Kellie Henson wins Volunteer of the Year for 20 years with Special Olympics
Kellie Henson, chair of Special Olympics Illawarra, was named Volunteer of the Year 2026 for two decades supporting athletes with intellectual disability.
The Shellharbour Club held its first Community Awards ceremony, recognising people whose work often goes unseen. Henson received the award for her 20-year commitment helping local athletes with an intellectual disability feel a sense of belonging.
Ben Cohen of the Shellharbour Sharks JRLFC won the Commitment Award, while Allan Carroll of the Sharks RLFC won Unsung Hero. Shellharbour City FC was named Organisation of the Year.
More than 30 nominations came across four categories, telling stories of people giving time without expecting anything in return.
- 20 years
- Years of service
- Special Olympics Illawarra
- Organisation
- More than 30
- Nominations received
- Four
- Award categories
Why it mattersCelebrating volunteers recognises the backbone of community life and the real difference unpaid work makes to people with disability.
AustraliaShows how local communities in Australia support people with intellectual disability through volunteer effort and social inclusion.
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