The City of Ryde recognised some of the community's unsung heroes on Wednesday 20 May 2026 with the presentation of the annual Volunteer Recognition Awards.
Held as part of National Volunteer Week, the awards acknowledged a committed and largely unseen army of volunteers who give their time and skills to enhance and uplift the life of the community within the City of Ryde.
This year there were 14 amazing citizens nominated in the individual volunteer category, four for young volunteer, and nine for group volunteer. On top of that, there were 11 nominations for our Community Heroes.
City or Ryde Mayor Trenton Brown hailed all the nominees and winners for 2026.
"The 2026 Volunteer Recognition Awards celebrates those many selfless people who freely give their time, skills, and expertise while asking for nothing in return," he said.
"This Council greatly appreciates all the extra help that makes the City of Ryde the place for lifestyle and opportunity at your doorstep.
"This year's National Volunteer Week theme is 'Your Year to Volunteer' and I hope it acts as a great incentive for even more people to become involved in what is a worthwhile and richly rewarding activity."
The 2026 nominees came from a diverse range of backgrounds, providing the community with their free labour and resources and the City of Ryde salutes their strong work ethic and generous productivity.
The winners are:
Individual Volunteer of the Year - Katrina Doring
Katrina has dedicated more than 30 years of volunteer service to the Eastwood Ryde Netball Association. As Treasurer for 20 years, she has played a key role in managing an organisation of over 2,000 members, while contributing across multiple committees and coaching representative teams, supporting players and programs at every level. Katrina's impact is perhaps most evident in her leadership in delivering the new multi-million-dollar Bennelong Sports Centre in West Ryde. Through countless hours of commitment, resilience, and passion she has made a lasting and meaningful contribution to the Association and the wider community.
Young Volunteer of the Year - Isla Costin
Isla Costin has volunteered with organisations including Kids Giving Back, the Red Cross, and the Asylum Seekers Centre since 2017. Her involvement has included supporting food preparation, meal services, donation programs, and community outreach activities. Since 2022, she has undertaken a Youth Changemaker role with Kids Giving Back, assisting with program delivery and supporting younger volunteers. Isla is also a co‑founder of 4GreaterGood, a youth‑led initiative established in 2024. Through this initiative, she assists with coordinating community support activities, including sourcing resources, organising volunteers, and overseeing the distribution of care packs and meals across Sydney, including within the City of Ryde. Alongside her volunteering, Isla undertakes full‑time study at Macquarie University while maintaining ongoing involvement across multiple community organisations.
Volunteer Group of the Year - Eastwood Chinese Senior Citizens Club
The Eastwood Chinese Senior Citizens Club, established in 1991, has made an outstanding and lasting contribution to the Ryde community, growing from just nine members to more than 1,500 today. Entirely volunteer-run, the Club delivers a wide range of programs including weekly activities, health and wellbeing sessions, cultural events and social gatherings that enrich lives and promote active, connected ageing. Its work is especially impactful for Chinese-speaking seniors, providing vital support for those facing language and cultural barriers. Through excursions, education programs and cultural initiatives, the Club fosters belonging, reduces isolation and strengthens community harmony. Over more than three decades, its dedicated volunteers have created a vibrant, inclusive community that empowers older residents to remain engaged, supported, and valued.
