New South Wales Volunteer of the Year announced

5 December 2008 | The Centre for Volunteering

Ashfield resident Shu Fen Wang has been named 2008 NSW Volunteer of the Year for her work over the past 10 years with the West Region Chinese Association.

She has been actively involved in a number of efforts to assist Chinese migrants in Western Sydney become more accustomed to and involved in Australian life.

Ms Wang was awarded the title by the NSW Minister for Volunteering Graham West in a ceremony at Parliament House today - International Volunteer Day.

Ms. Wang has been responsible for organising various multicultural social and educational activities for the Association. In 1998, she proposed and started a chorus team, which now boasts 60 singers and has participated in several major performances at locations such as the Sydney Opera House.

She has also promoted the participation of migrants in environmental protection and cleaning, specifically Clean Up Australia Day, as well as setting up a group of Asian migrants which focus on environmental protection in the Inner West.

Nominator Karin Cheung of the West Region Chinese Association says: "Ms. Wang has devoted her heart of love to the service of the large number of elderly Asian background residents in Inner West Sydney and has made a great contribution to multiculturalism in Australia."

• Krystle Marsh was named 2008 NSW Youth Volunteer of the Year for her work with Vinnies and the Australian Red Cross. Krystle has just completed year 12 student at Warilla High School
• Lorraine Clark, of Warringah was named 2008 NSW Senior Volunteer of the Year for her contribution to the Special Olympics program for the past 18 years;
• Optus' IT Commercial Director, Karen Carmichael, and Optus have been recognised for mobilising an exemplary Employee Volunteering program at Lurnea High School...and been named the 2008 NSW Corporate Volunteer of the Year; and
• Layne Beachley, the most successful female surfer of all time and seven-time world champion, and Founder and Chief Executive of the Layne Beachley Aim for the Stars Foundation, has been awarded the inaugural NSW Volunteer Ambassador of the Year Award.

The NSW Volunteer of the Year Award was initiated and coordinated by the peak body for volunteering in NSW, The Centre for Volunteering. All winners from the 16 regions which made up the State final are featured on The Centre's website www.volunteering.com.au

More information

Kristin Romanis
Communications Manager and 2008 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award Manager
T 0412 313 359 or 02 9261 3600
E kromanis@volunteering.com.au

About The Centre for Volunteering

The Centre for Volunteering is the peak body for volunteering in NSW. The Centre promotes and supports volunteering and community participation through volunteer referral, advocacy, research, policy and resource development, training, information and education services enhance the capacity and skills of volunteers, not-for-profits, corporations and government to become involved in the community. Visit www.volunteering.com.au