Quakers Hill first aider named Outer Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year
ST JOHN Ambulance first aid logistics officer Richard Bernecic form Quakers Hill has been named the 2025 Outer Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year, for his work keeping the community safe and healthy across the region.
Mr Bernecic was recognised recently at St Marys Band Club as part of the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.
The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are hosted by The Centre for Volunteering to help promote and support volunteering across NSW.
They are now in their 19th year and celebrate the work of thousands of individuals and volunteer teams from a diverse range of organisations across the state.
Recipients of other individual and team awards were also announced, including the inaugural Emergency Volunteer of the Year:
Outer Western Sydney Young Volunteers of the Year: Mikaylah Bater from Marayong and Hannah Cooper from Blacktown.
Joint award winners Mikaylah and Hannah began volunteering together at Riding for the Disabled Tall Timbers as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards program. They have continued to volunteer on a weekly basis as part of a program which provides a safe and supportive way for people living with disability to engage with their community and build new skills through horse riding.
Outer Western Sydney Adult Volunteer of the Year: Richard Bernecic from Quakers Hill.
Richard has given more than 2,000 hours of his time as a logistics officer and mentor to new volunteers at the State Operations and Blacktown Divisions of St John Ambulance. He helps prepare, maintain, and transport essential operational equipment, uniforms and medical kits for first aid responders at events and emergency incidents across Western Sydney and NSW.
Outer Western Sydney Senior Volunteer of the Year: Helen Knobbs from Riverstone.
Helen has volunteered every week for the past 35 years at the Hawkesbury Community Kitchen, helping to prepare, cook and serve meals to the homeless and people in need throughout the region. She has also served on the organisation’s board for the past decade and supported and mentored new volunteers and student volunteers undertaking their Duke of Edinburgh awards.
Outer Western Sydney Emergency Volunteer of the Year: Michael Edmonds from Cranebrook.
Michael’s volunteer work with the NSW Rural Fire Service is crucial to the safety and training of emergency service volunteers throughout the region. His meticulous methods and mentoring as an Equipment and Training Officer are matched by his commitment to emergency response to fires and road accidents, as well as public safety education for the wider community.
Outer Western Sydney Volunteer Team of the Year: Street Side Medics – Blacktown Volunteer Team.
The 26 members of the Blacktown Street Side Medics include nurses, paramedics, GPs, specialists and allied health professionals who give their time each week, providing care for our most vulnerable people. Their street-based healthcare delivery includes everything from basic check-ups and prescriptions to chronic disease management and minor procedures, across the region. The impact of their volunteering is immense, with many of their patients having gone without treatment for years. Their care improves the health of people without a home and is often a first step to other life-changing support.
The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said in difficult times, volunteers often come forward to meet a crisis with compassion.
“Volunteers are the quiet force, whether helping ease cost of living pressures, supporting those in crisis or responding on the front line of floods, fires and emergencies,” Ms Rygate said.
“Their dedication isn’t just admirable; it underpins a more resilient and compassionate society.
“These exceptional individuals give selflessly – often while juggling careers, study, and family life – yet they still choose to show up for others when it matters most.”
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