Pauleen West from North Richmond has been named the 2024 North Western Sydney Senior Volunteer of the Year, honouring her decade-long commitment to enhancing the lives of seniors in the Hawkesbury region.

The North Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year Awards, held at Castle Hill RSL, also recognised outstanding volunteers in other categories. Final-year medical student Yannick De Silva was named the 2024 North Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year for his dedication and support to community health and first aid as a St John Ambulance NSW volunteer.

Other award recipients included Jacob Dommersen from Castle Hill (Young Volunteer of the Year) and the Red Frogs Taylor Swift Team (Volunteer Team of the Year).

The Hawkesbury's Pauleen West was recognised for her tireless efforts at RSL Lifecare Ron Middleton VC Gardens. For the last ten years, she has been a source of joy for 80 residents, dedicating her time to organising activities that bring warmth and companionship.

"It was, and it is a great honour," said Pauleen of the recognition and award. At 86 years old, she runs a book club on Mondays, visits residents who may have received bad news or be in palliative care on Tuesdays and often helps with a church service on a third day during the week. "I've been coming in for ten years," Pauleen told Hawkesbury Post.

"I was there when the nursing home opened, and I like to volunteer. I really just said, What did they have on offer that I could do?"   

Looking to the future, Pauleen shows no sign of slowing down. "When I introduce myself to some of the new residents and let them know that I'm there and if they need anything, I'm very often asked, " What room are you in, dear? So I have to say, I'm not here yet," she laughed.

Also recognised with certificates were other Hawkesbury Volunteers, including Cath Bisaro of North Richmond for her work with Harding Miller Education Foundation; Pamela Galloway from Windsor, Alison O'Loughlin of Bligh Park, Ann Lin of Oakville for their work with Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation; William Thom and Eddie Dries of Windsor for their work with Windsor Bowling & Sports Club; Yvonne Bartle of Pitt Town for her efforts with Hawkesbury Radio; Bob Penn of Hobartville for his work with Hawkesbury's Helping Hands and The Hawkesbury Division of St John's Ambulance Australia (NSW) and the Hawkesbury Unit of the SES.

The State Member for Hawkesbury, Robyn Preston, was on hand to present Pauleen's award and acknowledge other Hawkesbury volunteers: "I'm not surprised that Hawkesbury volunteers were recognised today because we've had a lot of adversity. We've had eight floods in four and a half years. We've had the black summer bushfires. We had a drought before then, and the pandemic. Each time we go through adversity, they step up and volunteer to assist wherever they can. 

"There are so many volunteers, and we couldn't function as a community without the support and help of the volunteers in Hawkesbury," she told the Hawkesbury Post.

The annual awards, supported by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice and ClubsNSW, highlight the crucial role volunteers play in sustaining vibrant, caring communities.

"These awards recognise the exceptional effort of volunteers across North Western Sydney, " said Gemma Rygate, CEO of The Centre for Volunteering. "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." "It's important for volunteers across North Western Sydney to know that their commitment is recognised and valued," she said.

This year marks the 18th year of these high-profile Awards, which have honoured hundreds of thousands of volunteers for their community service and highlighted the value and benefits of volunteering. 

Pauleen will be invited to the State Ceremony at the end of the year, where she will be running for NSW Senior Volunteer of the Year and NSW Volunteer of the Year for 2024.