Avril Northridge
Avril Northridge has volunteered with Twilight Aged Care for more than one year, providing support at Glades Bay Gardens and two other aged care homes twice weekly. She has contributed over 600 hours of service, primarily assisting with Art Therapy sessions for residents. Avril also supports the Annual Art Exhibition and participates in intergenerational programs. Despite a busy schedule she makes time for regular travel between facilities and consistent involvement in scheduled activities.
Billy Wong
Billy Wong has volunteered with CCA NSW since January 2019, contributing approximately 14 hours per week. His volunteering includes delivering music programs at CCA NSW, the Epping Senior Citizens Club, aged care facilities, and major community events. Billy supports regular sessions, outreach visits, and large-scale events such as the Granny Smith Festival and Chinese New Year celebrations, managing coordination, travel, and performances across multiple venues.
Blair McKenzie
For over 27 years, Blair McKenzie has delivered the Master Blaster cricket program every Saturday morning during the summer season. He commits approximately two hours each weekend session and has maintained continuous participation without missing a session. The program supports young participants in skill development, confidence building, and introduction to organised cricket.
Christine Butler
Christine Butler has volunteered with CCA NSW for more than 11 years, contributing approximately four hours per week, with additional hours as required. As the primary front office contact, she assists clients by responding to enquiries, coordinating access to services, and providing administrative support. Christine regularly covers additional shifts when volunteers are unavailable and manages the demands of front-facing community service alongside personal responsibilities.
Christy Chao I Tam
Christy Chao I Tam has volunteered with the Lions Club of Sydney Harmony for six years, committing a minimum of 20 hours each week to support the club’s community service programs and initiatives. Through regular BBQ fundraisers at Gladesville Bunnings, she helps raise vital funds for local community projects while fostering strong connections with local residents. Christy also regularly visits local churches and nursing homes, providing care, companionship and support to elderly and vulnerable community members.
David Cook
David Cook has volunteered with Twilight Aged Care for three years, visiting Glades Bay Gardens in Gladesville and three other homes each month to support residents through music. He regularly performs for residents and goes above and beyond by organising Christmas carol concerts with his choir and planning themed performances, such as Irish songs for St Patrick’s Day. Despite a demanding professional career, David consistently contributes around 150 volunteer hours, using his musical talent to bring joy, connection and enrichment to residents’ lives.
Florence Chow
Florence Chow has volunteered with the Eastwood Chinese Senior Citizens Club for over ten years, contributing weekly and providing additional assistance during major events. Her responsibilities include supporting cultural celebrations, assisting with kitchen and reception duties, taking meeting minutes, and acting as backup secretary when required. Florence also leads Cantonese Tai Chi and Eight Brocades Qigong sessions for club members. At age 77, she remains actively involved in regular and event-based activities.
Jillian Seymour
Jillian has volunteered full time for over ten years, making contribution to the community through both emergency service and cultural engagement. Through her long‑standing service with the State Emergency Service (SES Australia), she supports community safety and wellbeing during emergencies and severe weather events, responding reliably and often at short notice. Alongside this, her involvement with Katcha Music strengthens community connection by supporting live music and events that bring people together in positive, inclusive settings. Her commitments require availability across unpredictable schedules.
Katrina Doring
Katrina has volunteered with the Eastwood Ryde Netball Association for 30 years, serving in roles including Treasurer, League Selections Convenor, and team coach. Her contributions span weekdays, evenings, and weekends and include financial oversight for an organisation with more than 2,000 members, coaching representative teams, and supporting competitions at all levels. Over the past nine years, Katrina has also contributed to the planning and development of the multisport facility in West Ryde, working with NSW Schools Infrastructure and construction partners.
Laura Niciak
Laura Niciak has volunteered with Twilight Aged Care for three years, committing approximately 480 hours of service at Glades Bay Gardens in Gladesville through weekly visits. Through regular one‑on‑one visits, she provides companionship and emotional support, most notably helping a resident document her life story and create a treasured family book that preserves personal history and strengthens a sense of identity. Laura also brings warmth and creativity to the home through sewing projects and supports key community events such as the Twilight Ball and Annual Art Exhibition
Lauren Isaacs
Since early 2024, Lauren Isaacs has held senior roles with the Ryde East Public School P&C, initially as Vice President and later as President. During a period of declining enrolments and reduced volunteer participation, she assumed both executive and operational responsibilities, contributing approximately 20–30 hours per week. Her work included coordinating community events, implementing fundraising activities, supporting P&C operations, and assisting the school community during a principal transition. Lauren’s involvement contributed to the continuity and functioning of the P&C during this period.
Mary Deukmedjian
Mary Deukmedjian has volunteered for over 20 years with the Women’s Group at the Armenian Brotherhood Evangelical Holy Trinity Church in Ryde. Her role includes coordinating visits to women who are sick, elderly, or socially disadvantaged, providing mentorship, and maintaining regular communication in Armenian and English to support social connection and wellbeing. Mary also assists Armenian community members to engage with wider community activities in Ryde. She continues to volunteer weekly while managing significant personal responsibilities.
Samuel Fang
For more than three years, Samuel Fang has volunteered with the Differently Abled People Association, assisting with community festivals and special events. His support includes transporting heavy equipment, moving materials, and providing driving assistance for people and resources as required. Despite operating his own business, Samuel regularly adjusts his schedule and coordinates additional support from friends and colleagues when needed.
Seta Magarditch
Seta Magarditch has volunteered with the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) for over 40 years, including 15 years with the Ryde (ARAZ) Chapter. She began volunteering at age 24 and currently contributes between 4 and 10 hours per week. Her roles have included fundraising, event coordination, and leadership positions such as Treasurer at chapter and regional levels. Seta has supported refugee families, widowed mothers and children, and humanitarian responses to major local and international crises while managing family and work responsibilities.