Each year, we celebrate our many community volunteers and organisations who roll up their sleeves to help protect our local environment.
These awards cover a range of Council-run volunteer programs, including Rise & Shine, Bushcare, FiReady and Dunecare.
You can read about our 2025 award recipients below.
Rise and Shine Awards
Basil Ryan Award: Mark and Carol Davis
The Basil Ryan Award recognises individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to environmental care and community involvement. Both Mark and Carol have made a valuable contribution through their dedication, commitment and ongoing support of local clean-up efforts. Their involvement in Rise and Shine's monthly lake clean-ups has contributed to reducing litter accumulation in Lake Illawarra.
Organisation Award: Corrimal Rotary
For the past six years, Corrimal Rotary has been a proud and dedicated representative of the Rise & Shine program. On average, the group completes around 70 clean-ups each year, and in 2025 alone collected an impressive 14 tonnes of waste, contributing more than 150 volunteer hours - not including countless informal clean-ups and drain clear-outs. Led by Dilys Hoser, their passion and tireless commitment continue to make a lasting impact while setting a powerful example for the broader community.
Community Group Business Award: ALSCO Uniforms
ALSCO Uniforms is recognised for their consistent and enthusiastic involvement. ALSCO has attended every planting held at City Beach, also assisting in rubbish removal from the dunes. They’re proactive and reach out to participate in additional events, showing pride in the work they do.
Citizen Award: Lile Judickas
The Citizen Award recognises an individual whose passion for environmental conservation extends across multiple programs. Lile actively supports several Bushcare groups and is a regular contributor to Rise &Shine Lake clean-ups. Always eager to learn, Lile participates in workshops across volunteer programs and consistently demonstrates a genuine commitment to caring for the environment.
Bushcare Awards
Bushcare Volunteer of the Year: Kirk Bendall
With nearly 30 years of Bushcare involvement, Kirk has made an impressive contribution to environmental restoration across multiple groups. His long-term dedication, consistency and willingness to share knowledge make him a valued and respected member of the Bushcare community, he is always bringing a smile and a story from his extensive experience.
Anders Bofeldt Award: Jacob Kosten
This award recognises the efforts of new volunteers and honours the legacy of Anders Boefeldt, whose work at Wollongong City Council left a lasting impact on bushland restoration, species records, and plantings that continue to benefit the community today.
Jacob embodies this legacy through his unwavering commitment. He attends every week with enthusiasm, manages competing responsibilities to prioritise volunteering, and is always the first to assist with physically demanding tasks. Curious and eager to learn, Jacob has further demonstrated his commitment by completing the CEM III course. As described by his group coordinator, he is “dedicated, knowledgeable and reliable.”
Community Spirit Award: Wisewomen of Wiseman Park
This award celebrates groups that bring people together and foster a strong sense of community. The Wisewomen of Wiseman Park showcase great inclusion, care and mutual support. Their work goes beyond environmental care, creating a welcoming and compassionate space for volunteers. Comprised of highly experienced bush regenerators and enthusiastic learners, this group generously shares knowledge and has even hosted a best practice workshop for others.
Dunecare Awards
Dunecare Volunteer of the Year: Raewyn Proctor
Raewyn is recognised for her deep passion for native vegetation and coastal ecosystems. A committed team player, she consistently supports her group and confidently steps into the coordinator role when required. Raewyn demonstrates a strong community spirit and actively provides constructive feedback on Bushcare programs, contributing thoughtful ideas that help expand volunteer skills and knowledge.
FiRewards
FiReady Volunteers of the Year: Hill Street Upper, Austinmer
This award recognises a group of volunteers who began their journey with the Natural Areas program through Garden Avenue Bushcare before joining neighbours to support the Fiready group in the adjoining reserve more than a decade ago. The group is efficient, hardworking and contributes monthly, while also providing ongoing maintenance and oversight. Their ecologically sensitive approach to bush fire safety includes weed management, hazard reduction, tree planting and large-scale rubbish removal from creek lines and bushland areas.
Government Conservation and Sustainability Award: Guardians of the Grassy Woodlands
This award recognises outstanding conservation and sustainability achievements by other government agencies or groups that actively support environmental outcomes within the region. Guardians of the Grassy Woodlands have shown exceptional leadership and collaboration in protecting and enhancing important ecological communities.
More information
Many of Council's services rely on the support of volunteers. Watch the below video to hear from some of the great people who volunteer their time in different way.
To get involved with any of these programs, visit our Volunteer Programs page or call (02) 4227 7111.