Chief Minister’s Volunteer of the Year Award

Winner – Amy Banson – Foster and Kinship Carers Association NT

Amy Banson is an exceptional foster carer whose dedication has transformed the lives of vulnerable children in Darwin. As a single parent, she opens her home 24/7 to children in need—currently caring for four young people, while raising her own family. With compassion, strength, and unwavering commitment, she provides safety, stability, and a true sense of belonging. Over 18 years, Amy has supported countless children through some of the most challenging times in their lives, advocating for them and helping maintain important family and cultural connections.

Her selflessness and tireless care have created lasting impact—changing lives and building brighter futures.

Chief Minister’s Youth Volunteer of the Year Award

Winner – Grace Maguire – Riding for the Disabled Top End

Grace began volunteering with Riding for the Disabled Top End in 2025 and quickly became a valued member of the team. Volunteering up to five days a week, she supports horse care and assists riders with dedication, care, and attention to detail. She shows remarkable initiative, often stepping in to help without needing direction, and consistently supports staff, volunteers, and clients with confidence and independence.

Grace was nominated for her exceptional commitment, maturity, and compassion—demonstrating responsibility and enthusiasm well beyond her years. Her calm, respectful, and inclusive approach when working with riders, particularly those with complex or non-verbal communication needs, ensures every participant feels safe, valued, and supported.

Chief Minister’s Community Volunteer Organisation/Team of the Year Award

Winner – Mindil Beach Surf Life Saving Club

In 2025, their 29 members recorded over 500 patrol hours at East Point and Lake Alexander, carrying out more than 150 preventative actions and ensuring safer conditions for beachgoers. They also hosted the NT Surf Life Saving Championships, strengthening community connection and showcasing pathways into lifesaving. With their strong community focus and dedicated volunteers, they continue to make a real difference to safety along Darwin’s coastline.

INPEX Excellence in Volunteer Management Award

Winner – Sam Edwards

Sam Edwards, a dedicated leader in Surf Life Saving Northern Territory’s Search and Rescue operations.

With over 15 years of service, Sam has been the steady force behind a highly skilled volunteer SAR team—bringing calm, experience, and strong leadership to every emergency response. In 2025 alone, he coordinated around 20 search and rescue operations, guiding volunteers through complex and high-pressure situations while ensuring their safety, confidence, and readiness.

His leadership has strengthened emergency response capability across the Top End—supporting life-saving rescues, multi-agency operations, and safer outcomes for the community.

The Administrator’s Medal for Grassroots Group of the Year Award

Winner – Auntys Free Feeds

Auntys Free Feeds, a dedicated volunteer group based in Palmerston, providing free, nourishing meals every Sunday—rain, hail, or shine. What began with just 30 people has grown to serving up to 200 meals each week, supporting families, elders, and individuals doing it tough. For many, this is the only hot meal of the week.

With rescued ingredients, community donations, and the generosity of their volunteers, they create not just meals—but a safe, welcoming space where everyone is treated with dignity and kindness. Aunty’s Free Feeds is more than a meal service—it’s a lifeline, bringing connection, care, and hope to the community.

NTSESVA Emergency Services Youth Volunteer of the Year Award

Winner – Taitt Green

In 2025, Taitt volunteered across three emergency service organisations in Katherine—St John Ambulance NT, NT Fire & Rescue Service, and the Northern Territory Emergency Service.

Through strong training and commitment, he supported community events, emergency responses, and multi-agency operations, including Cyclone Fina. His reliability and consistent turnout have strengthened local response capability.

Taitt’s leadership and maturity stand out. He leads by example, encourages others to volunteer, and has already contributed to growing the next generation of responders.

Recognised with the prestigious Grand Prior Award, he is an outstanding young volunteer making a real difference in his community.

NTES Emergency Services Volunteer of the Year Award

Winner – Allan Brennan

Allan “Spot” Brennan has been an outstanding volunteer with the Northern Territory Emergency Service Katherine Unit since joining in 2024.Throughout 2025, he has shown exceptional dedication—consistently attending training, responding to call-outs, and deploying across the Territory and beyond, often at short notice.

Behind the scenes, Allan plays a vital role in maintaining equipment and ensuring the unit is always ready to respond. He also supports and mentors’ newer volunteers, helping build confidence, capability, and a strong team culture. His reliability, teamwork, and commitment have strengthened operational readiness and enhanced the unit’s ability to support the community during emergencies.