Armidale resident Nick Hanson has dedicated more than 12 years to volunteering, providing vital support to people experiencing disadvantage, including those facing poverty, social isolation, mental illness and the challenges of ageing.
On Tuesday, 19 May, his commitment and compassion were formally recognised by the Armidale Volunteer Referral Service when he was named New England Volunteer of the Year, honouring his long-standing contribution to supporting and strengthening the local community.
“I am truly overwhelmed,” Hanson said after receiving the award at Armidale Council Chambers. “I don’t think I have won any awards since I left university some time ago.”
Hanson has lived in Armidale for 30 years and volunteers with the St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies), St Joseph’s Conference, Armidale.
“Nick shows care by listening and sitting beside people, yet also cares in so many other ways,” a spokesperson for the St Vincent de Paul Society said.
“If a person is to be taken to hospital, Nick drives them. If they need material support by way of food, furniture or other financial assistance, Nick arranges it. If referral on to other services is required, Nick refers. If a person is in crisis, Nick assembles a team of skilled people to help.
“He is always ready in the most practical ways to do what is needed, helping the most vulnerable in our community.”
The Armidale Volunteer Referral Service and Armidale Regional Council recognised the contributions of local volunteers as part of National Volunteer Week (18–24 May 2026), celebrating the more than six million Australians who strengthen communities through volunteering.
The awards ceremony brought together community leaders and representatives, including Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan, Deputy Mayor Todd Redwood, Kay Endres and Rob Taber, to acknowledge the role volunteers play across the region.
All nominees from the regional awards will now progress to the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards 2026, coordinated by The Centre for Volunteering.
Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland said National Volunteer Week was an important opportunity to recognise volunteers across the community.
“Volunteers are the backbone of our region, generously giving their time to support others and strengthen our communities,” Coupland said.
“The calibre of nominations this year reflects the incredible dedication, compassion and resilience of people across Armidale and the wider New England region. Council is proud to celebrate their achievements and thank them for the difference they make every day.”
Judges Kate Shannon, Margaret Sims and Cr Paul Gaddes were acknowledged for their work in selecting winners from a strong field of nominations across four categories: youth, adult, senior (65+) and volunteer team.
The Armidale Volunteer Referral Service (AVRS) is funded through The Centre for Volunteering and the Department of Social Services.
2026 Award Winners
- 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)
Full List of Nominees
The following individuals and teams were recognised for their contributions:
Volunteer Teams
- Armidale Transport 2 Treatment Volunteers (Cancer Council NSW)
- Cancer Council CCIS Volunteer Team (Cancer Council NSW)
- Nicholii House Group Volunteers (Guyra Home Support Service)
- Country Women’s Association of NSW Armidale Branch (CWA Armidale)
- Walcha Visitor Information Centre Volunteers (Walcha Visitor Information Centre)
Adult Volunteer Category
- Donna Green (TAFE NSW Adult Migrant English Program)
- Peter Holford (TAFE NSW Adult Migrant English Program)
- Angela Priebbenow (TAFE NSW Adult Migrant English Program)
- Gai Buchanan (Justice Advocacy Service)
- Sam Baker (NSW RFS Dumaresq Rural Fire Brigade)
- Kylie Hooklyn (Armidale Neighbourhood Centre)
Youth Volunteer Category
- Maielle Parsons (Armidale Uralla Meals on Wheels)
Senior Volunteer Category (65+)
- Nick Hanson (Vinnies)
- Llani Pevitt (CWA Armidale)
- Emily Forge (CWA Armidale)
- Anthony Fox (The Ascent Group)
- Will Warrick (The Ascent Group)
- Jenny Bailey (The Ascent Group)
Armidale Regional Council congratulated all nominees and winners, recognising their generosity, dedication and lasting impact on the community.
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