Senior Cyber Seeker named 2026 South Western Sydney/Macarthur Volunteer of the Year
September 8th, 2026
Campbelltown Senior Cyber Seekers President Diane Latham has been named the 2026 South Western Sydney/Macarthur Volunteer of the Year, for her work ensuring older members of the community can safely and confidently participate in a digital life.
Diane was recognised today at the 2026 NSW Volunteer of Year Awards at the Campbelltown Catholic Club.
The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are hosted by The Centre for Volunteering to help promote and support volunteering across NSW. The Awards are now in their 20th year and celebrate the work of thousands of individuals and volunteer teams from a diverse range of organisations across the state.
Other individual and team awards were also announced today:
South Western Sydney/Macarthur Young Volunteer of the Year: Erjin Son from St Andrews
Erjin has a passion for animals and volunteers her time with the Taronga Conservation Society Australia as a Keeper Volunteer.
A role model and mentor for other volunteers, Erjin has demonstrated great initiative, reliability and compassion – approaching every shift with dedication and consistency. She also supports and creates a welcoming environment for new team members as they learn the ropes.
South Western Sydney/Macarthur Adult Volunteer of the Year: Marion Stanton from Mount Annan
Marion is a volunteer at the Autism Community Network in Camden where she helps to create a welcoming and inclusive space for adults with autism.
She facilitates peer support, social groups and community activities for participants and their families that promote inclusion and community connection.
South Western Sydney/Macarthur Senior Volunteer of the Year: Diane Latham from Campbelltown
Dianne is the President of the Campbelltown Senior Cyber Seekers, where she gives her time to help older people improve their computer literacy and digital skills.
She is charged with running the organisation, maintaining its finances, and governance so that older members of the local community do not get left behind and can safely and confidently participate in a digital world.
South Western Sydney/Macarthur Volunteer Team of the Year: Herbarium Mounting Room Volunteers from the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan
The 40 members of the Mount Annan Botanic Garden Herbarium Mounting Room Volunteers have the unique, detailed and important job of attaching dried plant specimens to archival paper for scientific research, heritage, and community education and engagement.
They contributed 3,700 hours, attaching 8,000 specimens collected by scientists and researchers last year so they can be digitised and then moved to the vaults of the National Herbarium of New South Wales.
Their volunteer work supports valuable national and international scientific research and plant evolutionary history.
The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said volunteers from across South Western Sydney and the Macarthur region give so much to the local community.
“Volunteers help build strong and healthy communities across the state,” Ms Rygate said.
“They are always there when we need them most, giving their time and support across all areas of life including health, emergency services, education and community sectors.
“Volunteers are role models for others, highlighting how volunteering can have such a positive impact on people and places. These awards celebrate the volunteering effort and impact.”
The NSW Minister with responsibility for Volunteering, Jodie Harrison said:
“Congratulations to our everyday heroes, the winners of the South Western Sydney/Macarthur Volunteer of the Year Awards.
“From the bush to the sea, volunteers are the true heartbeat of our communities. Thank you for your invaluable contributions. You make New South Wales the best state to live in.
“In partnership with the Centre for Volunteering, the NSW Government continues to build a sector that is strong and diverse, and to make sure volunteers like you are recognised for and supported in what you do.”
South West Sydney/Macarthur award recipients will be invited to represent their region at the State Gala Award Ceremony at the end of the year, where the NSW Volunteer of the Year in each category will be announced.