Volunteer Recognition Awards

Burwood Council recognises the hard work, dedication and support of our amazing volunteers. The Volunteer of the Year Awards is an opportunity to say thank you to the endless work that every single volunteer puts into our local community.

Nomination Form

• Volunteers who have worked for the benefit of Burwood local residents during the past 12 months or more may be nominated (excluding those primarily involved in political and/or lobbying activities).
• Volunteers who live/work/study in the Burwood LGA or volunteers who live outside the council boundaries but volunteer within Burwood LGA are eligible to enter.
• Young Volunteer Award nominees must be aged between 16 and 25 years at the time of nomination.
• Adult Volunteer Award nominees must be aged between 25 and 54 at the time of nomination.
• Senior Volunteer Award nominees must be aged 55 or over at the time of nomination.
• Team of the Year nominations can be from two or more volunteers from within the same organisation or project.
• Applications for the same person can be made in multiple categories; however a person cannot receive more than one award in the same year.

Each nomination will be assessed in accordance with the following criteria:

• The significant impact made to the community through active participation
• The outstanding contribution made to the local community
• The time, skills and energy devoted to helping others and support their local community
• The dedication shown to empower and support others within the community

The decision of the selection committee is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Who can enter?
Volunteers who live/work/study in the Burwood LGA or volunteers who live outside the council boundaries but volunteer within Burwood are eligible to enter.

Young Volunteer of the Year
Recognises a young person aged between 16-25 years, who has made a significant contribution to our community through their active participation in activities.  

Adult Volunteer of the Year
Recognises a person between 26 and 54 years, who give their time, skills and energy to help others and support their local community.

Senior Volunteer of the Year
Recognises a senior person aged 55 years and over, who makes an outstanding contribution to their local community.

Volunteer Team of the Year
Recognises a group of (2 or more) people that have empowered or shown dedicated support to others in our community.

Nomination Process

1. How do I nominate someone for an Award?
   Nominations are only accepted via the official nomination forms on our website. For enquiries contact the Volunteering & Programs Officer on 9911 9855 or volunteering@burwood.nsw.gov.au
   
   
2. Can an individual nominate him/herself?
   No, you are not permitted to nominate yourself. All nominators must have permission from the person or team you are nominating to disclose their personal information as part of their entry into the Burwood Volunteer Recognition Awards. For privacy purposes, the nominee is required to understand and be aware that by this nomination form being submitted and their image and story may be used publicly by Burwood Council to promote the Awards program.
    
3. Does a nominee still have to be working with the nominating organisation or organisation with which he or she volunteered?
   No. provided the nominee did not finish working with the organisation before June 2024.
   
   
4. How many nominations can I make?
   There is no limit but you must submit one form per nominee. If you’re submitting over multiple award categories you will need to submit them separately.
   
   
5. What happens if I fill in my nomination form incorrectly?
   If your nomination form is incorrectly completed you will need to contact us via volunteering@burwood.nsw.gov.au and advise us what the issue is. You will have the opportunity to submit a revised application as long as it is received prior to the closing date. We will try to contact you if a nomination form is incomplete so you can resubmit
   
   
6. When do nominations close?
   Nominations close: 11 April 2025
   
   
7. How do I know if you have received my nomination?
   All nominations will be acknowledged by email on submission. Please double check both the nominee’s and the nominator’s email addresses are correct. If you do not receive an email, please contact Burwood Council via volunteering@burwood.nsw.gov.au
   
   
8. When are the winners announced?
   The Winners will be announced at the Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony, which will be held on Friday 23 May 2025 during National Volunteer Week. . All Nominees will be acknowledged with a certificate and winners will  receive a congratulatory plaque and a gift voucher.

If you have not found the answer to your question on this Awards FAQs page please contact the Volunteering & Programs Officer at volunteering@burwood.nsw.gov.au  or call on 9911 9855.