Ms Duncan, who has volunteered with the organisation for almost five years, was awarded during National Volunteer Week.

Like most not-for-profit organisations, The Mai-Wel Group is built on the compassion, support and dedication of volunteers.

Ms Duncan volunteers at The Hill, Mai-Wel's lifestyle and leisure centre, where she assists in the support of participants in recreational activities and daily tasks.

She initially began volunteering as a requirement of the Newstart Allowance but soon realised the value of her time was worth much more.

"I love the people. The participants and the people I work with are lovely," she said.

"I value the satisfaction you receive from it (volunteering). We can help in ways that you don't initially realise."

In 2018/19, Mai-Wel's volunteers donated 12,196 hours of their time, an increase from 11,300 hours donated in 2017/18.

Mai-Wel volunteers give their time through face-to-face support of participants and staff, administrative tasks and event support.

The Volunteer of the Year Award honours Frank Higgs, a dedicated volunteer and Mai-Wel's longest serving board member of more than 22 years. The award was named after Frank due to his long-standing support of Mai-Wel and advocacy for people with a disability.

Ms Duncan said she was overwhelmed and very touched to be recognised as the 2019 Volunteer of the Year.