17-year-old Pearl Blackburn of Cobar will join over 300 people in Sydney on 4 December at the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards as she vies for the prestigious title of NSW Young Volunteer for 2025.

Pearl was selected earlier this year as regional winner for the statewide volunteer award in the Orana area for her long list of volunteer works.

“I am so excited to be heading to Sydney for the Awards,” said Pearl. “It’s been a busy year, and everything is coming up all at once. The Volunteer Awards is the day before we have our Cobar Christmas Parade and I want to be home for that,” laughed Pearl.

According to Pearl, volunteering in small communities is what makes them tick.

“In a small town there is always something to jump on board with.

"I volunteer at School being on the student representative Council and a group called Batyr, a mental health awareness group, I am School Captain, so I have a few things associated with that also.

“I volunteer for Cobar Show Society, helping with the Rural Woman of the Year section and for Cobar Little Athletics as well."

Pearl pictured with her Uncle Peter Yench and her Nan Betty Wells on Remembrance Day in Cobar [Image supplied]

According to Pearl a good volunteer is someone willing to give it a go.

“A person who is willing to help. You don’t always have to be good at something, but if you are willing to help it makes a world of difference.

“I love Cobar, it is such a great community as we all know each other, so when you see people doing things everyone jumps in to help and by doing it all together, everyone can enjoy themselves.

“There is not a lot of things to do in Cobar, but volunteering brings something else to the table. Just having that opportunity to work with other people feels really good."

The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate [Image centre for Volunteering]

The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate urged people from across the region to show their support for their local finalists.

“Volunteers help make communities stronger, healthier and more resilient. They’re worth their weight in gold and we need to let them know how proud we are of their efforts.”

General Manager of Cobar Shire Council Peter Vlatko says Cobar is very proud of Pearl [Image Cobar Shire Council]

General Manager of Cobar Shire Council Peter Vlatko said “For Cobar it’s a great example of a young person having a strong commitment to volunteer her time to help our community and it shows how important this type of passion still exists.

“We are so proud that Pearl is representing herself and Cobar and wish her the very best of luck,” said GM Vlatko.

Pearl will head to Sydney along with other Orana award winners, the National Association for Loss and Grief NALAG (Volunteer Team of the Year), who say they are thrilled to be recognised for this award.

NALAG Team receiving their Orana area award are humbled and excited to be attending the State awards in December [Image NALAG]

 NALAG tirelessly volunteer across the western area, helping many people through programs such as the recent ‘Dry Run’ events to help navigate drought and tough times for western area residents and organisations.

“Receiving the Kerry Frost (27 years’ service) Senior Volunteer Award and the NALAG Dubbo Team Award is more than a moment of celebration — it’s a powerful affirmation of who we are and what we stand for,” said NALAG CEO Trudy Hanson.

“These awards reflect the enduring commitment of our volunteers and teams who have walked alongside thousands in grief, offering compassion, presence, and hope.

“They recognise the professionalism, care, and collaboration that our teams bring to every interaction — whether in Dubbo, across NSW, or online.

“These accolades elevate the visibility of grief support as essential community care. They help us advocate for the importance of connection, healing, and recognition in times of loss.

“They invite us to keep growing, keep listening, and keep showing up for those who need us most,” said Ms Hanson.

NALAG CEO Trudy Hanson [Image NALAG]

Award winners will be announced across seven categories, including the inaugural NSW Emergency Volunteer of the Year, and the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year.

The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are hosted by The Centre for Volunteering and supported by Principal Partner, the NSW Department of Communities and Justice.