Byron Community Centre's Management Committee Wins Volunteer Team Award

Oct 21

Management Committee recognised for significant contribution to byron community

The 2021 NSW Volunteer Team of the Year for the Northern Rivers region is the Management Committee behind the Byron Community Centre. The Management Committee consists of nine volunteers who work tirelessly to govern the Byron Community Centre, the largest not-for-profit of its kind in NSW. They oversee operations for the Byron Theatre, Byron Markets and community services and programs that support Byron’s most vulnerable, including the reopening of Fletcher Street Cottage.

The Byron Community Centre is a broad and independent organisation that requires a level of governance equal to the most complex corporate organisations.

The Management Committee backgrounds include decades of experience and knowledge in legal, community services, accountancy, communications, human resources, business development and marketing. These skills collectively support the organisation by providing direction and guidance in critical areas, as well as networking to the broader community to gain support for the success of all.

“It’s a great honour for the Byron Community Centre Management Committee to be chosen as the Northern Rivers Volunteer Team of the Year, especially after the chaotic two years we have all experienced,” said President, Helen Hamilton in her acceptance speech.

“I have been extremely proud to lead this team for the past three years and witness their great achievements. Each member of our Management Committee is passionate, dedicated and hardworking. We all thank you for this award and are grateful for the recognition."

Navigating and guiding the organisation through complex legislation and changing risk landscapes requires an average 80 hours of volunteer support from the members each week. Their expertise and generosity ensures that the ultimate aim for supporting the local community, particularly the vulnerable, is achieved. The volunteer Management Committee have been successfully guiding the organisation for over 20 years and is recognised by NSW Crown Land as the leader in best practice management of a Crown asset in NSW.

“We are so proud of our Management Committee for winning this prestigious award,” said Byron Community Centre General Manager, Louise O’Connell.

“All of us at the Byron Community Centre appreciate the work the Committee does to guide and help us. There is no task that is too difficult and having their expertise, connections and general advice ensures our success. Personally and professionally I am so grateful to have the Committee’s support through many challenges and am ecstatic that their efforts have been recognised officially.”

The Centre for Volunteering

The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are an annual program run by The Centre for Volunteering which has grown to become one of the largest celebrations of volunteering across the country.

Volunteers from across the Northern Rivers were recognised for their outstanding contribution to the local community at a special virtual ceremony on 19 October for the 2021 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards. About 100 special guests, volunteers and community leaders came together for the virtual event to recognise and celebrate the region’s volunteers.

Regional finalists for the awards are announced at ceremonies throughout NSW and are invited to the Gala State Ceremony for the announcement of the 2020 NSW Volunteer of the Year.