WELL-KNOWN Moree volunteer Kam Wheeler is one of five New England finalists packing their bags and heading to Sydney to join around 300 of their peers to see who will be named the NSW Volunteer of the Year for 2025.

The local volunteers were selected earlier this year as regional finalists for the statewide volunteer awards in one of 25 local ceremonies covering all parts of New South Wales.

The 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards State Gala ceremony will be held in Sydney on Thursday, December 4. Award winners will be announced across seven categories, including the inaugural NSW Emergency Volunteer of the Year, and the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year.

Moree flood responder and SES emergency volunteer Kam Wheeler was in September named 2025 New England and Northern Inland Volunteer of the Year.

Ms Wheeler has been a leading Moree SES rescuer, trainer and leader for nearly 40 years across the north-west region and was recognised at the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards ceremony at the Armidale City Bowling Club.

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

Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate urged people from across the region to show their support for their local finalists.

“Volunteers help make communities stronger, healthier and more resilient,” Ms Rygate said.

“They’re worth their weight in gold and we need to let them know how proud we are of their efforts.”

2025 New England Northern Inland Volunteer of the Year Award winner Kamala Wheeler with Glen Innes Severn mayor Margot-Davis.

New England Northern Inland Volunteer of the Year finalists

Adult Volunteer of the Year: Kamala Wheeler from Moree;

Young Volunteer of the Year: Caitlin Blanch from Tamworth;

Senior Volunteer of the Year: Margaret Lenord from Inverell;

Emergency Volunteer of the Year: Sam Berry from Narrabri; and

Volunteer Team of the Year: Ruby Mae’s Wish

The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are hosted by The Centre for Volunteering and supported by Principal Partner, the NSW Department of Communities and Justice.

Ms 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,” she 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,” she said.