INDYNR.COM
Joel Orchard from Wardell was named 2026 Northern Rivers Volunteer of the Year, for his work building strong social connections, disaster preparedness and running a fresh food and pantry program for people in need.
Joel was recognised at the Volunteer of the Year Awards in Tweed Heads for his work as co-founder of WardellCORE.
The pantry program is run through the Wardell Neighbourhood Centre, where Joel volunteers three days a week. He is also the volunteer chief executive of Young Farmers Connect, which supports emerging farmers through research and field days.
The awards are now in their 20th year and are hosted by The Centre for Volunteering.
Other individual and team awards announced were:
Northern Rivers Young Volunteer of the Year: Holly Nehls from Lawrence
Holly is an apprentice diesel mechanic and also an enthusiastic volunteer with the NSW Rural Fire Service at Lawrence.
Northen Rivers Senior Volunteer of the Year: Kieran Smyth from Cabarita Beach
Kieran volunteers with Cycling Without Age Burringbar where he has coordinated bike rides for more than 2,000 seniors and disabled people along the popular Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
Northern Rivers Emergency Volunteer of the Year: Drew Carr from Tweed Heads
Drew gives his time with the VRA Rescue NSW – Tweed Rescue Squad, where he has led and supported emergency response and rescues during floods, storms and other critical incidents.
The Centre for Volunteering chief executive Gemma Rygate said volunteers from across the Northern Rivers give so much to the local community.
“Volunteers help build strong and healthy communities across the state,” Ms Rygate said.
“Volunteers are also role models for others, highlighting how volunteering can have such a positive impact on people and places. These awards celebrate the volunteering effort and impact.
The Northern Rivers award recipients will be invited to represent their region at the State Gala Award Ceremony at the end of the year, where the NSW Volunteer of the Year in each category will be announced.