The voluntary treasurers of a Newcastle disability support organisation, a Buckingham rowing club and a Bribie Island orchid society have been crowned Australia's greatest treasurers.

The winners of the 2010 Westpac Community Treasurers' Awards were revealed on 10 May 2010:

Toni Lawler (winner: large organisations category) is the treasurer of Newcastle & Hunter Community Access (NHCA), which supports people with severe disabilities to connect with the community.
Bernadette Stewart (winner: medium organisations category) is the treasurer of Buckingham Rowing Club in Hobart, Tasmania.
Ian McLaren (winner: small organisations category) is the treasurer of Bribie Island Orchid Society in Queensland.

Each award winner will receive a certificate, a trophy and a $5000 prize for their organisation.

The awards, launched by the Federal Treasurer The Hon Wayne Swan MP in 2009, are an annual nationwide celebration of the commitment of the thousands of Australians who volunteer their time to help community organisations in Australia. All 431 nominees for the awards have been given a certificate in appreciation of their efforts.

"The Westpac Social Sector Banking team is delighted that so many people were recognised by their peers for their amazing contributions, and that so many entries were of a high calibre," said Head of Community Markets Vanessa Nolan-Woods.

"We believe community treasurers are an integral part of our community. Many work long hours for no pay and bear a high burden of responsibility for the financial health of our community organisations, which are so important to this nation."

Our Community Managing Director Denis Moriarty said the Community Treasurers' Awards program was just one of the many ways Westpac and Our Community were working to upskill those who oversee the finances of community groups across Australia.

"We're working to revolutionise banking and the way financial literacy is viewed in the community sector," Mr Moriarty said. "With customised banking products, an accredited team of bankers with specialised knowledge of the sector, financial literacy programs and awards programs such as these, we're working to ensure that the financial wellbeing of community groups across the country is in good hands."

Competition entries were judged on how well a nominated treasurer fulfilled his or her duties of ensuring good financial management, good financial governance and good financial outcomes.

Nominees for the 2010 Awards were drawn from major cities, regional centres and tiny towns across Australia, and were a mix of retirees, full time and part time workers.