For the volunteer who always knows where everything is and can guide others perfectly.

Karen Welsh
Karen Welsh volunteers at the Nimbin Artists Gallery and many other local organisations, and people describe her as someone with her ear to the ground and her feet firmly planted. People say she is a natural networker, with a strong ability to connect people and to “sort out” difficult situations or personalities when things get tricky. She seems to know who to call, where to go and how to move things forward when others get stuck. She is also known for stepping in at short notice, offering practical help wherever it’s needed, both for community groups and individuals. It’s this ability to navigate people, situations and solutions that makes Karen a true Human GPS in our community.

Greg Bork
Greg Bork has played a key role in preserving Nimbin’s history, beginning with the Aquarius Festival 50th anniversary where he collected and curated a remarkable body of memorabilia. What started as an exhibition has grown into the Aquarius Archives — a living collection that continues to expand as community members entrust their stories and materials for future generations. Greg has guided this work with both vision and precision: developing collection policies, organising storage, securing grants, and connecting with archives and institutions beyond Nimbin. He also supports and trains volunteers, sharing his knowledge generously and helping others find their place within the project. Whether it’s navigating historical material, building systems, or helping people connect the dots, Greg is the kind of person who always seems to know where things belong — and how to move forward. His work ensures that Nimbin’s stories are not only preserved, but accessible, meaningful and alive.

Cathie Mcintosh
At Nimbin Aged Care & Respite Services, Cathie McIntosh is the steady presence that helps everything run smoothly. Week after week, she manages reception, keeps supplies organised, and supports both staff and clients with a depth of knowledge built over time. People say Cathie is someone you can rely on — thoughtful, calm and always ready to help, whether it’s solving a practical issue or simply being there for a conversation. Clients genuinely look forward to seeing her, and her warmth brings a sense of ease to the whole centre. It’s that quiet ability to know what’s needed, where things are, and how to keep everything on track that makes Cathie such a valued part of the team — and a true Human GPS.

David Hallett
David Hallett has been a cornerstone of the Nimbin School of Arts for decades, serving as President for over 30 years and helping guide the long-term care and evolution of this historic community space. He has produced and managed more than 100 Blue Moon Cabarets — complex, large-scale events that consistently bring together performers, audiences and volunteers, while raising essential funds for the hall. Alongside this, he has supported the Spring and Autumn Arts Exhibitions, helped bring Indigenous artwork onto the building, and contributed to major upgrades including studios, backstage facilities and essential amenities. People say David has an exceptional ability to coordinate people, projects and details — from artists to audiences, from planning to delivery — with events that are structured, thoughtful and always run smoothly. It’s this capacity to connect the dots, hold the bigger picture and quietly make things happen over decades that makes David a true Human GPS for Nimbin’s cultural life.

Franca Wolfe
Franca Wolfe is the quiet anchor of the Aquarius Archives, showing up week after week to keep its day-to-day life steady and grounded. She carefully looks after incoming materials, ensuring each piece is handled with care and respect. People say Franca carries a deep, lived knowledge of the community — the kind that helps identify stories, trace connections and make sense of things that might otherwise be lost. With her experience at the Nimbin Visitors Centre, she brings a natural warmth to the space, welcoming visitors and volunteers alike and creating an atmosphere of calm and trust. Steady, knowledgeable and deeply connected, Franca is the kind of person who helps others find their way — a true Human GPS in the human sense of the word.

Sebastian Winter
Sebastien Winter volunteers at the Food Co-Op, where he’s been described as a walking guidebook—and it’s easy to see why he’s been nominated for the Human GPS Award. He seems to have every till code for every item in the shop stored in his head, and nobody has yet found something that stumps him. For newer volunteers, having Sebastien nearby makes all the difference—he answers questions with patience and clarity, always ready to point someone in the right direction. But what makes Sebastien truly special goes beyond his impressive memory; he brings warmth, approachability, and a gentle smile that makes everyone feel welcome the moment they walk through the door. Sebastien doesn’t just know where everything is—he makes the whole team stronger and the experience of volunteering better for everyone around him. #awards2026