Byron Community Centre Volunteer Named 2025 Northern Rivers Young Volunteer of the Year

The Byron Community Centre is proud to announce that Ella Vivian-Kay has been named the 2025 Northern Rivers Young Volunteer of the Year at the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, held on 9 October at Tweed Heads.

Ella gives her time each week at Fletcher Street Cottage, where she helps prepare, cook and serve breakfast to people in need or without a home. Her efforts not only provide a nutritious start to the day but also help create a sense of dignity and belonging for community members doing it tough.

Other Byron Community Centre nominations this year included the Board, volunteers Mary Campbell, Kez Hutton and the Fletcher Street Cottage Volunteer Team.

Ella, a Breakfast Volunteer who has been with the Byron Community Centre for 18 months, said volunteering at Fletcher Street Cottage has been a life-changing experience.

“Volunteering at Fletcher Street Cottage has shown me how powerful small acts of kindness can be. Serving breakfast might seem simple, but for many people in crisis it’s the start of a better day - a moment to feel seen, valued and cared for. I feel incredibly honoured to receive this award and proud to be part of such a compassionate community.” 

Cathy Levins-Byres, Volunteer Coordinator at Byron Community Centre, said Ella’s commitment embodies the heart of the organisation.

“Ella is a shining example of what community spirit looks like. She brings warmth, respect and positivity to everyone who walks through our doors. Her dedication inspires the whole team, and this award is a wonderful recognition of her genuine care for others.”

Damian Farrell, Manager at Fletcher Street Cottage, said Ella’s warmth and reliability have made her an integral part of the volunteer team.

“Ella approaches every morning with genuine care and compassion. She’s dependable, kind and always willing to lend a hand - qualities that truly reflect the spirit of Fletcher Street Cottage. Volunteers like Ella are the heartbeat of what we do, and this recognition is so well-deserved.”

Hosted by The Centre for Volunteering, the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are now in their 19th year and celebrate the contribution of thousands of individuals and volunteer teams across the state. The program honours people who give their time and energy to strengthen communities.

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 frontline of floods, fires and emergencies. Their dedication isn’t just admirable; it underpins a more resilient and compassionate society.”

The NSW Minister with responsibility for Volunteering, Jodie Harrison said:

“Congratulations to the recipients of the Northern Rivers Volunteer of the Year Awards. You’ve been recognised as heroes by the people in your communities who know you best.”

Regional winners, including Ella, will be invited to represent the Northern Rivers at the Gala State Ceremony later this year, where the overall NSW Volunteer of the Year will be announced.

To learn more about Fletcher Street Cottage and to donate, visit www.fletcherstreetcottage.com.au. 


Breakfast Space
7-9am, Tuesday-Friday, Fletcher Street Cottage
Winner 2024 Community Initiative of the Year - Byron Shire Community Awards
Breakfast Space provides food, warmth and connection each morning, with a seasonal menu served in the garden courtyard. Made possible by our dedicated volunteers and generous donors, it offers nourishment, dignity and a vital sense of belonging for our community.

About the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards

Now in their 19th year, the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are one of Australia’s largest celebrations of volunteering. Run annually by The Centre for Volunteering, the awards recognise the outstanding work of volunteers and volunteer leaders across seven categories: Young, Adult, Senior, Emergency, Volunteer Team, Volunteer Leader and Not-for-Profit Governance.

25 regional ceremonies are held from August to November, with all regional winners invited to the State Gala in December in Sydney. The Awards are supported by the NSW Government as principal partner.

About Byron Community Centre

The Byron Community Centre is an independent charity and not-for-profit that provides essential services including meals, advocacy and counselling, as well as arts and social programs for the benefit of the whole community.
Byron Markets | Byron Theatre | Byron Spaces | Fletcher Street Cottage | Byron Volunteers | Byron Counselling
For more information please see: www.byroncentre.com.au.

About Fletcher Street Cottage

Fletcher Street Cottage is a welcoming and safe space in the heart of Byron Bay, providing essential services such as meals, showers, laundry, advocacy, referrals and specialist support. 

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