EACH year, volunteers throughout Australia are recognised for the contributions they make to the communities in which they live and serve.
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The national theme for the 2015 Volunteer Week is ‘Give Happy Live Happy’ and as part of this year’s celebration, Kempsey Shire Council, through its Healthy Communities program, announced the winners of the Volunteer of the Year Awards 2015 at a ceremony held on Tuesday.
It was the first time council had presented volunteer awards.
Council deputy mayor Lou Kesby said 30 nominations were received in three categories, with the calibre of nominations incredibly high.
“It’s about recognising community spirit,” Cr Kesby said.
“We have some amazing people out there doing fantastic things and these awards recognise their contributions to the community.”
The awards were for Volunteer of the Year, Young Volunteer of the Year and Voluntary Group of the Year.
The winner of the Volunteer of the Year award was Sonya Murphy.
Ms Murphy has worked tirelessly volunteering her time to local sporting groups and the Macleay Valley Diabetes Group, where she has raised thousands of dollars to help young people with diabetes.
The Macleay Valley Diabetes Group is a great group,” Ms Murphy said.
“I couldn’t do what I do without their support and the support of other volunteers. I didn’t know much about diabetes until I got involved and it really opened my eyes about what kids with type 1 diabetes go through every day. It has been really rewarding.”
Volunteer Group of the Year was awarded to Parklands Cottage Volunteers. Parklands Cottage provides centre-based day respite to people living with dementia and the frail older members of the community.
Parklands Cottage volunteers coordinator Debbie Hannan said the centre could not operate without volunteers.
“We are a very low profile service so we don’t always get acknowledgement in the community until they are in need of respite support so this award is great recognition for our volunteers,” Ms Hannan said.
Young Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Justin Cutter.
Justin, 15, has volunteered his time to Kempsey High School as well as at community festivals and events.
Justin said he volunteers to help the community to make it a better place.
“It’s great to receive the award,” he said.
“My family is proud of me and I’m proud of myself and can’t wait to show it off.”
