MOREE flood responder and SES emergency volunteer Kamala Wheeler has been named the 2025 New England and Northern Inland Volunteer of the Year for her selfless dedication to community safety and training over the past four decades.

Ms Wheeler was recognised today at the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards ceremony at the Armidale City Bowling Club.

Ms Wheeler has been a leading Moree SES rescuer, trainer and leader for almost 40 years across the north-west region.

She is now the deputy unit commander at Moree SES and has led flood recovery operations in Moree and Garah, supported frontline crews during Cyclone Alfred and been a role model to young and female volunteers in the service.

Member for Northern Tablelands, Brendan Moylan, congratulated Ms Wheeler at a special ceremony today.

“Kamala and her family have been dedicated volunteers in Moree for a long time and is a truly deserving recipient of this honour,” Mr Moylan said.

“She is always the first to lend a hand to those in need, and in times of an emergency. Volunteers are the glue that keeps our regional communities going,” he said.

The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are hosted by The Centre for Volunteering to help promote and support volunteering across New South Wales.

Moree flood responder and SES emergency volunteer Kamala Wheeler has been named the 2025 New England and Northern Inland Volunteer of the Year.

They are now in their 19th year and celebrate the work of thousands of individuals and volunteer teams from a diverse range of organisations across the state.

Recipients of other individual and team awards were also announced today, including the inaugural Emergency Volunteer of the Year.

The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said in difficult times, volunteers often come forward to meet a crisis with compassion.

“Volunteers are the quiet force, whether helping ease cost of living pressures, supporting those in crisis or responding on the front line of floods, fires and emergencies,” Ms Rygate said.

“Their dedication isn’t just admirable; it underpins a more resilient and compassionate society. These exceptional individuals give selflessly – often while juggling careers, study, and family life – yet they still choose to show up for others when it matters most.”

The New England-Northern Inland Young Volunteer of the Year went to Caitlin Blanch from Tamworth.

Caitlin has been a driving force behind the grassroots disability advocacy group We Are Not Alone.

Her volunteer work as co-president helps to amplify the voices of young people with a disability in regional New South Wales.

She also gives her time with youth mental health advocacy and education group Orygen.

New England-Northern Inland Senior Volunteer of the Year went to Margaret Lenord from Inverell.

Margaret has dedicated more than 50 years to supporting older people in the Inverell community through her leadership with Inverell Community Support and the Inverell Senior Citizens Association.

As chairperson and treasurer, she has played a key role in sustaining vital services like Meals on Wheels, transport, and social outings.

New England-Northern Inland Emergency Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Sam Berry from Narrabri.

Sam is the captain of VRA Rescue NSW’s Narrabri Division where he leads emergency rescue operations, training and recruitment of new volunteer members.

He has been a leading emergency volunteer over the past 20 years, having also served with Fire and Rescue NSW and the NSW RFS.

New England-Northern Inland Young Volunteer Team of the Year went to Ruby Mae’s Wish.

Kim and Nick Peake have been a formidable fundraising team across Barraba through Ruby Mae’s Wish, a charity they established to honour their daughter who tragically passed away in 2022.

Their tireless volunteer fundraising, education and advocacy supports vital life-saving equipment for children’s hospitals, as well as medical training for health workers.

NSW Minister with responsibility for Volunteering, Jodie Harrison congratulated all award recipients.

“You have been recognised as heroes by the people in your communities who know you best,” she said.

“Thank-you for your ongoing contributions, which make New South Wales the best state to live and work in.

“These awards are an important way we recognise your passion and dedication to your local communities.

“The NSW Government is continuing to work with The Centre for Volunteering to build a more diverse and inclusive volunteering sector so that all our volunteers feel respected and acknowledged for their work.”

All award recipients will be invited to represent their region at the Gala State Ceremony at the end of the year, where the NSW Volunteer of the Year is announced across each category.