Queensland Volunteering Awards 2026

Minister for Local Government and Water; and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers, the Honourable Ann Leahy MP; Shadow Minister for Local Government and Water, Shadow Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery, Emergency Services and Volunteers and Member for Pine Rivers, Ms Nikki Boyd MP; Member for Inala, Ms Margie Nightingale MP; Former President of the Queensland Court of Appeal and Chair of the Queensland Community Foundation Board of Governors, the Honourable Margaret McMurdo AC; Acting Director-General, Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers, Mr Jarrod Cowley-Grimmond; Lady Mayoress, Mrs Nina Schrinner; Volunteering Queensland President, Ms Linda Lavarch, Board Directors, CEO Ms Jane Hedger and staff; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by also acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here this morning.

Good morning — thank you for such a warm welcome. It is a pleasure to join you this morning for the Queensland Volunteering Awards on the eve of National Volunteer Week – and, of course, in the International Year of Volunteering!

As Patron of Volunteering Queensland, I am truly grateful for this opportunity to formally recognise and thank some of the remarkable individuals and organisations who so generously and tirelessly serve our communities in myriad ways.  

This morning is an important occasion to celebrate not only their amazing contributions, but to also applaud the efforts of all of the incredible volunteers across our state and our nation.  

The far-reaching impact of our volunteers continues to enrich the lives of so many in our communities. Last year, over nine-and-a-half-million Australians volunteered in some capacity, with their collective efforts contributing untold amounts of economic, cultural and social benefits.

This year’s theme for National Volunteer Week – It’s Your Year to Volunteer – invites more people and organisations to discover the positive benefits of volunteering for themselves.  

It also reminds us to never take our volunteers for granted.

Which is why award ceremonies like today’s are so important, providing an opportunity to formally recognise and applaud those who gift their time, energy and expertise to enhance the lives and wellbeing of others.

The millions of hours contributed by our volunteers annually is a powerful reminder of how critical volunteering is to supporting Queensland’s ongoing prosperity, social cohesion and liveability.

I was reminded of this on Sunday, when I travelled to Caloundra to present the Medal of the Order of Australia to two very deserving Queenslanders, who between them have devoted thousands of hours to volunteering with the Ithaca-Caloundra City Life Saving Club at Bulcock Beach. Mrs Patricia Barry OAM and Mrs Lynda Barry OAM exemplify the spirit of service and dedication of volunteers across our state.

Whether our volunteers are patrolling our beaches, officiating at sporting matches, delivering meals to our homeless or fundraising for a good cause, their selfless service touches every corner of our society. For me, it’s hard to imagine a world without their kindness, goodwill, caring hands and warm hearts.  

I acknowledge the remarkable work of Volunteering Queensland, the state’s peak volunteering body, which has spent four decades highlighting the value of volunteering and championing our state’s estimated 3 million volunteers.

I am grateful for your ongoing leadership and advocacy as you continue to navigate a number of challenges and systemic barriers to volunteering, including participation rates and cost-of-living pressures.

Today, we also honour the outstanding individuals and groups whose service and dedication has made an exceptional impact in our State.  

On behalf of all Queenslanders, I offer my gratitude to each and every volunteer receiving an award today, and I look forward to presenting one of these awards shortly.  

 Your generosity strengthens our communities, enriches our state and reflects the very best of Queensland.