As part of National Volunteer Week 2025, Brighton Council held the Community Volunteer Awards to highlight the achievements of local volun­teers. The theme this year was ‘Connecting Communities’. Deputy Mayor Barbara Curran presented the awards.

Community Event of the Year went to the Kutalayna Col­lective for their Sprinterfest event. Last year, they hosted Sprinterfest (formerly known as Winterfest) at the Material Institute Lutruwita Tasmania in Bridgewater, an annual fes­tival that celebrates the local community.

Young Community Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Jazmine Smith. Jazmine is a proud Aboriginal wom­an who has given significant amounts of her time to create opportunities for young people in Brighton. She is a member of Engage Youth Cove Creek, Brighton Youth Action Group (BYAG), Youth Hub Project Team and Commu­nities for Children – South East Tasmania Steering Committee.

Geoff Hull was named Commu­nity Volunteer of the Year. Geoff is a foundational member of the Brighton Community Food Hub Inc. His guidance has helped other community organ­isations establish food hubs, such as the Spring Bay Food Hub in Triabunna. He also spends time with community advisory groups in the Brighton area, sharing his knowl­edge with up-and-coming community leaders.

Joselle Griffin from the Tasma­nian Aboriginal Legal Service (TALS) was guest speaker at the event and gave an update on the Bridgewater Youth Hub project followed by a short film about young volunteers from Jordan River Learning Federa­tion Senior School.