The ceremony, held at Riverlinks Eastbank, was fully booked with over 350 people in attendance and hundreds of people tuning in to the livestream.

This year’s ceremony reflected the theme for National Volunteer Week ‘Connecting Communities’, emphasising the important role of volunteers in our community. This year’s awards saw the introduction of the Bella Ainsworth Young Volunteer Award. This tribute honours Bella Ainsworth, a passionate advocate for youth engagement in the community, who sadly lost her battle with cancer in 2024.

Keynote speaker Grace Egan, Richmond FC AFLW player and local grassroots success story, spoke about the importance of strong community connections, and shared how her journey in elite sport continues to inspire and support others.

Now in its 16th year, the awards received 41 nominations, with a diverse group of volunteers dedicating their time to various organisations, service clubs, and sporting groups across the region. The Volunteer Awards recipients for 2025 were:

• 2025 Bella Ainsworth Young Volunteer: Caitlyn Tuohey
• 2025 Adult Volunteer: Lauren Wolfe
• 2025 Volunteer Team: Shepparton Riding for the Disabled
• 2025 Long Serving Volunteer: Clive Wood

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Shane Sali, congratulated all nominees and award recipients and acknowledged the vital role of volunteers across the region.

“This year’s ceremony was a powerful reminder of the incredible impact volunteers have in connecting and supporting our community. It was heartening to see so many people come together in person and online to celebrate their efforts,” he said.

“We were proud to introduce the Bella Ainsworth Young Volunteer Award, honouring a passionate young leader who made a lasting difference in our community. Bella’s legacy will live on through the young people this award continues to recognise.”

“With 41 nominations received, it’s clear that Greater Shepparton is home to countless dedicated individuals and groups who give their time to help others. Our community is stronger because of them, and it’s only fitting that we take the time to acknowledge and celebrate their contributions.”

You can read more about each award winner below.

Tap here for more information on the Greater Shepparton Volunteer Recognition Awards.

To watch the livestream of the Awards Ceremony, visit Council’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/@GreaterShepparton.

 2025 Bella Ainsworth Young Volunteer: Caitlyn Tuohey

Caitlyn volunteers for various FamilyCare programs, as well as previously volunteering in the Gowola Homework Club.

Through FamilyCare, she volunteers in the IntoRec program that supports children and adults with varying disabilities to form connections with others and assist in everyday tasks after school or during the day. She is able to swiftly adapt activities to meet each participants’ needs, displaying excellent problem solving, critical thinking skills, care and support for individuals.

Caitlyn also volunteers for the FamilyCare Christmas Drive, raising funds through gift-wrapping, as well as organising and providing presents for families who experience financial difficulties or need help during the Christmas period. She displays passionate care, organisational skills and adaptability while volunteering there.

Caitlyn’s unwavering and continuous support, care and nurture for her community is integral to maintaining a close-knit, vibrant, accepting and accommodating Greater Shepparton.

2025 Adult Volunteer: Lauren Wolfe

Lauren has a loving, caring nature which reflects in her actions and the upbringing of her own children. Lauren is community minded and has empathy for the young people in the area that are facing their own complexities. Lauren has extensive lived experience and is able to reflect on this when supporting young people.

Lauren has a heart for the young community and is highly respected, recognised and sought out by the leaders at The Bridge Youth Service, to strongly and passionately advocate for the youth of the community.

Lauren has been mentoring young mothers in the community and has shown a great deal of compassion and ambition to ensure the young mothers are able to have a positive experience.

Lauren's passion has not waivered over the years, volunteering through multiple roles including Young Parents Group, the Youth Ambassador program, roles in community meals, and various other community projects.

2025 Volunteer Team: Shepparton Riding for the Disabled

The Donnan Family (Albert, Yvonne and Ray), commenced Shepparton Riding for The Disabled in May 1978 for their daughter and sister Wendy. The involvement of the Katandra West Community along with many others was invaluable. Ray Donnan, a member of the Donnan family, is the current President of Shepparton RDA.

For 47 years, RDA teams have made a difference to the lives of many hundreds of people with a disability and their families by providing an environment of respect, teaching of skills and acknowledgement of progress through programs whilst increasing participants’ confidence.

It’s impossible to acknowledge all of the outstanding RDA volunteers who tirelessly went about making life a little better for others.

With 41 clients on their books and a waiting list of additional riders, the 25 volunteers make available a combined 341 years of enthusiastic dedication to our community.

2025 Long Serving Volunteer: Clive Wood

Clive Wood has been a dedicated volunteer driver with Community Accessibility for 20 years. Throughout his long service, Clive has provided reliable transportation to individuals with mobility challenges, helping them stay connected to essential services, appointments, and social events.

His punctuality, reliability, and warm demeanour have made a lasting impact on the community. As a mentor to new volunteers, Clive’s leadership and positive attitude enhance the volunteer team. His commitment to helping others and ensuring safe and reliable transport has greatly benefited many in Greater Shepparton.

This award recognises Clive’s exceptional contribution and the significant difference he has made to the lives of countless individuals.