Waratahs' Joanne Sinclair wins Volunteer of the Year

Ms Sinclair has been involved with the three Waratahs clubs for over 30 years, helping to organise registrations, playing fields, functions, equipment and awards.

The awards were held at the Bathurst RSL club and recognised volunteers from across the Central west.

Skye Veech and John Clary from Bathurst took out the young volunteer and senior volunteer of the year awards respectively.

Ms Sinclair received both the adult and overall volunteer of the year awards whilst the Central West volunteer team of the year award went to the St. Vincent de Paul Society's St Mary's conference from West Wyalong.

CEO of the Centre for Volunteering Gemma Rygate says the awards are highly important, as they celebrate volunteers and bring further attention to the pivotal work they do in the community.

"Volunteers build connections for people in towns and communities across the region," Ms Rygate said.

"They help to build such positive experiences and links to services across health, education and community sectors.

"Our ceremony today recognises their work and gives us the chance to say thank you."

Participation in the Waratahs clubs has grown significantly as a result of Joanne's volunteering, with more than 650 players from 75 teams taking the field each week.

Ms Sinclair discussed her volunteer work and says the award came as a surprise.

"For me it's about supporting the sporting community and the children and players who come to our club. We want them to enjoy sport and we want to ensure that it is a positive, safe environment," she said.

"I was very surprised to receive the award, there are so many worthy recipients here today.

"It means a lot because we have a strong committee who helped me achieve this...we all learn from each other and try to improve the club."

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said volunteers made an enormous contribution to local communities.

"A vibrant volunteering sector leads to healthy and strong communities," Mr Ward said.

"In NSW, volunteers contribute more than $5 billion to the economy each year and their social contribution is even greater.

"The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are a fitting way to say thank you."