Mitchell Volunteers Honoured

Thursday, 24 February 2012

The Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke MP, presented National Volunteer Awards to eleven recipients who received their International Year of the Volunteer (IYV +10) certificates and an IYV+10 commemorative stamp and coin set.

2011 marked the tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers. The theme was ‘Inspire the Volunteer in You’ – recognising that everyone can be a volunteer and make a valuable contribution to their community.

“Volunteering connects us, strengthens our sense of belonging and creates positive relationships that build stronger local communities, Alex Hawke said.

“Last year the people of Mitchell had the opportunity to nominate people in their community who were deserving of recognition. Eleven nominations, one for each category were assessed by the Panel judges; John Ebbott, Peter Gangemi, Bev Jordan, Yvonne Keane, Clr Robyn Preston and Dr Jim Taggart OAM, said Alex Hawke.

The eleven successful recipients of the National Volunteer Awards were:

·         Cathy Aird received the Long Term Commitment Award

·         Mike Blair received the Innovation Award

·         James Butler received the MP’s Volunteer of the Year Award

·         John and Jenifer Eland received the Hills Choice Award

·         Sanji Fernando received the Junior Volunteer Award

·         Barry Gobbe received the Emergency Management Award

·         Natalie Hanlon received the Business Award

·         Yvonne Keane received the Education Award

·         Taylor Page received the Young Volunteer Award

·         David Sommerlad received the Environment Award

·         Philip Waesch received the New Organisation Award

“It gave me great pleasure to present the nominees with their certificates and to honour these incredible men and women who make a significant difference to the lives of so many in our community,” concluded Alex Hawke.