Beyond DV founder Carolyn Robinson has been named as Queensland’s Volunteer of the Year.
She is one of more than 49,000 volunteers recognised in the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Awards
Beyond DV is an organisation focused on family violence prevention and recovery.
The Youth Volunteer of the Year award went to Jaylyn Rongo, from DonateLife Queensland.
Jaylen is a 22-year-old heart transplant recipient who started a street clothing business called 2ndChnc. He regularly volunteers for DonateLife in honour of his donor.
Since its inception in 2016 the Queensland Volunteering Awards have provided a spotlight for Queensland’s volunteers.
The awards honour the people and organisations that have made meaningful contributions to their local communities.
In 2026, 275 nominations were received, representing 49,722 volunteers.
CEO of Volunteering Queensland Jane Hedger said the Awards played an important role in recognising the volunteers at the heart of Queensland’s communities.
“2026 is the United Nations International Year of Volunteers,” she said.
“The Queensland Volunteering Awards offer a special moment to honour and value every person who is contributing through volunteering to growing a thriving Queensland.”
2026 Queensland Volunteering Award Recipients and Finalists
Queensland Volunteer of the Year Award
- Recipient: Carolyn Robinson – Beyond DV
- Finalists: Janelle Clarke – Bribie Island Church of Crist Op Shop, Alina Graham – Rotary Club, SES
Queensland Youth Volunteer of the Year Award
- Recipient: Jaylyn Rongo – DonateLife Queensland
- Finalists: Taylor Randall – Rotary Queensland, Mattias Steljic – Surf Life Saving Australia, Seventh Day Adventist Church
Queensland New to Volunteering Award
- Recipient: Phillip Smith – Ride in Shorts for Leah (Campaign)
- Finalists: Leanne Evert – Kokoda, SES, Declan O’Grady – Orange Sky Australia
Queensland Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award
- Recipient: Roger Whyte – Queensland Rugby League
- Finalists: Annette Dundas – Special Olympics Australia Queensland, Reginald Butler – Surf Life Saving Australia
Queensland Excellence in Volunteer Management Award
- Recipient: Nicole Ashley – Play Matters Australia
- Finalists: Barbara Dean – Girl Guides Queensland, Emily MacManus – Toowoomba Lighthouse
Queensland Volunteering Impact Award
Community:
Recipient: Foodbank Queensland – Food Distribution and Community Food Relief Program
Finalists: The Older Mens Network (TOMNET) – Seniots Volunteering Program, Palliative Care Queensland – Ambulance Wish
Government:
Recipient: Sunshine Coast Health – Volunteer Program
Finalist: Department of Housing – Safer Schoolies Initiative
Corporate:
Recipient: Origin Energy – Community Volunteering
