Debbie Mace's satisfaction comes from seeing a smile on someone's face.

Mrs Mace's passion for volunteering started more than 20 years ago.

The 52-year-old mother of three wanted to give back to the John Hunter Hospital and others for the care she and her premature baby had received.

She became involved in Friends of NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and started a support group and play group for mums of premature babies.

Like many volunteers, Mrs Mace said she benefited from the work.

"Volunteering improves my wellbeing and broadens my horizons," she said.

Mrs Mace said she had also learnt about herself.

She has helped Starlight Children's Foundation to grant wishes for sick children; mentored young people with cerebral palsy, and organised a team to participate in Steptember to raise funds for Cerebral Palsy Alliance.

On weekends Mrs Mace will be in Newcastle's Civic Park with Newcastle Street Outreach Service helping to feed homeless people.

She started working with the organisation after deciding to do further study in community services.

Last year she helped Youth Off the Streets take a group of young people on their first plane flight.

All this work has been done through her employer Greater Building Society and its charitable foundation.

For this charity work, Mrs Mace has won the Greater Charitable Foundation's inaugural annual Employee Volunteer of the Year Award.

The award recognises a Greater Building Society staff member for their volunteering efforts with $500 donated to their nominated charities and $100 for themselves.

Her advice to others wanting to volunteer is give it a go because wherever there is a human being there is an opportunity for kindness.