The Huon Valley Council proudly recognised the extraordinary contributions of local volunteers at the annual Huon Valley Community Achievement Awards, held at the Palais Theatre on Saturday, 23 May 2026.
The ceremony celebrated National Volunteer Week 2026 under the theme “Your Year to Volunteer” and was attended by around 100 people, including nominees, their families and guests.
“The dedication shown by our volunteers is truly humbling. The recipients we honoured have given a combined total of 313 years of service to the Huon Valley — and their selfless commitment to enhancing life in our region is what makes it such a special place to live,” said Mayor Sally Doyle.
Two new awards were presented for the first time this year. Logan Bligh received the inaugural Young Volunteer of the Year award for six years of transformative leadership at the Huonville Cricket Club, while Rose Cane was named the inaugural Volunteer of the Year for over 30 years of quiet, selfless service across numerous community organisations.
Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards (over 20 years) were presented to Ray Clements, Bradley Johns, Steven Woolley, Grant Woolley, Amy Robertson, and Rose Cane. Major Volunteer Service Awards (10–20 years) were awarded to Angela Cordwell, Steve Fall, Jessica Reardon, and Aaron Dowling. Volunteer Service Awards (under 10 years) went to Logan Bligh, Mick Johnson, Victoria Wilson, and Sharon Smith.
Heidi White received the Young Achievement Award for her wide-ranging contributions across the Huon Valley including her work at PCYC, Run Move Connect, and her advocacy for mental health awareness. Sarah Annesley received the Achievement Award for founding the Huon Valley Alphabet Mafia, a support group for LGBTQ+ young people funded entirely out of her own pocket.
Charlie Renner received the Excellence in a Chosen Field award for his 23 years of community service and his work building the Far South Food Resilience organisation.
The annual Community Achievement Awards celebrate those who demonstrate strong community values and contribute to the vibrancy and prosperity of the Huon Valley.
