On this page Content components This year’s award recipients were announced at our annual National Volunteer Week celebration event on 21 May. Congratulations to the 2026 Boroondara Volunteer Awards recipients and all the nominees this year.Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination. You help us recognise the many incredible ways volunteers contribute to our community. To keep updated about the 2027 awards and nomination period, visit the Volunteer Awards page on Your Say Boroondara and click ‘Follow’.Boroondara Volunteer of the YearCarol Lancashire Carol was named the 2026 Boroondara Volunteer of the Year for her outstanding contribution to the community through 15 years of service with U3A Hawthorn.During her time at U3A, Carol has served as Course Coordinator and member of both the ProgramPlanning Committee and Management Committee. In each role, she has improved communication, expanded programs and supported fellow volunteers.Each year, Carol oversees about 240 courses and supports more than 170 volunteer tutors to keep programs running smoothly. Her work helps build member engagement and encourages participation across the community.Carol has played a key role in U3A Hawthorn’s success. She has supported an increase in membership and guided the organisation through the challenges of the pandemic by introducing online classes.She has also created new volunteer roles, improved systems and maintained strong connections with the wider community. Carol’s leadership and commitment have made a lasting difference.Carol says “Volunteering at its best, is about taking initiative and responsibility for a task or a role and seeing it through. This then makes a real contribution to the organisation and community and also provides that all important social engagement, meaningful activity and personal growth for the volunteer.” To find out how to get involved as a volunteer, visit Volunteering – U3A Hawthorn.Special CommendationsVivienne Harkness OAMVivienne received a Special Commendation in recognition of her long and outstanding service as President of the Boroondara Stroke Support Group.Vivienne is no stranger to volunteering, playing a key role in bringing Red Nose Day to Australia in 1988. However, it is her many years of leadership with the Boroondara Stroke Support Group that truly stand out.Through her dedication, Vivienne has supported stroke survivors and their carers with commitment and care. Her work has included strong leadership, mentoring, advocacy and the management of programs that meet the real needs of the community.Vivienne has helped create a supportive, peer-led environment that focuses on the whole recovery journey. She has also built strong partnerships that continue to strengthen the group’s impact.As co-author of A Loved One Has Had a Stroke, Vivienne has helped families better understand stroke recovery, reduce feelings of isolation and find support. Her work has made a lasting difference to many people in the community.To find out how to get involved as a volunteer, visit Get involved - BSSG.Drew MaddisonDrew was recognised for his significant contribution to strengthening the local community through volunteering with Hawthorn RSL.As President, Drew has provided strong leadership and direction. This includes coordinating Operation Veteran Assist, overseeing the renovation of the sub-branch building and contributing to Veterans for Fishing.Through this work, Drew has helped raise awareness of men’s mental health and wellbeing, creating opportunities for connection, support and shared experience.In particular, the coordination of the Father–Son Charity Fishing Trip has brought veterans, their families and the wider community together, strengthening relationships and fostering a sense of belonging.To find out how to get involved as a volunteer, visit Join or Renew - Hawthorn RSL.Volunteer Program Innovation and Inclusion AwardIt’s the Little Things Community It’s the Little Things Community in Hawthorn has been recognised for its tireless work bringing people together to prepare and deliver home-style meals. The organisation supports a large and diverse group of volunteers, helping turn small acts of kindness into meaningful support for people in the community.Volunteers take on a wide range of roles, from preparing meals to supporting delivery and coordination. Through this work, the program builds friendship, connection and a strong sense of shared purpose.Inclusion is a big part of what they do. They’re proud of initiatives like the Men’s Mess program, school partnerships and work with aged care, which support vulnerable people and highlight the positive impact of volunteering.Founder Jane Stewart says “At It’s the Little Things, we’ve always believed that small actions can make a big difference. Our community started back in 2001 with just four volunteers and today, we’re proud to have over a hundred amazing people involved. Even with that growth, we’re still very much grassroots, hands-on, community-led, and driven by kindness.”To find out how to get involved as a volunteer, visit Volunteer — It's the Little Things Community.Volunteer Years of Service AwardThis year, we introduced a new award category in recognition of volunteers who have contributed to the same organisation for a significant milestone year.20 yearsCathy Frawley - Boroondara Library ServiceDiane O'Neil - Boroondara Library ServiceGaye van Tuil - Boroondara Library ServiceHugh Pirrett - Boroondara Library ServiceJulie Egan - Boroondara Library ServiceNancy Moncrieff - Boroondara Library ServicePhilippa Thornton - Boroondara Library ServiceWalter Kane - Boroondara Library ServiceDaniella Taglieri OAM - Boroondara District ScoutsGreg Landgren - Boroondara District ScoutsLuke Dixon - Boroondara District ScoutsMartin Vaughan - Boroondara District ScoutsMichelle Simberg - Boroondara District ScoutsPeter Dodgshun - Boroondara District ScoutsPhillip Wood - Boroondara District ScoutsReis Hamilton - Boroondara District ScoutsRosita Fernandes - Inclusion MelbourneNiki Georgaklis - Greek Senior Citizens Club of North BalwynPauline Turville - Boroondara Cemetery.30 yearsAmelinda Ilardi - Boroondara District ScoutsGerald Davis - Boroondara District ScoutsIan Royston - Boroondara District ScoutsJan Black - Boroondara District ScoutsKenneth Marshman - Boroondara District ScoutsPatrick Chan - Boroondara District ScoutsRichard De Vere - Boroondara District ScoutsSusan Keks - Boroondara District ScoutsTrevor Anderson - Boroondara District ScoutsMichael Willis - Rotary Club Mont Albert/Surrey HillsPatricia (Pat) Griffith - Alamein Neighbourhood and Learning.40 yearsDavid Nathan - Boroondara District ScoutsDesley Reid - Boroondara District ScoutsGlenys Pelletier - Boroondara District ScoutsJohann Anderson - Boroondara District ScoutsRobert Evans - Boroondara District Scouts.50 yearsDavid Welch - Boroondara District ScoutsMarge Currie OAM - Boroondara District Scouts.
