Eighty volunteers representing over 25 community organisations, as well as their families and friends, attended the 2017 Thank A Volunteer Day sundowner at the Margaret River Shire offices on last week.
The annual event is an opportunity to thank and celebrate the work of the 230 active local volunteers who dedicate countless hours supporting the community through various events and efforts across the year.
The event was also an opportunity to announce the winners of the Shire’s annual volunteer awards.
Volunteer of the Year – Winners
Sally Izod
Stuart Carrick
Volunteer of the Year - Certificates of Appreciation
Ben Arrow
Cynda Miles
Narelle Rodley
Sally Hays
Youth Volunteer of the Year - Winner
Alex Kingston
Youth Volunteer of the Year - Certificate of Appreciation
Louise Dumpleton
In recognition of 30 years of volunteering
Lyn Serventy
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Shire President Pam Townshend expressed her gratitude towards the volunteers, saying they were instrumental in the ongoing function of many projects, groups, services and facilities.
“Volunteers are the backbone of our community; their invaluable contribution of time, work skills, life experience and continued support make a significant difference in many sectors across the Shire,” she said.
“Without their commitment many committees, organisations, events and services would simply cease to function.”
The Thank A Volunteer Day event coincided with International Volunteer Day, which was established in 1985 by the United Nations General Assembly and is celebrated on December 5 each year.
The judging panel for the awards was Shire President Pan Townshend, Deputy Shire President Julia Meldrum and 2016 Volunteer of the Year Alan Alexander.