities like Jamberoo.
“I think it’s important because it’s a social thing where people can get together – we have men and women in our branch,” she said.
“And if someone needs something, we’re there.”
Barbara has a lot on her plate before the state awards in December, including the local government election stall at the school, a Red Cross cake bake, Sunday markets once a month and the big event of lighting the Jamberoo Christmas tree.
“I think it’s very rewarding and I think people that are at home saying they’ve got nothing to do, then an hour out of your day isn’t much and you make a lot of good friends,” she said.
“If you just want to help out for half an hour with something or visit someone that’s on their own, there’s a lot of things you can do.”
The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said the awards recognised the exceptional effort of volunteers from across the Illawarra.
“Whether it’s in the local sports club, in health care, education and cultural centres, legal support or emergency response, volunteers are essential for the ongoing health and viability of local communities,” Gemma said.
“It’s important for volunteers across the Illawarra to know that their commitment is recognised and valued.”
Other category recipients were:
Illawarra Young Volunteer of the Year: Alyssa Norris from Windang is a passionate advocate for community safety. As vice-captain of the Windang Surf Life Saving Club, she actively participates in beach patrols, averaging 50 hours a season. Her enthusiasm for the club extends to attracting new members and ensuring members feel appreciated.
Illawarra Adult Volunteer of the Year: Krystle Morgan from Wollongong is a board member with The Illawarra Shoalhaven Gender Alliance. As a volunteer, she helps to raise awareness of issues affecting transgender people through events and education, ensuring the gender-diverse and wider LGBTQIA+ communities in the area feel supported. Additionally, Krystle gives her time to assist the Make a Wish Foundation and Kookaburra Kids.
Illawarra Volunteer Team of the Year: The Wollongong Meals on Wheels Daily Run Team is committed to delivering more than just meals; it provides companionship and support, helping people maintain their independence and stay in their homes longer. Team members connect clients with valuable resources and information, from senior rights advocacy to mental health services.
Illawarra award recipients will be invited to represent their region at the gala state ceremony in Sydney in December, where the NSW Volunteer of the Year will be announced across each category.
Loading ...
