NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards recognise Taronga Volunteers

The efforts of two of Taronga’s Volunteers were recognised last week in The Centre for Volunteering’s NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards program.

Juliana Goncalves won both the NSW Adult Volunteer of the Year and the Overall Volunteer of the Year for the Sydney City/East Region while Frank Wyld was awarded the NSW Senior Volunteer of the Year Award for the Sydney North Region.

Both Juliana and Frank embody the integral part Taronga’s volunteers play in our efforts towards animal conservation and they will be representing our organisation at the State-wide award ceremony in December.

Juliana volunteers as a keeper in Taronga’s Backyard To Bush division as well as administrationally supporting Taronga’s Youth At The Zoo (YATZ) program. Juliana has had a large impact in a short time and was nominated by staff for both of her roles.  While her initiative, independence and ability to provide great support to all involved with the YATZ program won her the awards, she also has a fantastic reputation at Backyard to Bush as being helpful and positive.

Frank has been involved in a vast array of work during his 30 years as a volunteer at Taronga. Not only has he constantly been involved in the day to day Guest Experience activities, but he has supported a number of divisions through providing assistance to Taronga researchers and keepers, assisting with painting work and children’s activities. Frank is a mentor to new volunteers and is renowned to go above and beyond his role to support Taronga.

We would like to congratulate both Juliana and Frank and wish them the best of luck.

- Alex Connor, HR Advisor – Volunteer Programs