DROUGHT, bushfires and coronavirus - throughout a harrowing 12 months, unsung community heroes have stood tall: now it's time to recognise them.
Nominations are now open for the Centre for Volunteering's 2020 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.
"Volunteers stood face to face with the most ferocious fires in our state's history, and are the beating heart of our country towns that continue to battle crippling drought," said Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward.
"They have been critical to our COVID-19 response across the state, providing practical assistance that's enabled so many charities to support the most vulnerable members of our community.
"There has never been a more fitting time to recognise the enormous sacrifice our volunteers make, and no better opportunity to say thank you."
You can nominate your neighbours, colleagues, family members and friends for one of the seven categories: Adult Volunteer, Young Volunteer, Senior Volunteer, Volunteer Team, Corporate Volunteer (individual and team), and Excellence in Volunteer Management.
Centre for Volunteering chief executive Gemma Rygate said more than two million people across the state gave up their time to help others.
"We want this year's awards to be the biggest yet, and I encourage people to get online and nominate someone who has made a difference to their community," Ms Rygate said.
Last year the Centre for Volunteering recognised more than 120,000 volunteers from about 450 organisations as part of the awards, which are supported by the NSW Government and ClubsNSW.
Nominations close on July 3. Details HERE