ACT Volunteer of the Year for 2024, Tom King was honoured for his service to the Canberra community. Photo: Supplied.
Community champion Tom King was named ACT Volunteer of the Year at the annual awards ceremony at the Belconnen Arts Centre, marking International Volunteer Day 2024.
Awarded to Canberrans who have made a significant impact on the local area, the title honoured Mr King for his tireless community work, including providing overnight support for families at Ronald McDonald House, caring for the housebound and for residents of Canberra nursing homes.
VolunteeringACT CEO Jean Giese said Mr King had also volunteered with the Lifeline bookfair for the past 17 years, working in the warehouse to sort books as well as during the fairs.
“He has also supported the Red Cross Blood Bank donor lounge over the last five years and provided over 325 blood donations,” she said.
“Tom’s commitment to volunteering extends beyond these efforts. Tom has volunteered as a guide at the Lanyon Homestead in Tuggeranong, where he has conducted tours of the homestead and gardens showcasing the beautiful grounds and sharing the history of this special part of the ACT.
“In his spare time Tom visits elderly and housebound people, and provides pastoral care for residents of various local nursing homes in Canberra.
“We are proud to have awarded Tom as the Volunteer of the Year. He embodies the spirit of community-mindedness, creating vital connections, reducing isolation and sharing his passion for his community.”
The 2024 Canberra’s Choice Award, determined by public vote, was presented to the Victims Justice Volunteer Program.
The other 2024 winners were:
Volunteer Team of the Year: Roundabout Canberra Volunteer Team. Highly commended: National Capital Authority volunteer guides and RSPCA volunteers.
Volunteer Leadership: Manish Raj (CMS). Highly commended: Peter Gilligan (YWCA) and Aaron Reid (Boxing ACT).
Inclusion Award: Louise Irvine (DeafACT). Highly commended: Alo Enlightened Women.
First Nations Volunteer of the Year: Di Collins (Canberra Reference Group – Canberra Hospital). Highly commended: Chantelle Bennett (Holy Cross Tuckerbox).
Senior Volunteer of the Year: Margaret Dando (Volunteers in Policing Program). Highly commended: Roderick Menzies (Covenant Care) and Chris Fitzpatrick (Warrigal).
Young Volunteer of the Year: Madison (Casey) Barancewicz (Radio 1RPH). Highly commended: Matthew Bennet (Vinnies).
Community Support Award: Gus Sabatino (Woden State Emergency Service Unit). Highly commended: Amanda Cook (Perinatal Wellbeing Centre) and Community Pantry Team (Communities at Work).
Ms Giese congratulated all those honoured, describing volunteers as “the invisible workforce”.
“We extend a heartfelt congratulations to the winners and highly commended. Canberra is a better place because of you.”
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