Last week, we acknowledged the outstanding contributions of our Warrigal volunteers across NSW and the ACT with two special Service Award events. The events were held as part of our National Volunteer Week celebrations, and served as an excellent opportunity to acknowledge our community of volunteers, and recognise the difference they make to the lives of our older people every day.

The week kicked off with the Illawarra event, held at Warilla Bowls & Recreation Club and welcoming 134 attendees from Warrigal’s Northern locations, followed by the second event held last Thursday at the Goulburn Workers Club, which welcomed 93 attendees from Warrigal’s Southern locations (including Goulburn, Bundanoon, Canberra and Queanbeyan). Attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch with great conversation, as they watched their fellow volunteers receive awards for their numerous years of service.

Our Warrigal CEO Jenni Hutchins was joined by our Chair of the Board Sophie Ray at both events, as well as local dignitaries – including local MP Carol Berry and Deputy Mayor of Shellharbour City Council Kellie Marsh at the Northern event, and Mayor of Goulburn Nina Dillon alongside local MP Wendy Tuckerman at the Southern event. Across both events, volunteers were celebrated for lengths of service ranging from 5 years, right up to 20 years of incredible service to our older people.

Jenni shared her gratitude to our volunteers in her address.

“This week, the country celebrates National Volunteer Week. There are more than six million volunteers across Australia, and as I look around this room, I am very glad some of the best of them chose us.”

She continued, “Our vision at Warrigal is a world where older people are known, loved and connected. We say it often, and to some it can sound abstract. It is not abstract to the resident waiting all morning for you to walk through the door. It is not abstract to the family who sleeps a little easier knowing their mum has a friend who comes by on Thursdays. You are the reason that vision has weight.”

Sophie also shared her appreciation for volunteers within our community.

Sophie said, “With a team of 608 volunteers and more than 40,000 hours of your time given in a single year, these numbers are remarkable. From the Board’s perspective, what those numbers represent is something even deeper. They represent trust. They represent commitment. They represent a quiet, persistent choice that hundreds of you make every week to show up for older people, without expecting anything in return.”

Norm Rowland Awards

In addition to volunteers receiving their lengths of service awards, these events are an opportunity to present the two winners (Northern and Southern) of the annual Norm Rowland Awards. The Norm Rowland Awards (named after Warrigal’s founder) are presented every year, in recognition of outstanding service and for going above and beyond for our older people. After a nomination and selection process, the volunteers are selected for this prestigious honour. Read about the 2026 winners below!

Pauline Baxter – Northern Norm Rowland Award Winner

For over 30 years, Pauline has dedicated her time to supporting residents at Mt Warrigal with compassion, kindness and genuine care. After retiring from the Warrigal workforce, Pauline chose to continue giving back through volunteering so she could remain connected with the older people she cares so deeply about.

Pauline is known for her warm smile, infectious laugh and gentle nature. She spends countless hours visiting residents one on one, sharing conversations, listening to stories, offering encouragement and emotional support, and simply being there for those who may be feeling lonely or going through difficult times. Residents look forward to her visits, a chat over a hot cuppa and one of Pauline’s delicious treats.

She treats every resident with dignity and respect, always taking the time to build trusting relationships and ensure each person feels valued, heard and cared for. Pauline’s kindness shines through in everything she does, whether assisting with activities, helping staff prepare for theme days, or sitting quietly holding someone’s hand when they need comfort most.

Pauline is dependable, humble, caring and truly loved by residents, staff and fellow volunteers alike. Her dedication over so many years has made a lasting impact on countless lives.

Janice Grimson – Southern Norm Rowland Award Winner

Janice has been a volunteer at Bundanoon for over 11 years. She has volunteered in a number of roles including Treasurer of the former Warrigal Bundanoon Auxiliary, organised fundraising events at the home and within the community, dedicated to the Bundanoon café and provides one on one companionship and support to residents. Through her warm and caring nature, Janice takes the time to truly listen to residents, ensuring they feel heard, valued and included. She makes a genuine effort to understand each resident’s individual needs and preferences and encourages everyone to enjoy their time within the café environment.

Janice has also played an important role in supporting the ongoing success and presentation of the café. She actively assisted with coordinating new matching crockery and utensils, provided regular updates to the home and was instrumental in helping coordinate the café’s 10th Birthday celebration, which was a wonderful success enjoyed by residents, staff and visitors.

In addition to her volunteering role, Janice also serves as an appointed resident representative, always acting with transparency, integrity and a strong sense of responsibility. Her commitment to advocating for residents and supporting the smooth operation of the café demonstrates her passion for creating a welcoming and connected community.

Janice’s kindness, dedication and willingness to always lend a helping hand is deeply valued at Bundanoon.

We are proud to have a team of such dedicated volunteers. If you’re interested in learning more about how to join us as a volunteer, explore our webpage here.

Explore our image gallery of the events below!