Two OLSH students honoured at 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards
Two students from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College (OLSH) Kensington have been recognised for their commitment to serving others at the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Year 11 student Ffyon McCabe was named Young Volunteer of the Year for the Sydney City / Eastern Suburbs Region for her volunteering with South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club, while Year 7 student Melanie Tzoukas received the Young Volunteer of the Year Award (Young Nominee) for her fundraising and community service.
Ffyon McCabe: Beach safety in action
In 2024, after reading that approximately 75 people had drowned across Australian beaches, then Youth Club Captain and volunteer Surf Lifesaver Ffyon McCabe decided she wanted to do something within her local community to address that statistic.
With the support of South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club (SMSLSC) and Surf Life Saving NSW, she developed the Beach Safety Awareness Program – a 40-minute interactive session teaching Kindergarten and Year 1 students how to stay safe at the beach.
The sessions include dress-up, fun videos, a tube rescue, rip awareness and what signs to look out for when at the beach.
Ffyon said working with younger students has been one of the most rewarding parts of the program.
"The Kindy Kids are such fun. They come up with some great questions and stories. I'll never forget one kid who told the story about the 'Killer Whale' that he would encounter if he ventured outside of the flags. My favourite part is dressing the kids up in Patrol Uniform. They love it!"
Ffyon has continued refining the program with support from her father, developing preparation materials and training other presenters so more volunteers can help deliver the sessions.
The program is now part of SMSLSC's local community education program, with other clubs within the Sydney Branch beginning to deliver it in their communities.
"It's always nice to get recognised but my intent for the program has always been to raise safety awareness when visiting the beach and to have the kids take home the important message of 'swim between the red and yellow flags'. Within my role as Youth Club Captain in 2024, I wanted to leave a legacy at SMSLSC. I think I have achieved this."
With Surf Life Saving NSW supporting the program's expansion, Ffyon now hopes to take the initiative to more schools, particularly outside the Eastern Suburbs.
Melanie Tzoukas: Giving back through fundraising
Twelve-year-old Melanie Tzoukas has taken a different path to recognition.
Over the past six years, she has raised and donated more than $150,000 to charities and community organisations, including more than $60,000 in the past year alone for causes including Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Starlight Children's Foundation, Caritas, St Vincent de Paul, Plates4Mates and Wayside Chapel.
This year, Melanie raised $20,063 for Dance for Sick Kids, making her Australia's highest individual fundraiser for the campaign for the second consecutive year.
Her fundraising journey began with her older sister, Tiana, following the passing of their aunt from cancer.
"We both love dancing, so we started fundraising together through Dance for Sick Kids for Ronald McDonald House Charities. As I got older, I realised there were so many other people who needed help too."
She has also raised more than $2,000 through the St Vincent de Paul Winter Sleepout and organised a food and essentials drive through her family's business, with donations delivered to Plates4Mates and Wayside Chapel to support people experiencing homelessness around Central Station.
In primary school, Melanie was involved with Mini Vinnies, the Pope Francis Award and the School Buddy Program, and she is a member of the Student Representative Council at OLSH College.
"Reaching $20,063 this year and becoming Australia's highest fundraiser was something I never imagined, but what meant the most wasn't the amount I raised. It was knowing those funds would help families who have a sick child in hospital."
"Growing up with parents who quietly help others has shown me that generosity doesn't have to be something big. Even the smallest act of kindness can change someone's day or even their life."
"I don't volunteer or fundraise because I want awards. I do it because I genuinely love helping people."
"My dream is to keep encouraging more people to volunteer, donate or start fundraising themselves. If my story inspires even one person to help someone in need, then I think I've achieved something really special," Melanie said.
"Ffyon and Melanie embody the best of student leadership, integrity, compassion, and quiet strength. Watching them balance their commitments with such enthusiasm makes them natural role models, and their recognition is thoroughly deserved", Gilda Pussich, Principal at OLSH Kensington said.
