BELLA AINSWORTH YOUNG VOLUNTEER... awarded to Noor Mgoter. Noor volunteers across multiple youth-focused initiatives in Greater Shepparton, including the Amplify Youth Committee, Notre Dame College and the Imam Kadim Community Centre. Noor supports the planning and delivery of inclusive, accessible events for young people and actively works to ensure multicultural youth feel welcomed and represented in community spaces. Pictured accepting the award on Noor's behalf is Jodie Rutten. Photos: Emma Harrop
THE oustanding contributions of volunteers across the region were recently honoured at the 17th annual Greater Shepparton Volunteer Recognition Awards.
Organised by Greater Shepparton City Council and held at Riverlinks Eastbank, the event brought together more than 300 attendees to celebrate a record 45 nominations across four award categories, highlighting the dedication and impact of volunteers within the community.
BELLA AINSWORTH YOUNG VOLUNTEER… awarded to Noor Mgoter. Noor volunteers across multiple youth-focused initiatives in Greater Shepparton, including the Amplify Youth Committee, Notre Dame College and the Imam Kadim Community Centre. Noor supports the planning and delivery of inclusive, accessible events for young people and actively works to ensure multicultural youth feel welcomed and represented in community spaces. Pictured accepting the award on Noor’s behalf is Jodie Rutten. Photos: Emma Harrop
The Volunteer Recognition Awards recognise and thank people who contribute their time and energy for the benefit of the community. The ceremony is held annually as part of National Volunteer Week in May, with this year’s theme being ‘Your Year to Volunteer’, encouraging greater participating.
2026 award recipients:
• Bella Ainsworth Young Volunteer Award: Noor Mgoter
• Adult Volunteer Award: Michael Rowe
• Long Serving Volunteer Award: Wendy Hunt
• Volunteer Team Award: Oncology Support Volunteer Team.
ADULT VOLUNTEER… awarded to Michael Rowe. Michael volunteers with the Mary Coram Unit at GV Health, supporting people who are new amputees. Drawing on lived experience, Michael provides one-on-one peer support, helping patients manage mental isolation and adjust to life after amputation by sharing practical insights and coping strategies. TEAM VOLUNTEER AWARD… awarded to Oncology Support Volunteer Team. The Oncology Support Volunteer Team provides daily practical support within the Oncology Unit, including serving meals, preparing information packs, managing supplies and assisting patients and families. Their reliable presence allows clinical staff to focus on care while ensuring patients receive consistent, compassionate support throughout treatment. Pictured accepting the award are Jenny Hyland and Anne Davies.LONG SERVING VOLUNTEER… awarded to Wendy Hunt from the Caroline Chisholm Society. Wendy has volunteered with the Caroline Chisholm Society for more than 40 years, supporting vulnerable families across Greater Shepparton. She provides direct assistance to families in need and mentors new volunteers and staff, sharing extensive knowledge gained through decades of frontline community support. Pictured accepting the award on Wendy’s behalf is Volunteer Coordinator Debra Russell.
