Recognising our Volunteers
By
Cancer Council NSW
We want to thank all our amazing volunteers and highlight the exceptional achievements of several Cancer Council volunteers who have been recognised globally, nationally and locally with prestigious awards for their dedication and volunteer service.
Griffith Relay For Life volunteers, Grant and Denise Hearn, were recognised internationally by the American Cancer Society as the only Australian 2026 Global Heroes of Hope. Grant and Denise have dedicated over two decades to supporting Cancer Council across advocacy, volunteering and fundraising. They are committed to raising awareness about cancer and joining with likeminded people to empower the work of Cancer Council, so that more people survive cancer.
Margaret Rock was jointly named the 2025 Tamworth Citizen of the Year at the Tamworth Australia Day Awards. Margaret was deservingly recognised for her charitable support to Cancer Council NSW for almost 30 years, and many other local charities. Within Cancer Council, Margaret regularly volunteers to support cancer patients at our Tamworth Cancer Council Information Service, assists weekly in the local Cancer Council office, and supports Daffodil Day. Congratulations Margaret and thank you for everything you do for Cancer Council and the Tamworth community.
Cathy Mason was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) as part of the 2026 Australia Day Honours List for service to the community through a range of voluntary roles. Within Cancer Council, Cathy helps lead Community Promotions for the Sutherland Shire Relay for Life event and has been volunteering with the committee since 2014. Thank you Cathy for your dedication to this event and supporting the Sutherland Shire community as a whole.
The Sutherland Shire Relay for Life Committee was awarded Community Group of the Year as part of the 2026 Sutherland Shire Council Citizen of the Year Awards. Sutherland Shire Relay for Life is organised by dedicated local volunteers, and this event has grown to become the largest Relay in Australia, raising nearly $8 million over the past 24 years. This year, the event will celebrate its 25th anniversary. Congratulations to the committee on this well-deserved recognition!
Rod Coy OAM, Chair of the Sutherland Shire Relay For Life Committee, was named 2026 Cronulla Senior of the Year by The Honorable Mark Speakman for outstanding community leadership and commitment to driving the success of the Sutherland Shire Relay For Life since 2002.
Glenn Nicholas, a long serving member of the Sutherland Shire Relay for Life Committee, was honoured at the 2026 NSW Seniors Festival, Live Life in Colour, for his long‑standing and selfless volunteer service towards Relay For Life.