Bondi Lifesaver & Terror Attack Hero Named NSW Volunteer Of The Year

Bondi Beach Surf Lifesaver Robyn Farmer has been named the 2026 Sydney City/Eastern Suburbs Volunteer of the Year. The commendation recognises not only her decades-long commitment to beach safety, but also her extraordinary emergency response to the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.

Robyn, a patrol leader with the Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club,  received the award at this year’s NSW Volunteer of Year Awards, hosted by The Centre of Volunteering at Club York.

There, Robyn was celebrated for her work overseeing rescues and first aid for beach goers, training lifesavers, developing education programs, and coaching competition teams. Notably, she was also celebrated for her decisive action during the Bondi terror attack, when she, together with a team of trainees, led triage and provided advanced first aid to victims, helping to save lives and support first responders.

Other NSW Volunteer Of The Year Winners

Among the volunteer award winners was also teenager Ffyon McCabe, recipient of the Young Volunteer of the Year award for the same region. McCabe is a volunteer at South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club. There, she gives around 90 hours of her time each year patrolling beaches, and has even developed her own Beach Safety Awareness Program which is now being delivered by young volunteers to more than 3,500 students across 10 schools throughout the region.

Other Sydney City/Eastern Suburbs award recipients included Maroubra Netball Convenor Tanya Coleman, senior volunteer for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Susie Elelman (Chippendale), and all 215 volunteers from the COA Bondi Support Meals Team.

“Volunteers help build strong and healthy communities across the state,” said CEO of The Centre for Volunteering, Gemma Rygate. “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.”

NSW Minister Jodie Harrison also praised the award-winners.

“From the bush to the sea, volunteers are the true heartbeat of our communities,” Harrison said. “Thank you for your invaluable contributions. You make New South Wales the best state to live in”

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.