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Pittwater Volunteer Awards
Volunteers provide a wide range of vital services to the community and play a vital role in enabling people to remain connected and make meaningful contributions to their community. Nationally volunteering is one of the most significant contributors to local communities. According to the 2006 Census data, locally we have a strong volunteer base with overall rates significantly higher (at approximately 20.5%) than for greater Sydney at about 15%.
Pittwater Council is committed to encouraging and recognising the efforts of volunteers. Each year a civic reception is held in December to mark International Volunteer Day. Every second year an awards program is carried out whereby local volunteers are nominated to receive an award.
The 2012 Pittwater Volunteer Awards were presented during National Volunteers Week on Tuesday 15 May 2012 at the Bayview Golf Club.
Awards were presented to the following winners of each category:
Summary of Winners – 2012 Pittwater Volunteer Awards
Joan Parnell
Winner – Bushcare
Joan is a volunteer with the Warriewood Wetlands Bushcare Group, Kywong Reserve Bushcare, and Stoney Range Bushcare. Over the last 15 years she has worked tirelessly in restoring habitats as well as acting as a mentor to other volunteers. Jane is an inspirational example that age is no barrier.
Winner – Community Service & Support: Aged & Disability
Host Volunteer, Northern Beaches Interchange (NBI)
Suzie and her family have been a valuable host family with NBI for the past 4 years, providing consistent respite care for a young person with a significant disability in their own home up to twice a month. Suzie is a working mum and has 2 school aged children but still manages to commit to this much-needed volunteer role.
Winner – Community Service & Support: General
Reading Tutor
Doris has been volunteering at Newport Public School assisting children with their reading for the past 18 years. At 92 years of age, Doris shows patience and respect to each child in helping them achieve their reading goals. She has participated in training to learn new tutoring methods and is described as an inspiration .
Winner – Emergency Services
Toby has volunteered with the State Emergency Services for nearly 9 years. His devotion, commitment and motivation has resulted in his recent promotion to Team Leader of Warringah / Pittwater SES. Toby has helped interstate after Queensland’s devastating Cyclone Yasi and major storm damage in Melbourne last year.
Winner – Environmental
Paul has been a volunteer for over 20 years at Surfrider Foundation Australia which provides protection and enhancement of Australia’s oceans, waves and beaches. Paul works tirelessly in upholding the organisation’s principles of conservation, activism, research and education.
Winner – Rural Fire Service
Bruce has been a dedicated volunteer with the NSW Rural Fire Service for 38 years, joining the Scotland Island Rural Fire Brigade back in 1974. His level of commitment goes beyond responding to fires in his role of Station Officer also coordinating crews, advising the public and ‘being the eyes’ for any fires in the Pittwater area.
Winner – Surf Life Saving
Doug and Sandy are the organisers of nippers at Newport Surf Lifesaving Club for children with special needs. They have been volunteering for about 10 years, providing a valuable community sporting event integrating children with a disability alongside other children and helping to eliminate isolation and stigma.
Winner – Sporting
Vice President Mona Vale Junior Rugby League Football Club (J.R.L.F.C)
John has been with Mona Vale J.R.L.F.C for over 10 years. He has introduced the game of rugby league to thousands of children while coaching, setting up fields, marking lines and manning the BBQ. He also coaches cricket in the summer months.
Winner – Youth
Nicholas’ achievements as a volunteer in 2011 involved 200 hours at the Salvation Army’s street service in Surry Hills for disadvantaged and homeless adults. He also volunteered through Pittwater High School helping community organisations using the school hall. Nicholas is also the holder of the NSW Premier’s Student Volunteering Award Scheme Diamond Award.
Winner – 20+ Years of Volunteering in Pittwater
John is the President of the Clareville and Bilgola Plateau Residents Association where he has been volunteering his services for 24 years. His love of volunteering extends to other local community groups including Save Currawong, Pittwater National Heritage Association, Avalon Preservation Trust, Pittwater Maritime User Group and Pittwater Rotary Club. John is also a valuable member of several Pittwater Council committees.
Congratulations to all our 85 nominees. Your committment to volunteering in Pittwater is outstanding and we thank you for your time you give so willingly.
Enquiries regarding the Pittwater Volunteer Awards should be directed to Vienna on 9970 1181 or vienna_muller@pittwater.nsw.gov.au.
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2012 Pittwater Volunteer Awards
2010 Pittwater Volunteer Awards
