2023 NT Volunteer Awards recognise Territorians’ generosity

The NT’s top volunteers have been recognised in two awards ceremonies. See photos of the winners and read what drives them.

The NT’s most generous residents have been recognised for their impact on the community’s “strength and vibrancy”.

Nilesh Dilushan was named the Top End’s Volunteer of the Year and Chief Minister’s Youth Volunteer of the Year.

Mr Dilushan worked alongside Charles Darwin University’s Sri Lankan Students Association to promote cross-cultural awareness and helped establish the Kindness Shake to provide emergency relief assistance during the Covid pandemic.

He has also managed multiple youth wellbeing projects and been an active member of several CDU student councils.

Nilesh Dilushan was named the Top End’s Volunteer of the Year and Chief Minister’s Youth Volunteer of the Year.

Jack Hamilton received the Chief Minister’s Volunteer of the Year Award.

The 82-year-old veteran has supported Northern Territory Legacy for 38 years in roles such as president, secretary, and legatee.

Jack Hamilton received the Chief Minister’s Volunteer of the Year Award.

Andrew Barrett was named Central Australia’s 2023 NT Volunteer of the Year and also received the Chief Minister’s Volunteer of the Year in the region.

Mr Barrett said he was the current president of the Central Australian Show Society, had just finished 10 years of service with the Centralian Beef Breeders Association, and had been with the Harts Range Amateur Race Club for the past eight years.

He said he also worked five days a week on top of his volunteered time.

“We’re all busy, but I think we just need to make time to give back to our community, whether it only be a couple hours a month or even once or twice a year,” Mr Barrett said.

“Come along to our volunteer info sessions, bring a friend with you, have some fun together and help the community at the same time.”

Mr Barrett said he picked up volunteering after he was inspired by his grandmother as a child.

“She was involved in the town council different volunteer groups,” he said.

“From an early age, I got it from her that you have to give back to the community.”

Chief Minister's Volunteer of the Year Award (Central Australia) recipient Andrew Barrett with Volunteering SA and NT chief executive Hamilton Calder.

Volunteering NT executive manager Megan Saltmarsh said it was more important than ever for young people to engage in philanthropic work as the NT records a 5 per cent drop in volunteer numbers.

“The way people volunteer is changing, but the purpose behind it is not,” she said.

“We know many people from all walks of life generously devote their time and resources to activities and causes that positively impact communities and people’s lives.

“We see this through the incredible award nominations, but we also see this in our everyday lives.”

The full list of Top End winners include:

Volunteer of the Year Award – Nilesh Dilushan

Chief Minister’s Volunteer of the Year Award – Jack Hamilton

Chief Minister’s Youth Volunteer of the Year Award – Nilesh Dilushan

Emergency Services Volunteer of the Year Award – Kyle Fox

NTSESVA Emergency Services Youth Volunteer of the Year Award – Kel McLachlan

Higher Education/TAFE Student Volunteer of the Year Award – Stella Jasmine

INPEX Community Volunteer Organisation/Team of the Year Award – Connected Women NT, Australian Red Cross

The full list of Central Australian winners include:

2023 NT Volunteer of the Year Award – Andrew Barrett

Chief Minister’s Volunteer of the Year Award – Andrew Barrett

Chief Minister’s Youth Volunteer of the Year Award – Isla Petrick

NTSESVA Emergency Services Youth Volunteer of the Year Award – Tomas Baptista

Emergency Services Volunteer of the Year Award – Rhys Perry

INPEX Community Volunteer Organisation/Team of the Year Award – Central Australian Aviation Museum

Excellence in Volunteer Management Award – RomanKhitiaev

SEE THE PHOTOS

Connected Women NT received the INPEX Community Volunteer Organisation/Team of the Year Award.

Tomas Baptista received the NTSESVA Emergency Services Volunteer of the Year Award.

Kel McLachlan received the NTSESVA Emergency Services Youth Volunteer of the Year Award.

Kyle Fox received the Emergency Services Volunteer of the Year Award.

Isla Petrick received the Chief Minister's Youth Volunteer of the Year Award.

Rhys Perry received the Emergency Services Volunteer of the Year Award.

The Central Australian Aviation Museum received the INPEX Community Volunteer Organisation/Team of the Year Award.

Chief Minister's Volunteer of the Year Award (Central Australia) recipient Andrew Barratt with Hamilton Calder, CEO Volunteering SA and NT.

Nilesh Dilushan was named the Top End’s Volunteer of the Year and Chief Minister’s Youth Volunteer of the Year.

Jack Hamilton received the Chief Minister’s Volunteer of the Year Award.